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Pro wrestling icons Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff are joining forces with renowned coach Izzy Martinez to unveil Real American Freestyle. Their mission is to elevate the sport of freestyle wrestling to a wider audience, capitalizing on its increasing popularity across the United States.
Both Hogan and Bischoff are celebrated figures in the wrestling world. They previously electrified audiences during their tenure in World Championship Wrestling by creating the New World Order, a faction that dominated the ratings against the then-World Wrestling Federation for over 80 consecutive weeks. This new initiative signifies a merger of their storytelling prowess and passion for competitive wrestling.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Hogan expressed excitement about the venture. As he and his business partner Chad Bronstein explored the potential for a larger platform for freestyle wrestling, they discovered an appetite for live sports within the broadcast arena. Hogan stated, “As we started digging around, we found the athletes were very interested. We discovered a vital partnership with influential figures in the NCAA wrestling scene, including a gold medalist coach, and decided to move forward with our vision.”
Recognizing the need for expertise in production and television, Hogan reached out to Bischoff, who boasts a background in both sports entertainment and wrestling. Bischoff reflected on their past successes, saying, “We’ve had a lot of success together. We’ve faced challenges, but ultimately, our relationship has grown stronger through it all. When you have that kind of bond in business, it sets the stage for something incredible. This collaboration is an exciting new chapter for us.”
Bischoff emphasized the untapped potential of amateur wrestling in America. He pointed out that the women’s division is currently expanding more rapidly than the men’s, highlighting the sport’s overall growth. He noted, “Amateur wrestling is an incredibly popular sport, yet it lacks a professional league that allows these gifted athletes to develop their skills in the same way as their peers in other sports. These athletes are extraordinary individuals who embody dedication and discipline, but this sport remains underserved. It requires a distinctive type of mindset to thrive in this rigorous environment.”
The duo plans to showcase amateur wrestlers in unprecedented ways, providing exposure that the sport has historically lacked. Hogan and Bischoff sparked intrigue in the wrestling community just before announcing Real American Freestyle by performing a nostalgic NWO vignette and hinting at a surprise partner. This partner turned out to be Martinez.
Izzy Martinez is celebrated as one of the most accomplished wrestling coaches in the United States. His impressive track record includes a flawless 27-0 record in the 157-pound division at North Idaho College, along with coaching several NCAA All-Americans and UFC stars such as Holly Holm, Yair Rodriguez, and Jon Jones. Martinez expressed pride in the team’s efforts, stating, “I’ve dedicated my life to wrestling as both an athlete and a coach and I could not be prouder of what the Real American Freestyle team has accomplished. Previously, wrestlers lacked the opportunity to pursue professional careers due to insufficient funding and attention. This league will create a platform for athletes to grow their skills, build their brands, and establish their legacies.”
Real American Freestyle not only aims to illuminate the world of amateur wrestling but also benefits from diverse backing, including Left Lane Capital. This kind of sponsorship is unprecedented in freestyle wrestling leagues. Hogan’s beverage brand, Real American Beer, also stands as a sponsor, further solidifying the initiative’s credibility and outreach.
The league recently made headlines when a study revealed that wrestling had the highest percentage of athletes among major high school sports for both boys and girls. This growing interest signifies a promising foundation for Real American Freestyle.
Additionally, notable figures, including former President Donald Trump, have taken an interest in the sport. In March, Trump attended the NCAA championships in Philadelphia, where he witnessed Wyatt Hendrickson’s shocking upset over the celebrated Gable Steveson. Hogan mentioned that Trump has a standing invitation to the league’s inaugural event, scheduled for August 30 in Cleveland, stating, “We really hope he comes. It was heartwarming to see him support American athletes and celebrate their victories.”
Both Hogan and Bischoff agree that the timing is ideal for launching Real American Freestyle as they seek to tap into an underserved audience. By blending their extensive experience in sports entertainment with their passion for wrestling, they hope to bring fresh attention to a sport that deserves recognition.
The Road Ahead for Real American Freestyle
Real American Freestyle is poised to create a significant impact in the wrestling community. By integrating the elements of professional sports and providing a platform for amateur wrestlers, this league could change the landscape of competitive wrestling. The commitment of Hogan, Bischoff, and Martinez sets a new precedent, one that holds the potential to inspire the next generation of wrestlers and fans alike.
