Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan is stepping back into the ring — not as a competitor, but as the co-founder of a brand-new combat sports league, Real American Freestyle (RAF) — and he’s hoping to bring a presidential guest to its highly anticipated debut.
In an exclusive with TMZ Sports, Hogan revealed that he plans to personally invite former President Donald Trump to attend the league’s first official event on August 30 in Cleveland.
A Star-Studded Launch: Hogan Hopes Trump Will Be Ringside
Hogan, a longtime supporter of Trump during his 2024 presidential run, said he’s gearing up to call the White House directly and extend the VIP invitation.
“I’m going to call up my good friend Trump — I want him there,” Hogan said with confidence.
While Trump’s attendance remains unconfirmed, the potential for a star-studded launch has already drawn major buzz.
What Is Real American Freestyle?
The new league — co-founded by Hogan, former WCW head Eric Bischoff, and renowned wrestling coach Israel Martinez — promises to shake up the combat sports world by focusing on real, unscripted freestyle wrestling, a stark contrast to the scripted drama of WWE.
RAF will feature both men’s and women’s divisions, with fighters being paid to showcase raw athleticism in a legitimate wrestling format.
“Athletes are going to get paid to beat people up,” Hogan said.
“We’re talking about seven-figure deals for top performers.”
Think ‘The Voice’ Meets Freestyle Wrestling
Hogan added that RAF won’t just be about the fights — it’s also about the stories behind the athletes.
Much like reality competition shows like “The Voice”, the league will give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the wrestlers’ journeys before they hit the mat.
“By the time these wrestlers come out,” Hogan said, “you’re going to be emotionally invested. It’s going to ramp up the intensity big time.”
Inspired by NCAA Wrestling — and Beer?
The inspiration behind RAF came around the time Hogan launched his Real American Beer brand. He and his partners were particularly motivated after watching Trump attend the NCAA Division I wrestling championships in Philadelphia.
Seeing the energy and passion at that event gave them the green light to take freestyle wrestling to the mainstream spotlight.
Hogan: “This Could Be as Big as UFC or WWE”
Hogan isn’t shy about his ambitions — he believes Real American Freestyle has the potential to rival giants like WWE and UFC.
“That’s what I’m looking for,” he told TMZ.
“We’re coming in strong, and we’re coming to change the game.”
When and Where
- Event: Real American Freestyle Debut
- Date: August 30, 2025
- Location: Cleveland, Ohio
- Special Guests: Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff — and possibly Donald Trump
With its mix of raw talent, real competition, celebrity backing, and high-stakes storytelling, RAF might just become wrestling’s next big thing.
