Kurt Angle, a WWE legend and Olympic gold medalist, recently spoke about his negotiations with the late Hulk Hogan, which were ongoing when Hogan sadly passed away earlier this year. In a candid interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Angle shared insights into their discussions regarding Hogan’s new wrestling promotion, Real American Freestyle Wrestling.
Initial Negotiations: Turning Down the Offer
Kurt Angle revealed that he initially turned down Hulk Hogan’s offer to join Real American Freestyle Wrestling. According to Angle, Hogan approached him with a proposal that seemed intriguing, but the financial terms were not quite right. “Hogan said, ‘Listen, we can make this thing really big, but I need you to be a part of the team.’ However, when he made the initial offer, I thought it was a bit low,” Angle recalled. Hogan’s response was that they couldn’t increase the offer at that time, leading Angle to decline the opportunity.
However, this was not the end of their negotiations. Angle admitted to being a huge fan of Hogan and was excited about potentially working together. The prospect of joining forces with a wrestling icon like Hogan was tempting, but the financial aspect needed to align with Angle’s expectations.
The Evolution of the Negotiations
Over time, Angle and Hogan continued to discuss the possibility of working together. Angle hinted at the potential for growth and the excitement around Real American Freestyle Wrestling, which was launched in May by Hogan and Eric Bischoff. Despite the initial setback, it seems that Hogan and Angle were making progress in their negotiations.
As Angle noted, the vision for Real American Freestyle Wrestling was ambitious, with Hogan emphasizing that together, they could make it a significant success. This shared vision likely played a role in Angle reconsidering his involvement, as he eventually agreed to join the promotion as a commentator.
The Impact of Hulk Hogan’s Passing
Tragedy struck when Hulk Hogan passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71. Despite this devastating loss, the first event of Real American Freestyle Wrestling went ahead in August as a tribute to the WWE Hall of Famer. Kurt Angle, who had by then agreed to be part of the promotion, was in attendance and reflected on the significance of Hogan’s legacy.
According to a source close to the promotion, Hogan’s passing was a significant setback, but his vision for Real American Freestyle Wrestling continues to inspire the team. “Hulk would have wanted us to keep pushing forward,” the source said. “His legacy is what drives us to make this promotion a success.”
Moving Forward with Real American Freestyle Wrestling
As Real American Freestyle Wrestling prepares for its second event on October 25, Kurt Angle remains committed to his role as a commentator. The event will be a continuation of the tribute to Hulk Hogan, and Angle’s involvement is seen as a testament to the enduring bond between Hogan and the wrestling community.
Kurt Angle’s involvement in the promotion not only reflects his respect for Hogan but also highlights his belief in the potential of Real American Freestyle Wrestling. Despite the challenges faced following Hogan’s passing, the promotion is moving forward with its plans, including a future event in Chicago.
In light of Hogan’s passing, his widow, Sky Daily, has been considering legal action related to his final surgery, which she claims may have contributed to his death. However, these matters do not seem to be directly impacting the operations of Real American Freestyle Wrestling.
Kurt Angle’s Enduring Respect for Hulk Hogan
Throughout his career, Kurt Angle has held a deep respect for Hulk Hogan, both as a wrestler and as a person. Their discussions about Real American Freestyle Wrestling were not just business negotiations; they also reflected a mutual admiration for each other’s contributions to the world of professional wrestling.
“I was always a huge fan of Hulk Hogan,” Angle reminisced during his interview. “Getting to wrestle him was a highlight of my career.” This sentiment is echoed by many in the wrestling community, who remember Hogan not only for his legendary matches but also for his charisma and dedication to the sport.
In conclusion, Kurt Angle’s reflections on his unfinished business with Hulk Hogan offer a glimpse into the close relationship between two wrestling legends. Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding Hogan’s passing, his legacy continues to inspire not just Angle but the entire wrestling community.
Key Points:
- Kurt Angle Initially Turned Down Hulk Hogan’s Offer: Angle declined due to financial discrepancies but remained open to future negotiations.
- Continued Negotiations: Despite initial setbacks, Angle and Hogan continued discussing potential involvement in Real American Freestyle Wrestling.
- Impact of Hulk Hogan’s Passing: The event went ahead as a tribute to Hogan, with Angle participating as a commentator.
- Future Plans: Real American Freestyle Wrestling is moving forward with upcoming events, including a tribute to Hogan’s legacy.