Kurt Angle Joins Hulk Hogan’s New Wrestling Company as On-Air Talent—Is Wrestling About to Change Again?
Two Hall of Fame legends are linking up once again—this time, outside the ring.
Kurt Angle has officially joined forces with Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff in their new combat sports venture: Real American Freestyle Wrestling. The unscripted league—set to debut August 30 in Cleveland, Ohio—mixes freestyle wrestling with sports entertainment-style storytelling, aiming to carve out a fresh lane in the combat sports world.
Angle, an Olympic gold medalist and multiple-time world champion across WWE and TNA, will serve as an on-air commentator, analyst, and partner for the brand. He’ll join fellow analysts Chael Sonnen and Bubba Jenkins at the commentary desk for RAF01, the company’s inaugural event at the Wolstein Center.
“I grew up freestyle wrestling,” Angle said in the official release. “I couldn’t be prouder to support athletes at all levels of their careers and partner with Real American Freestyle to make it happen.”
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🎙️ A Star-Studded Lineup
Real American Freestyle Wrestling is positioning itself as a hybrid between sport and spectacle—fueled by real athleticism and elevated with over-the-top characters and storytelling. Founders Hogan, Bischoff, and MMA coach Izzy Martinez have already signed big names from both wrestling and MMA circles, including:
- Ben Askren (UFC veteran)
- 🥇 Kennedy Blades (Olympian)
- 🏆 Zahid Valencia (National Champion)
Tickets for RAF01 are on sale now through Ticketmaster, and the show promises high-level wrestling fused with personality-driven entertainment.
💬 Hulk Hogan: "Kurt Will Bring Fire and Infamy"
Hogan, who serves as Commissioner of the new promotion, called Angle "a living legend" and praised his addition to the broadcast team:
“Kurt will provide fire, infamy, and unparalleled experience to the commentary and analysis of our live events. We couldn’t be more excited to have him on the Real American team.”
Angle’s resume speaks for itself:
- 🥇 Olympic Gold Medalist (1996, Atlanta)
- ⭐ WWE Hall of Fame Inductee (2017)
- ⭐ TNA Hall of Fame Inductee (2013)
- ⭐ Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame (2004)
Retired since WrestleMania 35 in 2019, Angle remains a defining figure in the wrestling world—and now, he’s returning to his roots with a fresh twist.
🎬 MainEvent.News | Backstage Take
The announcement of Kurt Angle joining Real American Freestyle is more than just a “legends reunion”—it’s a signal that something different might actually be brewing. Hogan and Bischoff, notorious for their bold ideas and polarizing influence, are once again dipping into the creative unknown. But with Angle on board—bringing Olympic legitimacy, wrestling IQ, and star power—this promotion has more than nostalgia to lean on.
In a post-WWE/Vince era, fans are craving something fresh. Real American Freestyle might just be weird and real enough to work. And if not? You’ll still get gold-medal commentary from a man who literally broke his neck to win for his country.
