The inaugural Real American Freestyle (RAF) wrestling event will not only mark the birth of a new league but also serve as a celebration of the late Hulk Hogan ’s vision. His son, Nick Hogan , confirmed that the wrestling icon will be honored in a special video tribute at Saturday night’s debut show inside the Wolstein Center . The tribute will precede a full card of high-level wrestling and introduce fans to a project the Hulkster poured his heart into before his passing.
Nick Hogan pledges to continue Hulk Hogan’s vision for Real American Freestyle
At a press conference ahead of the launch, Nick Hogan described how his father believed in Real American Freestyle. Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, co-founded the league earlier this year alongside entrepreneur Chad Bronstein, wrestling coach Izzy Martinez, and longtime collaborator Eric Bischoff. Nick spoke candidly about the passion his father carried into the project and promised to carry that torch forward.
“My father was so excited about this business and about this sport, and he believed in all of these athletes and the future that this league has,” Nick said.
He added, “My dad, Hulk Hogan, will always serve as the commissioner for this league and I will be here to represent his interests and his growth in this business and seeing it through all the way to the stratosphere.”
Nick Hogan explained that being part of the process has shown him just how much detail went into building RAF. From meeting the executives to seeing the final product come together, he expressed both pride and gratitude. For him, Saturday’s tribute is not just about honoring a wrestling legend, but ensuring that Hulk Hogan’s blueprint for the league lives on.
Real American Freestyle debut blends legacy, competition, and star power
The league’s first card, RAF01, will stream live on Fox Nation and feature ten matches across men’s and women’s divisions. Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle will join the broadcast team, with wrestling personalities Jimmy Hart and John Layfield also involved in the show.
Headlining the action, Oklahoma State standout Wyatt Hendrickson faces Egypt’s Mostafa Aly Elsayed Gabr. Other marquee bouts include Bo Nickal vs. Jacob Cardenas and Yianni Diakomihalis vs. Bajrang Punia, while women’s matches feature Kennedy Blades against Alejandra Rivera and Sarah Hildebrandt versus Zeltzin Hernandez.
Co-founder Chad Bronstein shared that RAF is not designed to compete with WWE or UFC, but to create opportunities for elite wrestlers after their collegiate or Olympic careers. “He was super proud,” Bronstein said of Hogan. “He’s been a great friend to me, mentor, business partner. And so his voice will be very — this league will come up with unique ways to make it a part of it.”
Also Read: TNA Wrestling posts complete footage of Hulk Hogan’s final professional wrestling match: See Video
Hogan’s imprint is visible even in the league’s name. Inspired by his iconic walkout anthem “Real American,” the brand reflects his desire to highlight unscripted wrestling as a legitimate professional platform.
Nick Hogan pledges to continue Hulk Hogan’s vision for Real American Freestyle
At a press conference ahead of the launch, Nick Hogan described how his father believed in Real American Freestyle. Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, co-founded the league earlier this year alongside entrepreneur Chad Bronstein, wrestling coach Izzy Martinez, and longtime collaborator Eric Bischoff. Nick spoke candidly about the passion his father carried into the project and promised to carry that torch forward.
“My father was so excited about this business and about this sport, and he believed in all of these athletes and the future that this league has,” Nick said.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DN85EbqDPNA/ https://www.instagram.com/reel/DN85EbqDPNA/
He added, “My dad, Hulk Hogan, will always serve as the commissioner for this league and I will be here to represent his interests and his growth in this business and seeing it through all the way to the stratosphere.”
Nick Hogan explained that being part of the process has shown him just how much detail went into building RAF. From meeting the executives to seeing the final product come together, he expressed both pride and gratitude. For him, Saturday’s tribute is not just about honoring a wrestling legend, but ensuring that Hulk Hogan’s blueprint for the league lives on.
Real American Freestyle debut blends legacy, competition, and star power
The league’s first card, RAF01, will stream live on Fox Nation and feature ten matches across men’s and women’s divisions. Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle will join the broadcast team, with wrestling personalities Jimmy Hart and John Layfield also involved in the show.
Eric Bischoff and I at the Real American Freestyle wrestling Press Conference. Don’t forget to tune into @rafwrestlingusa on @foxnation Saturday Aug 30 at 7pm est to see the world’s best freestyle wrestlers. #raf pic.twitter.com/S5iTpED2Da
— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) August 29, 2025
Headlining the action, Oklahoma State standout Wyatt Hendrickson faces Egypt’s Mostafa Aly Elsayed Gabr. Other marquee bouts include Bo Nickal vs. Jacob Cardenas and Yianni Diakomihalis vs. Bajrang Punia, while women’s matches feature Kennedy Blades against Alejandra Rivera and Sarah Hildebrandt versus Zeltzin Hernandez.
Co-founder Chad Bronstein shared that RAF is not designed to compete with WWE or UFC, but to create opportunities for elite wrestlers after their collegiate or Olympic careers. “He was super proud,” Bronstein said of Hogan. “He’s been a great friend to me, mentor, business partner. And so his voice will be very — this league will come up with unique ways to make it a part of it.”
Also Read: TNA Wrestling posts complete footage of Hulk Hogan’s final professional wrestling match: See Video
Hogan’s imprint is visible even in the league’s name. Inspired by his iconic walkout anthem “Real American,” the brand reflects his desire to highlight unscripted wrestling as a legitimate professional platform.
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