Hulk Hogan announces Real American Freestyle wrestling league, will serve as commissioner

“When I saw that happen and I saw our President hug him, I went, OK, we are on point, we’re ready to go and instincts have prevailed and I smell victory,” Hogan said. “I think we’re right on track, brother. Dude, they’ve all got that edge, These kids are young, they’re smart. They’re watching TV. They know about branding, they know what sells. And they’ve all got that little Conor McGregor swag.”

Hogan didn’t confirm if Hendrickson and Steveson would run their match back in this league though. However, he didn’t exactly deny it either! The AP reported Hogan’s eyes lit up when thinking about another match between the two.

“How much can we say,” Hogan asked his advisors. “It’s on the radar.”

Hendrickson just won the US Open at 125 KG and will await the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament winner at Final X in June. Final X is where the World Team spots are determined for men and women.

Steveson, who won the Gold Medal at the 2021 Olympics, returned to collegiate wrestling this year for one final season, finishing 2nd. He did not compete at the US Open and it is currently unknown if he’ll make a run for this year’s World Team.

Because of name, image and likeness deals, current college wrestlers will be able to participate, though Hogan said the league won’t interfere with college, national and international competitions on the wrestling calendar.

“I see this as an opportunity for me to get involved,” Hogan said, “to get back, quit sitting on the couch, to get involved with a bunch of powerful athletes that I can relate to as far as championship material, guys that are on top of their game, and I just — I couldn’t pass on it.”

Hogan added on the women’s side of things, he envisions Iowa star Kennedy Blades to be the face of the women’s division. The 2025 collegiate national champion won a Silver Medal at the Paris Olympics last summer. Blades spoke with On3 this week about her journey and chase for Olympic Gold.

Not only that, Hogan already confirmed 2025 US Open champion and former Arizona State NCAA champion Zahid Valencia will participate. To add some names and legends, two-time NCAA champion and former MMA champion Ben Askren (Missouri) agreed as well.