WWE legends Hogan and Eric Bischoff raised $3.5 million just after launching the Tampa-based Real American Freestyle league in late April, per the Tampa Bay Business Journal. The unscripted league’s debut match is set for August 30, but it’s not clear how many fans will be watching the ring.
The Business Journal reported that as of last week, fewer than 400 tickets have been sold for the league’s debut at Cleveland’s Wolstein Center—which holds up to 13,000. A spokesperson for the league told the Business Journal that ticket sales have not lagged behind expectations. The league did not immediately respond to Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s request for updated ticket numbers.
While Hogan is the commissioner for the league, the debut will feature eight men’s matches and four women’s matches, with former and current collegiate athletes like University of Iowa’s Real Woods and retired MMA pro Darrion Caldwell facing off.
There will also be an appearance from Mexican-American Olympic athlete Austin Gomez and the 2024 Olympic gold medalist Sarah Hildebrandt.
Hogan, the 71-year-old WWE legend had one of the longest championship reigns and had the title belt for 1,474 days. After retiring in the early 2000s, he’s built an empire of everything from light beer to vapes to restaurants (RIP Pastamania.) Hogan’s Hangout is still open in Clearwater Beach.
His “Real American Beer”—endorsed by Trump and targeted to fellow MAGA followers—is RAF’s main sponsor as well as the official beer of the WWE.
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This article appears in Jun 26 – Jul 2, 2025.