Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff are stepping into a new arena: professional freestyle wrestling.
Earlier this week, the longtime wrestling duo teased a mysterious new project — and hinted at a “third man” joining them. On Wednesday, they officially unveiled Real American Freestyle Wrestling (RAFW), a new pro freestyle wrestling league launching this summer. They also revealed their mystery partner: acclaimed wrestling coach Izzy Martinez.
RAFW will feature eight men’s and four women’s weight classes. The league’s debut event is set for August 30 in Cleveland.
Hogan says the idea was sparked back in March, after watching Wyatt Hendrickson beat Gable Steveson for the NCAA National Heavyweight title — and then celebrate with the U.S. President.
“When I saw that happen and I saw our President hug him, I went, OK, we are on point, we’re ready to go and instincts have prevailed and I smell victory,” Hogan told the Associated Press. “I think we’re right on track, brother.”
While neither Hendrickson nor Steveson are currently signed to the league, Hogan hinted that a rematch between the two could be on the table down the line.
“These kids are young, they’re smart. They’re watching TV. They know about branding, they know what sells. And they’ve all got that little Conor McGregor swag,” Hogan said.
The league has already landed some big names. Olympic silver medalist Kennedy Blades has signed on and is expected to be the face of the women’s division. On the men’s side, Ben Askren and Zahid Valencia are set to compete.
Bischoff is handling production, helping to shape the league's look and feel.
“Eric jumped in with both feet, and he’s doing a lot to guide this ship right now, brother,” Hogan said. “He’s setting so much stuff up production wise — just moving us forward, light years ahead of where we could have been on our own.”
Martinez, now serving as the league’s Chief Operating Officer, brings serious experience to the table. He’s known for founding Izzy Style Wrestling in Illinois, and has coached the likes of Jon Jones and Holly Holm — including Holm’s famous win over Ronda Rousey at UFC 193. Hogan will act as commissioner.
“I see this as an opportunity for me to get involved,” Hogan said, “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, guys that are on top of their game, and I just — I couldn’t pass on it.”
In a separate interview with Forbes, Bischoff emphasized the league’s mix of elite competition and showmanship.
RAFW, he said, will feature “World-class athletes, elite-level athletes, Olympic-level wrestlers, collegiate champions, but in a professional environment with a lot more entertainment.”
Hogan expanded on that vision.
“Well, I think Eric described it the best when he said if you think of The Voice. You do the backstories first, so the people care about the athletes, and you see where they started, and the injuries and what type of family background they have, and in the history package, I think that kind of sets people up to care for the athletes, like Eric said. And that’s where we’re going to begin, with the people warming up and getting to know the athletes, and then it’s up to the athletes to perform.”
(H/T and transcribed by F4Wonline)
