WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle is set to take on a new role, joining Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff’s new company, Real American Freestyle, as a live event commentator, analyst, and partner. The announcement on July 17 confirms Angle’s significant involvement in the new wrestling organization.
Angle will make his debut in the commentary booth for the promotion’s first event, RAF01, on August 30 in Cleveland, Ohio. He will be part of a three-person team alongside combat sports personalities Chael Sonnen and Bubba Jenkins.
The move brings one of the most decorated wrestlers in history into the fold of the new venture. Hulk Hogan, the Commissioner of Real American Freestyle, commented on the addition of the legendary figure.
“Kurt Angle is a living legend. He’s achieved every accomplishment he could in wrestling, so it makes sense that he’s partnering with Real American Freestyle as we actively change the name of the game across the sport,” Hogan said. “Kurt will provide fire, infamy, and unparalleled experience to the commentary and analysis of our live events. We couldn’t be more excited to have him on the Real American team.”
Angle, whose career successfully bridged the worlds of amateur and professional wrestling, also expressed his enthusiasm for the project.
“I grew up freestyle wrestling, and achieved the highest level of success in the sport. I couldn’t be prouder to support athletes at all levels of their careers and partner with Real American Freestyle to make it happen,” Angle stated. “Chael and Bubba will bring a unique aspect to their analysis given their own backgrounds in combat sports, and I’m excited to join them for RAF01 to bring freestyle wrestling to audiences around the world.”
Angle’s participation lends immediate and immense credibility to the unscripted freestyle format that the company is promoting. His background is unique, having won two NCAA Division I championships and a gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 1996 Olympic Games before embarking on a Hall of Fame career in professional wrestling. He is the only person to have held the WWE Championship, WCW Championship, TNA World Heavyweight Championship, IWGP Heavyweight Championship, and an NCAA Wrestling Championship, making him singularly qualified to analyze the product Real American Freestyle aims to present.