Real American Freestyle Wrestling (RAF) made its debut on September 30, 2023, with its inaugural event, RAF01, held at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The event was co-founded by the late WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, along with Eric Bischoff, Chad Bronstein, and Izzy Martinez. The event featured a live broadcast on FOX Nation, with commentary from notable figures such as WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle, Bubba Jenkins, and former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen.
Despite not being able to compete at RAF01 as originally intended, former UFC fighter Ben Askren remains closely associated with the league. The event also attracted a variety of guests, including MMA icon Tito Ortiz, Jimmy Hart, Hogan’s widow Sky Daily, and Hogan’s son Nick Hogan. Country music artist Alexis Wilkins performed the National Anthem, adding a celebratory touch to the occasion.
Event Highlights and Future Plans
Following the event, Bronstein, Bischoff, and Martinez held a post-show press conference where they expressed their satisfaction with the successful launch. Bischoff, who serves as RAF’s Chief Media Officer, emphasized the importance of realizing Hogan’s vision for the organization. He stated, “For me, it’s a passion, and to be able to be a part of the team that’s helping to execute Hulk Hogan’s vision for what this could possibly be… because he was a big-ass thinker.” He added that with Bronstein and Martinez, the team aims to think big and act quickly to honor Hogan’s legacy.
Looking ahead, RAF02 is scheduled for later this fall, with FOX Nation continuing as the exclusive broadcast partner. The league has partnered with the UFC, USA Wrestling, NIL organizations, and the NCAA, allowing athletes to compete regardless of their status. RAF aims to provide participants and roster members with access to top-tier entertainment and storytelling, production, and promotion.
Competitors will also have the opportunity to earn a championship purse and bonuses throughout the season, all in compliance with NCAA regulations. The league’s innovative approach seeks to blend traditional wrestling elements with modern entertainment, ensuring a captivating experience for fans and athletes alike.
As Real American Freestyle Wrestling establishes itself in the competitive arena of professional wrestling, its founders are committed to building a legacy that honors the vision of its iconic co-founder, Hulk Hogan, while creating new opportunities for athletes in the sport.
