Real American Freestyle Wrestling Will Go On: Hulk Hogan’s Final Project to Launch as Planned
Shortly after the wrestling world lost one of its most iconic figures, Hulk Hogan’s newest passion project—Real American Freestyle Wrestling—has confirmed it will move forward as scheduled.
Hogan, who passed away today July 24, 2025 at age 71 following cardiac arrest in Clearwater, Florida, had been deeply involved in launching RAF over the past several months. Alongside longtime friend and business partner Eric Bischoff, Hogan had announced the new promotion back in May. The inaugural event is still set for August 30, and officials say it will serve as both a launch and a tribute.
"This league is part of his legacy, and we intend to honor it," said RAF in a statement to the media.
"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."
A Personal Passion for the Hulkster
RAF wasn’t just a business venture for Hogan—it was something he believed in at a deeply personal level. The promotion described him as a hands-on leader who mentored talent, watched training tape, and shared locker room wisdom with rising athletes.
"Hulk believed wrestling was more than entertainment," the statement continued.
"He saw it as a proving ground, a brotherhood, a stage for greatness. That’s what RAF is—and that’s what we’ll continue to build in his honor."
The league had also partnered with respected MMA coach Izzy Martinez, signaling an ambitious blend of wrestling and combat sports philosophy.
With the wrestling world still mourning the man who helped define its golden era, Real American Freestyle now carries an unexpected weight: it is Hulk Hogan’s final legacy in motion.
The Show goes on. BROTHER! https://t.co/FEOCyhoUJr
— Eric Bischoff (@EBischoff) July 24, 2025
📌 Event Info:
- Promotion: Real American Freestyle Wrestling
- Founders: Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff
- Coach/Advisor: Izzy Martinez
- First Event: August 30, 2025
💬 MainEvent.News | Backstage Take
Hogan didn’t just want one last spotlight—he wanted to give it to others.
Real American Freestyle wasn’t just a brand—it was his vision for the future. A hybrid stage for hungry talent, built by a man who already gave wrestling one of its most unforgettable eras. RAF isn’t just continuing. Now, it’s carrying the weight of Hulkamania forward. And that alone makes August 30 must-see.
