Hulk Hogan Claims Real American Freestyle Wrestling Could Be as Big as WWE and UFC

Hulk Hogan is going all-in on his next big project—and according to the WWE Hall of Famer, it’s not just another wrestling company. In a new interview with TMZ Sports, Hogan said his new venture, Real American Freestyle Wrestling, has the potential to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with two of the biggest names in combat sports.

“When I think about the UFC and the WWE, we’re not competitive at all with these guys, but we have a chance to be just as big as them,” Hogan claimed. “So, that’s what I’m looking for because everybody loves the, you know, the wrestling, the freestyle wrestling.”

The debut show is set for August 30 in Cleveland, Ohio, and Hogan insists it’s more than just another wrestling card. The concept blends Olympic-style freestyle wrestling with reality TV-style storytelling to create what Hogan says is a next-level product. “What we’re going to do is kind of like shoot these packages so that you care about the athletes. Kind of like The Voice, where if you’re wrestling, brother, we’re going to find out why you started,” he explained.

Hogan gave examples of how the show will highlight real-life struggles and backstories to build emotional investment in the competitors. “We had no idea you came from a broken home. We had no idea that your brother committed suicide. We had no idea that you’re an honor student in college… so by the time these wrestlers come out, you’re going to actually be vested in these athletes.”

And while he once doubted if amateur wrestlers could draw attention, Hogan says he’s been proven wrong. “They all got that Conor McGregor swagger. They’ve been watching TV. They’ve been watching the wrestling. They know how to run their mouths. They know what branding is all about.”

It’s not just about the showmanship either. Hogan revealed that some athletes could be looking at “seven-digit” earnings, factoring in pay, merchandise, and licensing. “We’re getting ready to roll, brother,” he said.

Hogan also teased a possible appearance from Donald Trump at the first show, saying, “I’m gonna make a special phone call… I might know somebody. I’d say so. Yeah—the big man himself.”

With Hogan swinging big and promising a fresh take on wrestling, all eyes are now on Cleveland this August.

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