Hulk Hogan Launches Real American Freestyle League, Promising New Era for Unscripted Wrestling

Hogan’s inspiration for the league came after watching the NCAA Division I wrestling championships, where he witnessed Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Hendrickson defeat Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson with a dramatic late takedown to win the national heavyweight title.

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Published: 4/30/2025, 11:57:25 PM EDT

Hulk Hogan Launches Real American Freestyle League, Promising New Era for Unscripted Wrestling — Hulk Hogan attends the NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment 2015 Upfront at The Jacob Javits Center in New York on May 14, 2015. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

A new era in wrestling is set to begin as Hulk Hogan, one of the most recognizable figures in professional wrestling, steps into a new role as commissioner of Real American Freestyle, an unscripted freestyle wrestling league aiming to transform the sport’s landscape and give elite athletes a professional stage, the league said in a press release Wednesday.

The moment, which saw Hendrickson salute former President Donald Trump and celebrate with a U.S. flag, convinced Hogan that wrestling was ready for a breakthrough into the mainstream.

“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 said. “I think we’re right on track, brother.”

A Vision for Wrestlers’ Futures

Real American Freestyle is designed to professionalize freestyle wrestling and provide a platform for the world’s best wrestlers to compete in front of millions of fans, according to the league’s press release. The league will feature eight men’s and four women’s weight classes, with single matches at each event. The inaugural event is scheduled for August 30 in Cleveland, Ohio, with additional locations to be announced in the coming months.

Hogan, 71, said he wasn’t worried about concerns over whether freestyle wrestlers had the personalities to draw crowds, mentioning that those he connected with “all got that edge” and “that little Conor McGregor swag.”

“Real American wrestlers are some of the most disciplined, elite athletes in the world—but until now, they haven’t had a true professional stage to showcase their greatness,” Hogan said in the league’s announcement. “Eric and I know how to build the kind of heat that grabs attention and we’re going to make Real American Freestyle wrestling a must-see for fans.”

Star Power and Leadership

The league’s leadership includes both wrestling and entertainment stars, including Eric Bischoff, known for his role in the rise of World Championship Wrestling and the creation of the New World Order storyline, who joins as chief media officer. Israel Martinez, an acclaimed wrestling coach with experience developing UFC champions, serves as chief operating officer.

“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, in the press release, said the league’s mission is to give wrestlers a genuine professional path.

“Until now, wrestlers have not had the opportunity to seek a professional career as there was not adequate funding or attention being paid to it. This league will provide them with a platform to not only do that, but build their skills, brand, and legacy,” he said in a statement.

Athletes and Competition Format

The league’s initial roster includes Kennedy Blades, a 2024 Olympic silver medalist, as the face of the women’s division, and Olympians Zahid Valencia and Ben Askren on the men’s side. Hogan said that both Hendrickson and Steveson could join, hinting at the potential for a high-profile rematch.

Events will feature nine-minute matches and high-impact moves, aiming to engage modern audiences and elevate the sport’s entertainment value, the league said. The format is designed to allow college athletes to compete thanks to name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, without interfering with their collegiate or international commitments.

Sponsorship and Investment

Real American Freestyle is backed by Left Lane Capital, a venture capital firm known for investing in innovative sports leagues, and Cassius, among other investors. Real American Beer, co-founded by Hogan, is the title sponsor, bringing its brand to the league’s events and celebrations.

“We believe the next generation of sports will be defined by leagues that combine elite competition with unforgettable entertainment—and Real American Freestyle is leading that charge with top-tier talent, iconic leadership, and a vision to reimagine wrestling,” said Harley Miller, CEO and Managing Partner of Left Lane Capital.

Wrestling participation is at an all-time high in the United States, with records set for both boys and girls in 2023 and 2024, according to the National Federation of High Schools.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.