Hulk Hogan, one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling, believes he’s found the next big thing — and it’s not in the ring where he made his name. Inspired by a dramatic moment at the NCAA Division I wrestling championships, Hogan is now stepping into the world of freestyle wrestling with a bold new venture: the launch of Real American Freestyle, a new wrestling league aiming to boost the sport’s visibility and financial potential.
Hogan, now 71, was drawn to freestyle wrestling after watching it with his teenage stepson. As he dove deeper into the sport, he became convinced that with the right platform and promotion, it could capture mainstream attention. That belief solidified when Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Hendrickson pulled off a surprising last-second takedown against Olympic champion Gable Steveson, earning the national heavyweight title.
After his win, Hendrickson, also a second lieutenant in the Air Force, draped himself in the U.S. flag and approached former President Donald Trump, saluting, shaking hands, and embracing him. The patriotic and emotional moment, widely shared, helped push freestyle wrestling into the spotlight.
“It was like a spark,” Hogan said. “When I saw our President hug him, I just knew — this is it. The timing is right. I can smell victory.”
Hogan will serve as commissioner of Real American Freestyle, which plans to offer more earning opportunities for athletes in a sport where financial support has historically been lacking. The league’s first event is set for August 30 in Cleveland, with future locations to be announced.
Initially unsure if freestyle wrestlers had the charisma needed to draw fans, Hogan said he changed his mind after meeting many of them. “These kids get it — they know branding, they know what sells. They’ve got that Conor McGregor confidence,” he said.
The league will feature matches across eight men’s and four women’s weight classes, with a format designed to highlight individual talent. Among the early faces of the league are Kennedy Blades, a silver medalist from the 2024 Paris Olympics, and male stars Zahid Valencia and Ben Askren. Hogan hopes Hendrickson and Steveson will also join, hinting at the potential for a highly anticipated rematch.
Backing the league financially are major investors, including Left Lane Capital, which has also supported Gerard Piqué’s Kings League and Shaun White’s Snow League. Cassius is on board as another key sponsor, while Hogan’s own Real American Beer will serve as the title sponsor.
Helping lead the charge with Hogan is Chad Bronstein, who serves as co-founder and president of the league. On the media side, Hogan brought in a familiar face from his wrestling past — Eric Bischoff, the former WCW executive known for creating the legendary NWO storyline. Bischoff is acting as the league’s chief media officer, spearheading production and content strategy.
Israel Martinez, a respected wrestling coach with experience in both collegiate wrestling and MMA (including working with champions like Jon Jones and Holly Holm), is the league’s chief operating officer. Hogan credited Martinez with helping secure USA Wrestling’s endorsement.
Real American Freestyle aims to complement, not compete with, existing college, national, and international wrestling competitions. Thanks to NIL (name, image, likeness) rules, college athletes will be able to participate without compromising their eligibility.
For Hogan, the league represents a personal and professional comeback. “This is my way back in the game — to work with young athletes, to help build stars, and to be part of something powerful again,” he said. “People might be surprised this isn’t pro wrestling — but wrestling is wrestling, brother.”
