Matches to Make at RAF 02

Now that we’ve experienced a RAF event, we know what to expect in terms of a broadcast, presentation, promotion, and matchmaking. We also have eight champions, which helps establish a pecking order within the weight classes.

So, let’s stop wasting time and put together some “Matches to Make” at RAF 02.

Now, here’s my logic in putting these matches together.

Eric Bischoff stated that later this week, we’ll have a date and location for RAF 02. I am under the impression it will probably be in November.

With that in mind, I did not include anyone who is participating in the Senior World Championships (for the USA or other countries). I’d imagine Izzy Martinez and Willie Saylor are already inundated with calls and texts from wrestlers interested in participating in future cards. With a potential card in November, I’m sure they’d like to have matches locked in ASAP. Having to wait a few weeks to see if the world teamers are healthy and available after the world championships might not be ideal. Who knows, maybe we’ll get a bunch that still want to compete and it makes for an even better product.

Also, I did not include anyone currently enrolled in college. Aeoden Sinclair and Kennedy Blades were pulled from the card because of eligibility concerns had they competed after classes started at their respective schools and before November 1st. Hopefully, we’ll see college athletes be able to compete in-season, but for the intents and purposes of this article, I didn’t include any.

Remember, this is not my top ten dream matches to make. These are ten matches that would make sense within the next two months and either builds off RAF 01 or sets a framework for future events. 

(This would also be my match order).

Michael McGee vs. Seth Gross

Willie Saylor explained on his RAF recap show with Justin Basch that this bout was booked in case any other matchup fell through on the RAF 01 card. Before Holly Holm agreed to step up in place of Kennedy Blades, it was thought that this match would be added to the card.

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