Hulk Hogan’s death sent shockwaves through the wrestling world. His untimely passing also had a major effect on another project he’s been working on.
Earlier this year, Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff announced the creation of “Real American Freestyle,” a new promotion that focused on amateur/collegiate style wrestling at a pro level. The league is set to have its debut event on August 30 in Cleveland, Ohio at the Wolstein Center. Earlier this week, the league also announced FOX Nation had signed on as its official broadcast partner for the first two events.
It remains to be seen what will happen to RAF after Hogan’s death. However, the league issued a statement in remembrance of Hogan, and said they “intend to honor” his legacy, which Real American Freestyle was a part of.
“Today 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. 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.
“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,” RAF wrote on Twitter/X.
News of Hulk Hogan’s death resulted in many tributes around the wrestling world, including statements from names like Vince McMahon, Ric Flair and WWE.
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Today 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.
— Real American Freestyle (@RAFWrestlingUSA) July 24, 2025
Hulk Hogan believed wrestling was more than just entertainment. He saw it as a brotherhood, a proving ground and a platform for… pic.twitter.com/08McsIkHgV
