Hulk Hogan's recent WWE comments were a work, legend says (Exclusive)

Hulk Hogan recently launched an amateur wrestling promotion with former WCW President Eric Bischoff and MMA coach Izzy Martinez. According to Hall of Famer Teddy Long, The Hulkster's headline-making remarks about WWE were likely a "work."

Bischoff, Hogan, and Martinez appeared on Fox & Friends on May 1 to discuss their Real American Freestyle (RAF) venture. Addressing the promotion's potential, Hogan claimed RAF could become "as big or bigger" than UFC and WWE one day.

Long appeared on Sportskeeda's The Wrestling Time Machine with reporter Bill Apter, legendary booker Dutch Mantell, and host Mac Davis. The conversation began with Apter dismissing Hogan's claim:

"With Eric Bischoff partnering with him with this amateur wrestling, if they want this to be bigger than WWE, it's not gonna happen. First of all, WWE is on Netflix, they're on USA [Network], they're all over the place. Unless, and Dutch, Teddy, and Mac, you know this, unless you have a product that can be seen by a zillion households, you're not gonna get close to WWE. Nothing's gonna get close to WWE." [1:05 – 1:35]

Responding to Apter, Long gave his opinion that Hogan probably made the bold statement to get people talking about RAF:

"Listen, guys, these guys know what they're doing will never be as big as WWE. They're working. Just pay attention. That's all you have to do. Us, we should know [when something is real]." [1:35 – 1:48]

Watch the video above to hear more from the panel about Becky Lynch badmouthing Hulk Hogan.

Dutch Mantell's take on Hulk Hogan's WWE claim

RAF advertises itself as an unscripted pro freestyle wrestling league. The organization has already recruited several wrestlers, while former UFC star Chael Sonnen will serve as a commentator and analyst.

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Like Teddy Long, Dutch Mantell does not think Hulk Hogan seriously believes RAF will ever reach the heights of UFC and WWE:

"Not no, but hell no. Nowhere even close. And Teddy's right, they're working, they found a mark to invest, and they're gonna go and thieve from it, and take as much out of it, and on the other end they'll say, 'Well, we tried,' while they're counting their money." [2:03 – 2:28]

Bill Apter also raised concerns about RAF's appeal. He thinks the amateur wrestling concept is "not gonna draw flies" and would be a bigger success if it revolved around professional wrestling.

Please credit Sportskeeda's The Wrestling Time Machine and embed the video if you use quotes from this article.

About the author

Danny Hart is a journalist who has been reporting on pro wrestling (WWE) at Sportskeeda since 2017. He grew up as a massive fan of football/soccer and wrestling, leading him to pursue a career in sports journalism.

Before assuming his current role, Hart worked as a football writer at Goal.com between 2009 and 2016. He prides himself on writing original content that is fact-based and highly accurate. Hart thoroughly proofreads his work before submitting it and relies only on credible sources for information.

Hart’s favorite pro wrestler is The Undertaker. He admires the 2022 WWE Hall of Famer’s ability to reinvent his character and remain relevant across his decades-long career. If given the keys to WWE’s creative department, he would bring back The Phenom for a farewell bout against AJ Styles in a stadium full of fans. Not only that, but he would love to have the multi-time world champion’s greatest rivals seated at ringside for the spectacle.

When not watching and covering sports, Hart enjoys long-distance running, playing video games, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts.

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Edited by Danny Hart