Hulk Hogan, one of the most iconic names in professional wrestling, has embarked on an exciting new journey inspired by the NCAA Division I wrestling championships. Following a newfound passion for freestyle wrestling sparked by his teenage stepson, Hogan believes the sport has immense potential for growth and profitability with the right marketing strategies.
Last month, the world of freestyle wrestling was electrified when Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Hendrickson delivered a stunning victory over Minnesota’s Gable Steveson, an Olympic gold medalist from Tokyo. Hendrickson's late takedown secured him the national heavyweight title, and his post-match celebration included a salute to former President Donald Trump. Draped in the U.S. flag, Hendrickson's embrace with Trump underscored the significance of the moment, propelling freestyle wrestling into the spotlight.
In the wake of this historic event, Hogan announced his plans to launch Real American Freestyle, a new league aimed at elevating the sport. As commissioner, Hogan aims to create lucrative opportunities for wrestlers, a crucial development in a sport that has historically struggled with financial rewards. “When I saw that happen and I saw our President hug him, I went, OK, we are on point… I smell victory,” Hogan remarked, expressing his confidence in the timing of this venture.
Initially, Hogan had concerns about whether freestyle wrestlers possessed the charisma to attract audiences. However, after engaging with the athletes, he discovered that they possess the necessary flair. “Dude, they’ve all got that edge,” Hogan said, noting that today’s wrestlers are savvy and aware of branding, reminiscent of the Conor McGregor style.
The inaugural event for Real American Freestyle is set to take place on August 30 in Cleveland, featuring competitions across eight men’s and four women’s weight classes. The growth of freestyle wrestling in the U.S. is evident, with the women’s Olympic team earning four medals in six weight classes in 2024 and record participation levels reported by the National Federation of High Schools.
Hogan has already secured notable participants for the league, including Kennedy Blades, a silver medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, who will lead the women's division. On the men's side, wrestlers like Zahid Valencia and Ben Askren are set to join, with discussions of potential rematches between Hendrickson and Steveson creating excitement among fans.
Hogan's venture is backed by Real American Beer as the title sponsor, with additional support from Chad Bronstein, co-founder and president, and Left Lane Capital, known for supporting various sports leagues. Hogan is confident that this transition from professional wrestling to freestyle wrestling will be well-received, stating, “Wrestling is wrestling, brother.”
Bringing a wealth of experience from his wrestling career, Hogan has enlisted Eric Bischoff, former head of World Championship Wrestling, as the chief media officer. Bischoff's expertise will be pivotal in advancing the league's production capabilities. Additionally, Israel Martinez, a successful wrestling coach who has mentored champions in the UFC, serves as the chief operating officer, ensuring the league's credibility and support from USA Wrestling.
Hogan views Real American Freestyle as an exciting opportunity to engage with powerful athletes and influence the future of the sport. “I couldn’t pass on it,” he said, highlighting his eagerness to mentor aspiring stars in freestyle wrestling. With the league's launch, the landscape of wrestling is set to change, promising thrilling developments for fans and athletes alike.
