A seismic shift is underway in the American wrestling scene. It’s packing Olympic pedigree and pro wrestling flair. The Real American Freestyle league has erupted onto the scene, and its newest signings are nothing short of monumental. Olympic medalists Kyle Snyder, Kyle Dake, and Aaron Brooks are the headliners of a jaw-dropping roster reveal, and sitting at the peak of it all? none other than Hulk Hogan! After all, he is the league’s commissioner!

The Tampa-based organization came to be when Hogan, Eric Bischoff, and coach Izzy Martinez, joined heads with one unified mission, catapulting wrestling into ever greater popularity. Launched last week, the league is gearing up for its first-ever event on August 30 in Cleveland. With a star-powered roster and the unmistakable energy of its 12-time world champion figurehead Hogan, Real American Freestyle is charging into the spotlight. And it’s doing so with the best in the business! But that hasn’t come without some backlashes. 

While Hulk Hogan has been pretty enthusiastic about his new venture, his role is deemed misfit by the community. Renowned names like Jim Cornette mentioned that Hogan has negligible credibility in proper amateur wrestling. He also pointed out that during his ‘Hulkamania’ days, Hogan was able to popularize his style. But it offended a lot of talents on the WWE roster. Surely, these are some stumbling blocks for Hogan to overcome. But thankfully, it hasn’t stopped the big names from coming in.

At the center of the league’s aggressive talent grab is Kyle Snyder, the powerhouse known as ‘Captain America’. A 2016 Olympic gold medalist and silver winner in Tokyo, Snyder brings elite-level experience and patriotic appeal. He’s the only wrestler in history to capture an NCAA, world, and Olympic title in the same year. And did so as the youngest ever. Snyder’s high school record is just as unbelievable, 179-0! His three NCAA championships at Ohio State and three world titles set the gold standard, and now he’s bringing that same intensity to the mat under Hogan’s watch.

Joining him is Kyle Dake, a four-time world champion who also owns two Olympic bronze medals. Dake’s dominance at Cornell, where he won four national titles, marked him as one of the most versatile and technically sound grapplers of his generation. Alongside him stands Aaron Brooks, who just took bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics after clinching four NCAA titles at Penn State. These aren’t just additions. They’re a statement.

Rounding out the initial wave of signings are David Carr and Trent Hidlay. Carr, a two-time national champion for Iowa State and a former U20 world champ, adds further glory. Hidlay, a four-time All-American and four-time ACC champion from N.C. State brings relentless grit, even though a national title eluded him.

With Real American Freestyle building fast and aiming high, all eyes now turn to Cleveland. Hogan’s larger-than-life presence, paired with a lineup of America’s most decorated amateur wrestlers, gives the league immediate credibility and star power. If the mission was to create a new era for U.S. freestyle wrestling, this is the thunderous first step. Meanwhile, with all the sparkling additions underway, Hulk Hogan is, quite expectedly, looking overly elated. 

Hulk Hogan steps into the freestyle ring to build a legacy beyond the spotlight

Hulk Hogan is clearly onto something. And now, he’s not just talking about body slams and leg drops. The wrestling legend has turned his attention to a new kind of ring: freestyle wrestling. With his signature intensity, Hogan is throwing his weight behind Real American Freestyle, a bold initiative to transform the landscape of amateur wrestling by giving its athletes the kind of stage they’ve never had before.

“These are unique athletes,” said Eric Bischoff, Hogan’s longtime collaborator, as they teamed up once again. However, this time, they have joined hands with the vision of building a professional league for freestyle wrestling. For Hogan, the mission is crystal clear. To elevate the sport and its stars. Hogan himself declared, “David, Kyle, Aaron, Trent, and Kyle represent the best of the best, and that’s who we’re targeting for Real American Freestyle.” He’s not just naming names—he’s setting a gold standard. His words carry a message of ambition, legacy, and pride. He added, “Our goal is to give these athletes an opportunity to continue their careers, create a platform for greatness, and inspire a legacy that lasts.”

Hogan’s passion goes beyond nostalgia or branding. This is personal. He sees wrestling’s untapped potential and the relentless drive of those who give their all without the national spotlight. In his eyes, this isn’t just about building a league. Rather, it’s about honoring a grind few understand. And with Hogan at the helm, the fight for freestyle’s mainstream moment just got very real.