Kurt Angle joins Hulk Hogan & Eric Bischoff’s freestyle wrestling venture

Kurt Angle is linking up with Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff to play a role in their new freestyle wrestling venture.

It was announced today that Angle — a Hall of Famer in both amateur and pro wrestling — “will serve as live event commentator, analyst, and partner” for Real American Freestyle Wrestling, calling the promotion’s inaugural show alongside combat sports greats Chael Sonnen and Bubba Jenkins. The event is set to take place in Cleveland on August 30.

“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,” the Olympic gold medalist said in a press release. “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.”

The formation of Real American Freestyle was announced this April with Hogan, Bischoff, and wrestling coach Izzy Martinez leading the venture. The Wolstein Center in Cleveland is hosting the August 30 event.

“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 was quoted as saying. “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.”

Hogan has been experiencing health issues ahead of the Real American Freestyle launch, but his wife is denying rumors that he’s in grave condition. Sky Daily Hogan said her husband has been in and out of the hospital over the past six weeks as he recovers from neck fusion surgery.