Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff have been touting their new venture, Real American Freestyle Wrestling (RAF), in various media outlets. The organization is set to make its debut on August 30 with a live event in Cleveland.
Hogan expressed his preference for live sports over reality TV and scripted content, citing the importance of showcasing athletes’ backstories to build interest in their fights. He cited examples such as Brock Lesnar, Kurt Angle, and Shelton Benjamin, highlighting their potential for star power in amateur wrestling.
However, Hogan’s claims about being the first person to fight Lesnar after he left the UFC have been disputed. In reality, Hogan worked matches with Lesnar during his WWE run in 2002-2003, before Lesnar joined the UFC in 2007.
Hogan also mentioned President Trump’s appearance at the NCAA men’s wrestling championship as a potential influence on his plans for RAF’s debut event. The president’s involvement allegedly sparked interest in the organization, but it was already underway months prior.
The launch of RAF has generated mixed reactions from fans, with some expressing skepticism about Hogan and Bischoff’s ability to succeed in the competitive world of professional wrestling.
Source: https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2025/5/1/24421635/hulk-hogan-wrong-name-shelton-benjamin-real-american-freestyle-wrestling-launch-trump-tease-lesnar