Kurt Angle Recounts Real American Freestyle Offer from Hulk Hogan—Olympic Hero Turns Entrepreneur

Ahead of this weekend’s Real American Freestyle 02 (RAF02) event, Kurt Angle sat down for a wide-ranging conversation with The Ariel Helwani Show. The Olympic Gold Medalist previewed the October 25 event — set for 7 p.m. ET at the Bryce Jordan Center — where he will appear live and join the commentary team for Fox Nation’s broadcast. RAF02 is only the second outing for the young promotion founded by the late Hulk Hogan, but it’s already generating strong buzz in both the amateur-wrestling and pro-wrestling communities. 

👉 RAF02 Preview Event Guide Here

Angle’s Story: From “No” to Stakeholder

Angle explained that when Hogan first invited him to join RAF, he turned down the offer. “Listen, we can make this thing really big—but I need you to be a part of the team,” Hogan told him. But Angle asked for more money. Hogan responded with “we can’t give it to you right now,” prompting Angle to walk away.

Later, after engaging in negotiations and turning down another offer from a rival company, he returned to Hogan’s team. Unfortunately, Hogan passed away before the contract was signed. Still, Angle joined RAF, not only as a commentator but as part-owner of the promotion.

On Hogan, Angle said:

“Terry, him and I were always close… I remember when I got the opportunity to wrestle him. And the crazy thing is I’m the first one ever to make him tap out… He had enough respect for me to say you know what Kurt, I’ll do the job tonight. And it was really cool that Hulk Hogan did that for me.”

Reflecting on his own career decisions, Angle admitted:

“Oh gosh, I would’ve loved to have this. … I don’t even know if I would’ve crossed over into pro wrestling. I probably would’ve stuck with amateur wrestling.” 

Why This Matters

RAF positions itself as a groundbreaking hybrid of amateur-style wrestling and entertainment — and having a figure like Angle on board adds instant credibility. His Olympic gold, WWE and TNA legacy and analytical mind make him a rare bridge between traditional sport grappling and modern pro-wrestling storytelling.

Behind the scenes, Angle’s transition from talent to stakeholder signals that RAF isn’t just a side-project — it could be a serious play in the evolving combat-sports landscape. And Hogan’s early vision, though cut short, still drives the project’s momentum forward.

Wrestling.news | Backstage Take

Angle’s story is more than nostalgia — it’s a microcosm of wrestling’s shifting ecosystem. When a legend like Hulk Hogan tries to build a new league, the fact that Kurt Angle ended up part-owner tells you right away there’s ambition here. RAF isn’t a nostalgia act; it’s a potential blueprint for where wrestling, amateur sport and entertainment might merge next. For Angle personally, this is a full-circle moment — from Olympic mat-work to pro-wrestling peak to building the next generation.

#RAF #RealAmericanFreestyle #RAF02