Months after getting booed on Monday Evening Uncooked, Hulk Hogan is now launching his wrestling promotion, in a partnership with former WCW mastermind Eric Bischoff. To cement his latest period behind the professional wrestling curtain, the previous WWE legend shared the information with a black-and-white nWo-style promo video. Whereas the thought of the Hulkster returning to wrestling could evoke numerous reactions usually, one particular caveat has me most intrigued.
The Hulkster dropped a traditional black-and-white video with Bischoff in tow and famend wrestling coach Israel “Izzy” Martinez to announce the launch of Actual American Freestyle, which is able to heart on collegiate freestyle wrestling, surprisingly sufficient. Try the video under, which can have you ever rummaging by your closet in the hunt for that nWo shirt.
So, what’s Actual American Freestyle? Don’t be concerned, we now have a breakdown that is a bit of extra detailed than all of the non-contextual hype in that video. I can not say for certain if this out-of-the-blue information could have an even bigger influence on the sports-entertainment group than John Cena’s surprising heel flip, however Hogan and Bischoff have fanbases and connections that may’t be denied.
Actual American Freestyle Will Combine Professional Wrestling With Aggressive Sports activities
APNews reported extra particulars on what Actual American Freestyle is, and the gist for readers is it is NCAA-style collegiate freestyle wrestling that injects parts from the professional wrestling world. That is to say, the wrestlers signed can be competing within the ring, however as an alternative of performative physique slams and high-flying motion, the strikes would be the similar as these utilized by athletes in the highschool, school, and Olympic circuit.
The twist right here is that Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff intend to make the most of their understanding of the professional wrestling enterprise to reinforce the product in numerous methods. Hogan particularly talked about the charisma of the wrestlers he noticed whereas watching the NCAA Division I wrestling championships, so one can anticipate an even bigger push for individualized personalities, on prime of maybe crafting signature strikes.
My Massive Query: How Can Professional Wrestling Combine With Real Competitors With out Going Too Far In Both Course?
You needn’t watch Monday Evening Uncooked with a Netflix subscription to know that what the WWE does and what the NCAA does in wrestling are two very completely different merchandise. The query is, how does somebody like Hulk Hogan, who has had his personal share of actual wrestling moments, tow the road between professional wrestling theatrics and precise competitors?
Walkout music looks like an easy-enough factor to herald, and I am certain there can be a variety of smack discuss exchanged earlier than and after matches, although the latter sparks some issues.
As Charlotte Aptitude and Tiffany Stratton not too long ago showcased, there are occasions when even scripted WWE insults go off the rails, and there are harm emotions. Does leaning into that on a aggressive degree solely result in issues in Actual American Freestyle?
I feel it is one thing price desirous about, particularly with Hulk Hogan signaling this system will work with school athletes who’re on NIL offers. Granted, I do not suppose any of those younger adults could have a platform as topic to as a lot scrutiny as the primary occasion of WrestleMania 41, however it might be a disgrace to lose a contract with a college over some controversial feedback or actions.
Different combating organizations, just like the UFC, have shied away from injecting WWE-esque theatrics into the game. On the similar time, it is laborious to disclaim the Paul brothers influence on the game {of professional} boxing, as folks proceed to tune in after they troll former legends and take them on within the ring. Hulk Hogan could also be onto one thing with Actual American Freestyle, however we will solely wait and see the way it’ll end up.
Extra particulars on Actual American Freestyle are possible on the way in which, and we’ll see simply how a lot it mirrors skilled wrestling when it will get rolling. I am hoping for the perfect, and perhaps we’ll get the following Kurt Angle out of this promotion!