An article published by the Associated Press, has provided additional details on the Real American Freestyle Wrestling promotion, as announced on Wednesday by WWE Hall of Famers Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan, along with the third man, Israel “Izzy” Martinez.
AP notes that after watching the NCAA Division I wrestling championships, Hulk Hogan felt sure he was onto something. The defining moment was after his his teenage stepson pulled him into watching freestyle wrestling. It was added that after becoming more familiar with it, Hogan started to believe freestyle wrestling could become more popular and profitable with the right promotion.
The Real American Freestyle events will feature single matches, with eight men’s and four women’s weight classes. The first event is scheduled to take place in Cleveland, Ohio on August 30. No venue was named. It was further noted other cities will be revealed in the coming months.
Hogan knows some fans will be surprised his new business venture does not involve the world of professional wrestling, but that he is excited be involved with young, be able to guide them, make them stars and create a future for them.
“The idea was so exciting that I get a chance to be involved with all these young people and help guide them in any way, especially to make them huge stars and create a future for them,” he said. “People might be surprised, but wrestling is wrestling, brother.”
The report points out that because of name, image and likeness deals, college athletes will be able to participate. Hogan did emphasize Real American Freestyle will not interfere with college, national and international competitions.
Hogan told the Associated Press, he considers the new league as an alternative to professional wrestling.
“I see this as an opportunity for me to get involved…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.”
Hogan’s Real American Beer serves as the title sponsor. Chad Bronstein is the co-founder and president. Left Lane Capital, which has backed Gerard Piqué’s Kings League, Shaun White’s Snow League and League One Volleyball has added this to its list of ventures. Cassius is also said to be a sponsor.
Hogan’s long-time friend, WWE Hall of Famer and former WCW Senior Vice President Eric Bischoff, will serve as the chief media officer. Hogan and Bischoff worked together in the company and played a major role in the NWO storyline that launched WCW into its most successful run ever, before plummeting in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s.
“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”, Hogan said.
Israel “Izzy” Martinez, who is a freestyle wrestling US Open National champion, coach and has trained UFC champions, will serve as Chief Operating Officer.
As for Hogan, he will be the promotion’s Commissioner.