FOX Nation will move forward with the streaming of Real American Freestyle, the new wrestling league co-founded by Hulk Hogan, despite the legendary superstar’s sudden passing. According to a report from TMZ, the series will air as originally planned and now stands as a tribute to Hogan’s final project and enduring legacy.
The news follows Hogan’s shocking death on Thursday morning. Emergency medics were dispatched to the WWE icon’s home in Clearwater, Florida, where he reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest.
While initial reports incorrectly stated that FOX Nation President Lauren Petterson confirmed the continuation of the series, that has since been corrected. Instead, TMZ confirmed through a source that the decision had been made to move forward with the show’s debut.
The inaugural event, titled RAF01, is scheduled to stream on August 30th from the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio. A second event is also expected later this fall.
“This League is Part of His Legacy…”
Real American Freestyle CEO and Co-Founder Chad Bronstein released a heartfelt statement, underlining Hogan’s deep commitment to the project and the company’s determination to carry it forward in his honor.
“We lost our Commissioner. We lost a friend. And the sport of wrestling lost one of its greatest champions, not just in the ring, but in spirit,” Bronstein said. “Hulk Hogan believed wrestling was more than just entertainment. He saw it as a brotherhood, a proving ground, and a platform for greatness. That’s what Real American Freestyle was built to be—a new stage for the toughest, most passionate athletes on Earth. And Hulk was at the center of it.”
Bronstein also highlighted Hogan’s personal involvement in building the league from the ground up.
“From day one, he threw his weight behind this league. He met with athletes. He watched tape, shared stories, and showed up like only he could. RAF was personal to him—something bigger than all of us. This league is part of his legacy, and we intend to honor it.”
Real American Freestyle was a major focus for Hogan in the final months of his life. The FOX Nation partnership marked a crucial step in establishing the league as a serious player in the combat sports world. Hogan’s involvement was widely considered essential to the promotion’s success, making the decision to continue a powerful tribute to both his vision and influence.
