Full Breakdown
Real American Freestyle Launches with Tribute to Hulk Hogan
9/1/2025, 9:11:21 PM
Inaugural Event Highlights
Real American Freestyle (RAF) held its debut event, RAF01, on August 30, 2025, at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The event was co-founded by the late wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, alongside Eric Bischoff, Chad Bronstein, and Izzy Martinez. Despite Hogan's passing from a heart attack in July 2025, the event served as a tribute to his legacy, featuring pre-recorded voice-overs and a heartfelt acknowledgment by his son, Nick Hogan. Nick described his father as “an icon, a mentor, my father, and my best friend,” emphasizing Hogan's lasting impact on the sports entertainment industry.
The event attracted over 12,000 attendees, significantly surpassing initial expectations of around 3,000. The positive reception was bolstered by strong ticket sales in the final days leading up to the event. RAF aims to host monthly events, with plans for RAF02 already underway.
Event Results and Notable Matches
RAF01 showcased a series of competitive matches, including eight championship bouts across various weight classes. Key results included:
- Nathan Tomasello defeated Matt Ramos to become the Bantamweight World Champion.
- Yianni Diakomihalis won the Lightweight title against Bajrang Punia.
- Wyatt Hendrickson triumphed over Mostafa Elders with a decisive 14-1 victory to claim the Heavyweight Championship.
Other notable performances included Kyle Dake, who dominated Dean Hamiti, and Bo Nickal, who secured a win against Jacob Cardenas for the Light Heavyweight Championship.
Official Statements & Responses
Eric Bischoff, serving as RAF's Chief Media Officer, expressed his commitment to realizing Hogan's vision for the promotion, stating, “He thought big, and he wanted to move fast. We’re gonna make Hulk proud.” The event was described as an “exhilarating experience, packed with action and an immersive show atmosphere,” aligning with the promotion's goal to elevate freestyle wrestling beyond traditional collegiate settings.
Criticism & Opposition
While the event was largely celebrated, some critics noted the challenges of transitioning freestyle wrestling into a more entertainment-focused format. Concerns were raised about maintaining the integrity of the sport while appealing to a broader audience.
Upcoming Events and Future Plans
Following the success of RAF01, plans for RAF02 are already in motion, with a tentative date and location to be announced soon. The promotion aims to continue its partnership with FOX Nation for future broadcasts and is exploring opportunities for a weekly series in 2026. Additionally, Tito Ortiz issued a challenge to Chael Sonnen during the event, setting the stage for a potential matchup in the upcoming show.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Hulk, to me, is an icon, a mentor, my father, and my best friend. [He was] a force in the sports entertainment industry that will live forever.” — Nick Hogan
- “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.” — Eric Bischoff
Real American Freestyle's inaugural event not only honored Hulk Hogan's legacy but also marked a significant step in the evolution of professional wrestling, blending competitive sport with entertainment.
