RAF Pays Tribute to Hulk Hogan with WWE Support: First Event

RAF and WWE Pay Tribute to Hulk Hogan

Real American Freestyle (RAF) Wrestling has joined forces with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) for a moving tribute video to the late commissioner Hulk Hogan, which will air as part of its inaugural event this Saturday. Hogan, recognized for catapulting the then World Wrestling Federation to fame in the 1980s, passed away on July 24 at the age of 71. The event, which will take place at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, will be broadcast via FOX Nation. A few months ago, Hogan shared his enthusiasm with The Associated Press about RAF, his new company co-founded with Chad Bronstein. Bronstein, also CEO of RAF, stated that Hogan’s influence will remain a fundamental part of the company.

“I was super proud. He’s been a great friend, mentor, and business partner. And his voice will be very… this league will devise unique ways to incorporate it.”

Chad Bronstein

RAF and WWE maintain a cordial relationship. Real American Beer, the main sponsor of RAF, is 10% owned by WWE and was also co-founded by Bronstein.

“We are not competing with them. They support us a lot. There is no competition because they are two totally different groups. The same goes for the UFC: we are not competition”.

Chad Bronstein

Kurt Angle, American Olympic gold medalist and one of the biggest WWE stars in the early 2000s, will provide commentary. Bronstein revealed that Hogan suggested involving Angle. Former WWE manager Jimmy Hart and former world champion John Layfield will also participate in Saturday’s event. Wyatt Hendrickson will face Mostafa Aly Elsayed Gabr Elders from Egypt in the main event. Other men’s matches include Bo Nickal vs. Jacob Cardenas; Yianni Diakomihalis vs. Bajrang Punia; Darrion Caldwell vs. Real Woods; and Austin Gomez vs. Lance Palmer. The scheduled women’s matches are Kennedy Blades vs. Alejandra Rivera and Sarah Hildebrandt vs. Zeltzin Hernandez.