WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan appeared live on Fox & Friends Thursday morning to promote the newly launched Real American Freestyle (RAF) Wrestling, and he didn’t hold back on the ambition behind the project. Hogan, serving as Commissioner for the league, was joined by longtime collaborator Eric Bischoff, now Chief Media Officer, to detail their vision for a unique blend of freestyle wrestling and sports entertainment.
The new league, which also features elite wrestling coach Israel “Izzy” Martinez as Chief Operating Officer, promises to deliver a fresh product that pays top-tier amateur athletes while showcasing their skills in an elevated, fan-friendly format.
“Yes it is. It’s freestyle wrestling and it’s professional now because we get to pay the athletes,” Hogan stated during the broadcast. “Our goal is not to be competitive with Dana White and the UFC or the WWE, but to be just as big or bigger because this is an underserved market.”
Hogan credited Izzy Martinez as a foundational figure in securing elite talent, praising the coach’s history with Olympians, NCAA champions, and standout collegiate wrestlers. RAF’s first live event is currently scheduled for August 30th in Cleveland, Ohio.
In a related interview with the Associated Press, Hogan elaborated on his personal motivation behind joining the project:
“The idea was so exciting that I get a chance to be involved with all these young people and help guide them… especially to make them huge stars and create a future for them… This is a way for me to jump back in, get off the sidelines, and be part of something real with athletes who are championship-caliber. I couldn’t turn it down.”
He further told TMZ Sports that seeing President Trump celebrate NCAA Champion Wyatt Hendrickson earlier this year helped solidify his belief in the cultural momentum behind amateur wrestling, calling it “a sign that the world is paying attention again.”
While Hogan was clear that RAF Wrestling isn’t out to directly battle WWE or UFC, the comparison to the two biggest names in combat sports and sports entertainment puts immense expectations on the venture. With proven figures like Hogan and Bischoff at the helm and real athletic pedigree through Martinez, RAF is poised to make waves—but whether it can match the industry titans remains to be seen.
Stay tuned to PWMania.com for updates on RAF Wrestling, its first event, and more.
