Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan to take charge as Commissioner of Real American Freestyle Wrestling
Hulk Hogan, the legendary pro wrestler, is about to shake things up. After being introduced to freestyle and folkstyle wrestling by his teenage stepson, Hogan saw untapped potential in these traditions. And ain't no one gonna stop him from cashing in on it.
Last month, Oklahoma State's Wyatt Hendrickson shocked the world by defeating Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson in a thrilling match at heavyweight in collegiate wrestling. Hendrickson's victory didn't just secure the title for him; it threw the wrestling scene into the limelight. Lucky for us, Hogan was watching.
With the media's attention on wrestling at an all-time high, it seems like the perfect time for Hogan to launch Real American Freestyle, the wrestling league he's been brewing up. And boy, is he excited. "When I saw that happen and I seen our Prez hug him, I went, OK, we are on point, we're ready to go and instincts have prevailed, and I smell victory," Hogan said, eyes gleaming with determination.
Hogan may be known for his massive arms and larger-than-life persona, but he initially had doubts that the freestyle wrestlers would have the star power to sell tickets. That all changed when he started connecting with them. "Dude, they've all got that edge," he said. "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."
Real American Freestyle events feature single matches at eight men's and four women's weight classes, with the first event set for August 30 in Cleveland. Other locations will be announced in the coming months.
Americans have been wrestling fans for quite some time. The women’s U.S. Olympic freestyle team earned four medals in six weight classes in 2024, and the men took home three medals. Folkstyle wrestling, which dominates high school and college wrestling, also saw record participation in 2023 and 2024.
Kennedy Blades, who earned a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, will be the face of Real American Freestyle's women's division. Zahid Valencia and Ben Askren have agreed to compete on the men's side. Hendrickson and Steveson could also join the roster, with a potential rematch in the works.
Hogan's Real American Beer serves as the title sponsor for the league, and Chad Bronstein, co-founder of Hogan's beer company, is the league's president. Left Lane Capital, which has supported ventures like Gerard Piqué's Kings League, Shaun White's Snow League, and League One Volleyball, is also backing Real American Freestyle. Cassius is another sponsor supporting the project.
While some fans might be surprised to see Hogan stepping away from pro wrestling, he's confident in his decision. "The idea was so exciting that I get a chance to be involved with all these young people and help guide them in any way, especially to make them huge stars and create a future for them," he said. "People might be surprised, but wrestling is wrestling, brother."
Because of name, image, and likeness deals, college athletes will be able to participate, though Real American Freestyle won't interfere with college, national, or international competitions. Eric Bischoff, who ran World Championship Wrestling in the '90s and created the famous New World Order storyline, will be the league's chief media officer. Israel Martinez, a successful wrestling coach with a history of building champions in the UFC, is the league's chief operating officer. He played a key role in getting USA Wrestling's blessing for the project.
For Hogan, Real American Freestyle serves as an alternative to pro wrestling, offering him the opportunity to get back in the game and work with top-tier athletes. "I see this as an opportunity for me to get involved, 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."
So here's to Hulk Hogan, creating a new wrestling league and giving us a whole new reason to tune in. Keep your eyes on Real American Freestyle, because it's about to shake up the wrestling world like never before. Wooo!
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[1] Real American Freestyle Launches with Eric Bischoff as Chief Media Officer[2] Hogan's Real American Freestyle Slated for August 30 Debut in Cleveland[3] Paris Olympic Medalist Kennedy Blades Joins Hogan's Real American Freestyle[4] Zahid Valencia and Ben Askren Sign with Hulk Hogan's Real American Freestyle[5] Hulk Hogan's Real American Freestyle Recruits Notre Dame and UCF Quarterback Brandon Wimbush as Chief of Staff[6] Willie Saylor Joins Hulk Hogan's Real American Freestyle as Key Executive
The media buzz surrounding wrestling after Wyatt Hendrickson's sensational victory has paved the way for Hulk Hogan's ambitious project, Real American Freestyle. With Kennedy Blades, Zahid Valencia, Ben Askren, and potential rematches with Hendrickson and Steveson on the roster, the league is poised to revolutionize sports media.
