Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff are officially back in the ringthis time behind the scenesand theyre not messing around. On Wednesday, the duo revealed more details about their bold new project, Real American Freestyle Wrestling, including the date and location of their first official event and the elite athletes headlining the launch.
According to the Associated Press, the debut event is locked in for August 30 in Cleveland, Ohio, with a stacked lineup of real-world wrestling talent and a mission to create something totally fresh.
Kennedy Blades is set to be the face of the womens division, according to Hogan, while Zahid Valencia and Ben Askren are confirmed for the mens side. As for potential additions? Hogan name-dropped Gable Steveson and Wyatt Hendrickson as athletes on the radar.
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, Hogan told Forbes in a recent interview. Wrestling is wrestling, brother. 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.
Real American Freestyle is designed to fuse the competitive grit of amateur wrestling with the charisma and flair of professional wrestling and reality TV. Hogan compared the vision to The Voice, explaining that you do the backstories first, so the people care about the athletes then its up to the athletes to perform.
Eric Bischoff, who will serve as Chief Media Officer, made it clear that this isnt about putting on another wrestling show. Its about rewriting the format completely. These athletes stories have never been told, he said. And I dont care whether its golf, baseball, basketball, the NFLits all driven by the stories. And thats what were going to focus on.
Hogans Real American Beer is stepping up as the title sponsor, with Chad Bronstein onboard as co-founder and president. The league is also backed by Left Lane Capital, the same investment firm behind Gerard Piqus Kings League, Shaun Whites Snow League, and League One Volleyball. Another major player involved is Cassius, rounding out the financial muscle behind this new combat sports experiment.
Bischoff also talked about the kind of talent theyre after: athletes with both pedigree and presence. All of these athletes are going to be best-in-class. If someone comes with built-in charisma, great. But I also love helping people find their character, he said.
Hogan added a personal story for impact. I got [Brock Lesnar] first, and it was no picnic, believe me. I wrestled him probably 10 or 12 times but eventually, I saw him turn into that crazy, over-the-top entertainerand thats what were going to see here, too.
With over 40 elite-level athletes expected to be on the roster, a televised reality-style format, and deep-pocketed sponsors, Hogan and Bischoff are setting the stage for something that lands somewhere between NCAA mat action and prime-time wrestling drama.
Real American Freestyle Wrestling isnt just a new promotionits a shift in how wrestling can be presented to mainstream audiences. Hogan, Bischoff, and their team are betting big on storytelling, athletic excellence, and entertainment to capture a new generation of fans. And with their first event officially set, all eyes are on Cleveland this August.
What do you think of Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoffs new wrestling venture? Will Real American Freestyle change the game or fall flat? Drop your thoughts in the commentswe want to hear from you.
