Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff are back in business, brotherbut this time, theyre stepping into a very different kind of ring. Their new project, Real American Freestyle Wrestling (RAFW), is aiming to blend amateur wrestling with big personalities, but behind the scenes, industry insiders arent sold on its future.
According to Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Hogan got the idea after watching Wyatt Hendrickson defeat Gable Steveson in the 2025 NCAA finals. When I saw that happen and I saw our President hug him, I went, okay, we are on point, were ready to go and instincts have prevailed and I smell victory, Hogan reportedly said.
The plan? Launch a massive debut event this August in Cleveland with 12 matches featuring both college athletes and seasoned vets. Hogan also teased a potential Hendrickson-Steveson rematch, saying its on the radar, though neither man is signed yet.
Hogan will serve as RAFWs commissioner and public face, with Bischoff as Chief Media Officer and businessman Chad Bronstein listed as co-founder. Naturally, Hogans Real American Beer will be the title sponsor. Eric jumped in with both feet just moving us forward, light years ahead, Hogan claimed.
But not everyones raising a cold one. Some see Hogan as a questionable figurehead due to his ties to fake wrestling and controversial reputation. WON speculated the venture may struggle to catch on beyond the over-50 demo.
Former MMA coach Israel Martinez will be RAFWs Chief Operating Officer. Hogan called him our linchpin, citing his experience with Olympic and NCAA talent. But critics believe even with big names involved, past attempts to commercialize amateur wrestling have flopped.
Hogan insists theyre not competing with UFC or WWE. Our goal is not to be competitive with Dana White but to be just as big or bigger, he said. Still, insiders claim the real goal might just be a short-term media deal before the project collapses under financial strain.
The bigger star you become, the more you win youre going to make your money, Hogan added, believing the promo-heavy model could still sell. But industry experts warn the hype might not match reality unless they find a loyal viewership online.
Whether its a passion project or a last-ditch hustle for one last payday, Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff are swinging big with Real American Freestyle Wrestling. But with no signed stars, shaky optics, and a concept thats never really thrived outside the NCAA, the odds are stacked. Still, if theres anyone who thinks they can leg drop the impossible into existence, its the Hulkster.
Do you think Hogan and Bischoff can pull this offor is RAFW destined to fade fast? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
