Anthony Ashnault vs Real Woods: The Perfect Bounce Back vs The Perfect Debut

If eras overlapped, it may have been a National Championship clash between two of the slickest Big Ten wrestlers of their respective weight classes. Anthony Ashnault of Rutgers makes his RAF debut with his National title pedigree in hand where he’ll meet RAF-veteran and former RAF Featherweight Champion, Real Woods.

For Real Woods, it’ll be nice to not have an opponent named Jordan Oliver.

In his last two RAF appearances, Woods has pushed Oliver to the brink only to have victory slip away in the final seconds. Matches he controlled the lion’s share of. All erased by the smallest of openings late.

In a weight class full of National Champions, World Champions, Olympic medalists and more, Woods remains one of the division’s biggest threats and is even more dangerous with a chip on his shoulder.

Woods still brings the same relentless pace and constant pressure that’s made him one of the most exciting competitors on the roster. He forces action, creates scrambles and has footwork that make him a 3D puzzle for any opponent. What version of the former Hawkeye are we about to see now with the added motivation.

Across from him stands Anthony Ashnault who built his reputation on slamming the door on the sport’s toughest tests. No feelgood story is enough to thwart the motivation of the 2019 NCAA Champion.

Ashnault is as steady as they come. A wrestler with a career defined by composure, he doesn’t need much to capitalize and it’s impossible to rattle him. Give him a small window late in a match and he has a history of making it count.

While it’s Ashnault’s RAF debut, it’s a matchup that feels so familiar. Both have had wars and rivalries with similar opponents their entire careers with great success for both men.

That contrast is what makes the matchup so compelling.

Woods changes levels and evades attacks more smoothly than almost anybody in the division. He’s got a deep-enough arsenal of attacks to find himself in the driver’s seat from almost any position. Just a few ticks of the clock are what separate him from the most dominant names in all of RAF Wrestling.

Ashnault is one of the most explosive and technically sound wrestlers of his generation. Also equipped with one of the biggest catalogue of attacks, he’s got enough technical skill and weaponry to also mix in creativity and come out on top. Opponents never find themselves fully with an upper-hand.

Both men bring enough firepower to make a case for themselves. They’re both in their primes and have never crossed-paths. Woods thrives in chaos, but can he control it when it matters most? Ashnault stays measured, but can he keep up with the pace long enough to find his moment?

For Woods, it’s a chance to rewrite the narrative and punch his ticket back back into title contention.

For Ashnault, it’s an opportunity to introduce himself to the Real American Freestyle audience and remind everybody that creativity, versatility and composure never fades.

If it comes down to the final seconds again, and history suggests it might, who executes? Will it be one of Rutgers’ favorite National Champions or will it be the Iowa Hawkeye National Finalist? Find out Saturday, April 18 at RAF 09 ONLY on Fox Nation!