When you hear the names Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff, one word comes to mind….wrestling. These two legends have helped shape what pro wrestling looks like today. Now they’re teaming up again, but this time with a twist. Along with top wrestling coach Israel “Izzy” Martinez, they’ve launched a brand new promotion called Real American Freestyle Wrestling (RAFW) and it might just shake up the sports world.
So what is RAFW exactly?
RAFW is a new league that blends real amateur freestyle wrestling with the drama and storytelling of professional wrestling. Think of it as a mix between the Olympic mat style and the excitement of WWE. The goal is to give real wrestlers a platform to shine without needing to learn how to “act” or follow a script.
The league will have eight men’s weight classes and four women’s, and big names like Kennedy Blades, Ben Askren, and Zahid Valencia are already involved. These aren’t just random names these are Olympic athletes, NCAA champs, and former MMA fighters. This isn’t backyard wrestling. This is serious talent.
Why is this a good idea?
Let’s be honest WWE is entertaining, but it’s not real competition. UFC is real competition, but it doesn’t focus on wrestling. RAFW is stepping into a space that no one else has fully owned real wrestling with a strong entertainment feel. That combo could bring in fans from both sides those who love the realness of combat sports and those who enjoy characters, rivalries, and big moments.
Also, this could finally give top amateur wrestlers a place to earn a living. Until now, many had to switch to MMA or try to break into pro wrestling to make money. With RAFW, they can stick to what they’re great at wrestling, and still become stars.
A Quick Look at the Power Behind RAFW
- Hulk Hogan is one of the most famous wrestlers of all time. From body slams to headbands, the guy is a global icon.
- Eric Bischoff is the mind who helped WCW compete with WWE in the ’90s. He knows how to build a wrestling show that gets people talking.
- Izzy Martinez is the real deal when it comes to coaching. He’s helped train top high school and college athletes and knows how to build champions.
Together, they bring star power, production skill, and athletic expertise. That’s a powerful combo.
Could This Compete with WWE or UFC?
Yes and here’s why. The UFC and WWE are massive, but they’ve both created a bit of a gap. WWE is full of scripted action, while UFC focuses on striking over grappling. RAFW can step into that middle space, offering something real but still entertaining. With streaming services and social media, they won’t need a big TV deal right away. They can build an audience fast especially with names like Hogan involved.
They’re already planning a weekly show called “American Grit” and a big event called “Declaration” on July 4, 2025. That’s smart branding, and it hits right at American pride, which could win over a lot of fans.
Final Thoughts
Real American Freestyle Wrestling feels fresh. It gives real athletes a chance to shine, and it has the right mix of sports and entertainment. Hogan, Bischoff, and Izzy all bring different skills to the table, and together, they might have something special here.
But here’s the big question:
Will this be the future of wrestling? Or will it be crushed in the shadows of UFC and WWE?
Only time will tell.
