Tag: Real American Freestyle Wrestling

Real American Freestyle Wrestling: Everything we know right now

Posted on by Jake Skudder

Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff are back in the “spotlight” with the launch of Real American Freestyle (RAF), a new wrestling league that claims to be blended authentic freestyle wrestling with entertainment flair. Set to debut later this year, RAF are saying that they aim to provide a fresh platform for wrestlers and fans alike.​

What is Real American Freestyle?

Real American Freestyle is an unscripted wrestling league focusing on freestyle and folkstyle wrestling. Unlike traditional professional wrestling, which more often than not involves scripted outcomes in the modern era, RAF emphasizes genuine competition. The league plans to feature matches across eight men’s and four women’s weight classes, showcasing talents from collegiate wrestling and MMA backgrounds.

The concept was reportedly inspired by a dramatic NCAA championship match where Wyatt Hendrickson defeated Olympic gold medallist Gable Steveson. This event highlighted the potential for freestyle wrestling to captivate a broader audience. RAF aims to capitalize on this by offering wrestlers new opportunities and fans a different kind of wrestling experience.​

How are Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff involved?

Hulk Hogan serves as the commissioner of RAF, bringing his decades of experience in pro wrestling to the league. Eric Bischoff takes on the role of chief media officer, overseeing the production and storytelling aspects. Their collaboration harkens back to their days in WCW, and they are aiming to infuse RAF with a blend of authenticity and entertainment.

In a recent promotional video, the duo teased their return to the wrestling world, hinting at a “third man” joining their venture. This individual was later revealed to be Israel “Izzy” Martinez, a respected freestyle wrestling coach with a history of training elite athletes.

Is Vince McMahon part of Hulk Hogan’s new promotion?

Despite rampant speculation, Vince McMahon is not involved in Real American Freestyle. The rumours stemmed from a viral video where Hogan and Bischoff teased a mysterious “third man,” leading fans to speculate about McMahon’s potential involvement. However, the third man was confirmed to be Israel Martinez as mentioned.

When is the first RAF event?

The inaugural Real American Freestyle event is scheduled for August 30, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio. This event will mark the official launch of the league, featuring matches across various weight classes. Notable athletes such as Olympic silver medallist Kennedy Blades and former UFC fighter Ben Askren are expected to participate, with potential appearances by Wyatt Hendrickson and Gable Steveson.

In addition to live events, RAF plans to debut a weekly show titled “American Grit” on June 15, 2025, available on streaming platforms and regional sports networks. A special pay-per-view event, “Declaration,” is also slated for July 4, 2025, in Philadelphia.

With its unique blend of real competition and entertainment, Real American Freestyle aims to carve out a new niche in the wrestling world. Fans eager for authentic matches and compelling storytelling have much to look forward to as RAF prepares to make its debut.

Kurt Angle joins Hulk Hogan & Eric Bischoff’s freestyle wrestling venture

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Kurt Angle is linking up with Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff to play a role in their new freestyle wrestling venture.

It was announced today that Angle — a Hall of Famer in both amateur and pro wrestling — “will serve as live event commentator, analyst, and partner” for Real American Freestyle Wrestling, calling the promotion’s inaugural show alongside combat sports greats Chael Sonnen and Bubba Jenkins. The event is set to take place in Cleveland on August 30.

“I grew up freestyle wrestling, and achieved the highest level of success in the sport. I couldn’t be prouder to support athletes at all levels of their careers and partner with Real American Freestyle to make it happen,” the Olympic gold medalist said in a press release. “Chael and Bubba will bring a unique aspect to their analysis given their own backgrounds in combat sports, and I’m excited to join them for RAF01 to bring freestyle wrestling to audiences around the world.”

The formation of Real American Freestyle was announced this April with Hogan, Bischoff, and wrestling coach Izzy Martinez leading the venture. The Wolstein Center in Cleveland is hosting the August 30 event.

“Kurt Angle is a living legend. He’s achieved every accomplishment he could in wrestling, so it makes sense that he’s partnering with Real American Freestyle as we actively change the name of the game across the sport,” Hogan was quoted as saying. “Kurt will provide fire, infamy, and unparalleled experience to the commentary and analysis of our live events. We couldn’t be more excited to have him on the Real American team.”

Hogan has been experiencing health issues ahead of the Real American Freestyle launch, but his wife is denying rumors that he’s in grave condition. Sky Daily Hogan said her husband has been in and out of the hospital over the past six weeks as he recovers from neck fusion surgery.

WOL: WWE releases, House of Torture changes, Real American Freestyle Wrestling

Posted on by Jim Valley

It’s Saturday and that means Wrestling Observer Live.

The WWE SmackDown hot streak ends at one as after an exciting show with a classic main event last week, Friday’s show was back to the mundane.

In other Friday news, House of Torture was booted from Bullet Club, more on Friday’s WWE releases, TNA TV taping result, and a preview of tonight’s AEW Collision on TBS including another great Harley Cameron promo.

Plus, AEW’s cool factor or lack-there-of, Real American Freestyle Wrestling’s slim chances for success and more. Check it out.

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

WOR: WWE releases, AAA & WWE, AEW’s residency

Posted on by Garrett Gonzales

Dave Meltzer and I, Garrett Gonzales, are back with our Friday edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, talking about all the big news from today’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

As we were doing the show, WWE release news was starting to come out. Dave’s phone was chiming throughout and we were discussing them all as the show was going on.

Here were some of the other things we discussed:

  • AAA & WWE
  • All Star Grand Queendom 2025
  • AEW’s residency
  • Hollywood Demons on the Von Erich family
  • Dark Side of the Ring on Eddie Gilbert
  • Real American Freestyle

Click here to listen (sub needed) or watch on YouTube (video sub needed)

Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff announce Real American Freestyle Wrestling

Posted on by Ian Carey

Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff are entering the world of professional freestyle wrestling.

Earlier this week, the pair teased a new project and a mysterious “third man” who would be involved. On Wednesday, they announced Real American Freestyle Wrestling, a professional freestyle wrestling league set to launch this summer. They also revealed world-renowned wrestling coach Izzy Martinez as their mystery third man.

Real American Freestyle Wrestling will feature eight men’s weight classes and four women’s weight classes. The promotion’s first event is scheduled for August 30 in Cleveland.

Hogan says his inspiration for launching the league came from watching Wyatt Hendrickson defeat Gable Steveson to win the NCAA National Heavyweight title in March and then celebrate with the U.S. President.

“When I saw that happen and I saw our President hug him, I went, OK, we are on point, we’re ready to go and instincts have prevailed and I smell victory,” Hogan told the Associated Press. “I think we’re right on track, brother.”

Neither Steveson nor Hendrickson are currently signed to the new league, although Hogan teased a possible rematch between the two as something the company has on its radar.

“These kids are young, they’re smart. They’re watching TV. They know about branding, they know what sells. And they’ve all got that little Conor McGregor swag,” Hogan continued.

Olympic silver medalist Kennedy Blades has committed to the league. Hogan says she will be the face of the women’s division. Ben Askren and Zahid Valencia will compete on the men’s side.

Hogan says Bischoff is setting up the new league from a production standpoint.

“Eric jumped in with both feet, and he’s doing a lot to guide this ship right now, brother,” Hogan said. “He’s setting so much stuff up production wise — just moving us forward, light years ahead of where we could have been on our own.”

Martinez is a world-renowned freestyle wrestling and MMA coach and founder of the Izzy Style Wrestling training program in Illinois. He’s helped train Jon Jones for UFC fights, and was Holly Holm’s wrestling coach for her victory over Ronda Rousey at UFC 193. Martinez will serve as the league’s Chief Operating Officer. Hogan will be the league’s commissioner.

“I see this as an opportunity for me to get involved,” Hogan said, “to get back, quit sitting on the couch, to get involved with a bunch of powerful athletes that I can relate to as far as championship material, guys that are on top of their game, and I just — I couldn’t pass on it.”

Bischoff and Hogan also spoke with Forbes about the new league. According to Bischoff, RAFW will be about “World-class athletes, elite-level athletes, Olympic-level wrestlers, collegiate champions, but in a professional environment with a lot more entertainment.”

Hogan added:

“Well, I think Eric described it the best when he said if you think of The Voice. You do the backstories first, so the people care about the athletes, and you see where they started, and the injuries and what type of family background they have, and in the history package, I think that kind of sets people up to care for the athletes, like Eric said. And that’s where we’re going to begin, with the people warming up and getting to know the athletes, and then it’s up to the athletes to perform.”