Dispute Over Hulk Hogan’s “Real American” Beer Sparks $10 Million Lawsuit

Executives behind professional wrestling icon Hulk Hogan are facing a $10 million lawsuit over his new “Real American Beer” brand, with allegations that the concept and branding were misappropriated from a previous business arrangement.

As first reported by The Independent, the lawsuit was filed by Carma HoldCo Inc., a cannabis and consumer product licensing company. The suit accuses two of its former executives - Chad Bronstein and Nicole Cosby - of stealing trade secrets and proprietary marketing plans to launch a rival beer venture under the name Rahm Inc., which is now producing Hogan’s beer.

Carma claims it had entered into a deal with Hogan in February 2023 to develop a beer brand using the name “Real American,” a reference to Hogan’s famous wrestling entrance music. According to the filing, the company had also partnered with members of the Busch beer family - August and Billy Busch - on the project, and created early designs for product lines like “All-American Lager” and “Patriot Pilsner” featuring Hogan’s likeness.

The lawsuit asserts that Bronstein, who was then Carma’s president and chairman, was closely involved in developing the brand and privy to confidential plans. After both Bronstein and Cosby left the company, they allegedly launched Rahm Inc., recruited Hogan, and proceeded with a nearly identical product rollout—without Carma’s consent or compensation.

“They violated their employment agreements by misappropriating and making use of proprietary information and marketing tactics and concepts,” Carma alleges in the lawsuit, as quoted by The Independent.

The suit also points to trademark applications filed by Rahm Inc. for “Real American Beer,” covering not only alcoholic beverages but merchandise like mugs and coolers. Carma is seeking $579,000 in restitution from Bronstein and Cosby, in addition to further damages, unpaid royalties, and a court injunction to block further use of the “Real American” brand.

This legal dispute could complicate the national rollout of Hogan’s beer, which he recently began promoting at events and in interviews. Neither Hogan nor Rahm Inc. has publicly commented on the lawsuit.

For more details, see the full report from The Independent.