Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the television or streaming home for Hulk Hogan’s new wrestling venture, Real American Freestyle. The promotion’s viability could hinge on which report proves to be accurate. The news about the TV deal claim was reported on by Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
The Initial Claim
According to comments made by Izzy Martinez, who is involved with the promotion, Real American Freestyle has secured a major broadcast deal. “Izzy Martinez said this past week that Real American Freestyle has gotten a broadcast deal with FOX,” Meltzer wrote in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. “He said FOX, not FS1, and said broadcast and not cable or streaming.”
A deal with the main FOX broadcast network would be a massive success for a startup promotion, providing significant exposure and potential revenue. Martinez also claimed that because of Hogan’s name and the reported broadcast deal, “more investors have come on board.”
The Conflicting Report
However, a conflicting report from combat sports insider Brian McMahon suggests the deal is for a much smaller platform. Meltzer wrote, “Combat sports insider Brian McMahon said to us the deal was with Fox Nation, Fox News’ streaming app. That’s obviously a gigantic difference. It’s also far easier to believe.”
The report notes the difficulty of securing a major paid media rights deal for an unproven sport, citing the failures of past football leagues run by Vince McMahon and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. “Nobody can make something work on just live gate money,” the report adds, emphasizing the need for a strong media deal for the promotion to be a viable long-term business.
Adding another layer to the story, it was also reported that UFC fighter and three-time NCAA wrestling champion Bo Nickal has signed with Real American Freestyle and will be under contract to both companies. As of today, an official announcement regarding the broadcast or streaming partner for the new promotion has not been made.
