UPDATED: The original version of this article said FOX Nation President Lauren Petterson confirmed that RAF would continue. That was inaccurate and we have corrected that below.
ORIGINAL: FOX Nation will move forward with the streaming of “Real American Freestyle,” the new wrestling league co-founded by Hulk Hogan, despite the legendary superstar’s sudden passing. According to a report from TMZ, the series will air as originally planned, now serving as a tribute to Hogan’s final project and enduring legacy.
The news comes on the heels of Hogan’s shocking death on Thursday morning. Medics were dispatched to the WWE icon’s home in Clearwater, Florida, for a “cardiac arrest.”
A source confirmed with TMZ the decision to continue with the series. The debut event, titled ‘RAF01,’ is scheduled to stream on August 30th from the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio. A second event is also slated for the fall.
“This League is Part of His Legacy”
“Real American Freestyle” CEO and Co-Founder Chad Bronstein also released a heartfelt statement, emphasizing Hogan’s passion for the project and the company’s intention to honor his vision.
“We lost our Commissioner. We lost a friend. And the sport of wrestling lost one of its greatest champions, not just in the ring, but in spirit,” Bronstein said. “Hulk Hogan believed wrestling was more than just entertainment. He saw it as a brotherhood, a proving ground and a platform for greatness. That’s what Real American Freestyle was built to be, a new stage for the toughest, most passionate athletes on Earth. And Hulk was at the center of it.”
Bronstein detailed Hogan’s deep involvement in building the new league from the ground up. “From day one, he threw his weight behind this league. He met with athletes. He watched tape, shared stories, and showed up like only he could. RAF was personal to him, something bigger than all of us,” he continued. “This league is part of his legacy, and we intend to honor it.”
The new promotion was a major focus for Hogan in the final months of his life. The partnership with FOX Nation was seen as a significant step in launching the new brand, which aims to present freestyle wrestling as a mainstream combat sport. Hogan’s involvement was considered the key to the entire venture, making the decision to move forward a testament to his impact and the team’s dedication to his vision.
