WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff Details Future Plans for Real American Freestyle
WWE Hall of Famer and Real American Freestyle (RAF) Chief Media Officer Eric Bischoff is buzzing with excitement following the promotion’s successful debut event, RAF 01, on August 30, 2025. In recent interviews, the former WCW executive revealed ambitious plans to expand RAF into a weekly television staple, integrate gambling partnerships, and attract high-profile talent, all while honoring the legacy of co-founder Hulk Hogan.
RAF’s Debut: A Tribute to Hulk Hogan and a Strong Launch
Real American Freestyle, a unscripted freestyle wrestling league co-founded by Bischoff, the late Hulk Hogan, and Chad Bronstein, made its mark with RAF 01 in Cleveland, Ohio. The event streamed live on Fox Nation and drew 3,299 attendees, featuring Olympic-level athletes like Bo Nickal, Kyle Dake, Kennedy Blades, and Sarah Hildebrandt across eight men’s and four women’s weight classes. It also served as a heartfelt tribute to Hogan, who passed away in July 2025 at age 71 and was slated to be RAF’s commissioner.
Bischoff, speaking on his “83 Weeks” podcast and in interviews with The Hollywood Reporter and Wrestling Inc., described the debut as “one of—if not the—most successful events that [Fox has] done so far in 2025.” A WWE-produced tribute video aired during the show, and Hogan’s son, Nick, made an appearance. Bischoff noted that WWE President Nick Khan personally reached out post-event, saying, “Hey, man, solid event—awesome, great job.” Bischoff felt Hogan’s presence, stating, “He was here with me” in spirit.
Backed by Left Lane Capital—the same investors behind ventures like the Kings League and Snow League—RAF aims to bridge amateur freestyle wrestling with professional entertainment, giving athletes a platform beyond the Olympics.
Background: From Announcement to Execution Amid Tragedy
RAF was announced in April 2025 by Bischoff, Hogan, and wrestling coach Izzy Martinez, with the inaugural event set for August 30 in Cleveland. Hogan’s sudden death in July prompted a statement from RAF affirming the league’s commitment to continue, emphasizing his vision of wrestling as a “brotherhood” and “proving ground.” Bischoff, taking on a larger role as Chief Media Officer, has overseen production, crediting the commentary team of Kurt Angle, Chael Sonnen, and Bubba Jenkins for enhancing the broadcast.
The debut featured last-minute additions, including a former UFC fighter, and Bischoff called it “the most fun thing I’ve ever done,” likening the post-event high to “the television producer’s equivalent of an after-sex cigarette.” Early broadcasting talks with Fox Nation secured the debut, and Bischoff revealed discussions with two major streaming platforms in May 2025.
Bischoff’s Vision: Weekly TV Series and Expansion Strategies
Bischoff’s future plans center on scaling RAF into a sustainable entertainment product. On “83 Weeks,” he announced a “weekly, two-hour live Real American Freestyle series” launching in the first quarter of 2026—52 weeks a year. Described as a “scaled-down version” of the debut, the show would air on Saturdays to avoid NFL conflicts and competing wrestling programs like WWE on Mondays and Fridays or AEW on Wednesdays.
Negotiations are underway with Fox (including Fox One) and other networks, with Bischoff optimistic: “I really think there’s a market for it, and it’s a big part of our future.” The next event, RAF 02, is set for November 8, 2025, at Penn State’s Rec Hall, featuring a match between MMA legends Tito Ortiz and Chael Sonnen.
Long-term, Bischoff envisions merchandise deals and building an “empire,” potentially hosting premium events in cities like Boston. He also teased recruiting former WWE stars, including Gable Steveson for his Olympic credentials and a potential rematch with Wyatt Hendrickson, and Matt Riddle, who confirmed talks with Bischoff for a future appearance.
Expert Insights and Fan Reactions: Excitement Builds for RAF’s Growth
Wrestling insiders praise RAF’s potential. PWTorch’s Greg Parks reviewed the debut positively in his “Outloud!” podcast, noting its appeal even to freestyle novices. Bischoff compared the launch to starting WCW, highlighting similarities in building from scratch.
Fans on X (formerly Twitter) are enthusiastic, with posts hyping the weekly series and talent teases. However, some skepticism exists, like one user calling it “dead” amid clickbait concerns. Overall, reactions celebrate the Hogan tribute and RAF’s fresh take on wrestling, with calls for more events.
Bischoff teased Kurt Angle’s possible in-ring return for RAF 02, saying, “It would be extremely exciting if he did,” despite health concerns. Angle, an Olympic gold medalist and RAF commentator, embodies the league’s blend of amateur roots and pro appeal.
Impact on U.S. Readers: Boosting Wrestling’s Evolution and Athlete Opportunities
For American sports fans, RAF represents a revival of freestyle wrestling, offering Olympic stars like Nickal (a UFC contender) a pro platform post-college or international competition. Economically, the weekly series could generate jobs in production and events, with gambling integration—potentially via DraftKings—tapping into the $10 billion U.S. sports betting market. Bischoff sees it exciting MMA audiences, as “wrestling is probably the most important foundation of MMA.”
Lifestyle-wise, it promotes athletic diversity, inspiring youth in wrestling programs amid WWE’s dominance. Politically neutral, RAF ties into tech via streaming on Fox Nation, enhancing accessibility. For sports enthusiasts, crossovers like Sonnen vs. Ortiz blend MMA and wrestling, while teases of Angle or Steveson could draw WWE crowds to freestyle events.
Conclusion: RAF’s Path to Weekly Stardom and Lasting Legacy
Eric Bischoff’s detailed plans position Real American Freestyle as a groundbreaking venture, evolving from a successful debut into a 2026 weekly TV series with gambling ties and star power. Despite Hogan’s absence, Bischoff’s passion ensures the league honors his vision, potentially transforming freestyle wrestling into mainstream entertainment.
Looking ahead, RAF 02 in November will test momentum, but with network talks advancing and talent like Angle in play, the future looks bright. For U.S. fans, RAF promises authentic athleticism and fresh stories, bridging wrestling’s past and future.