Donald Trump’s connections with the world of professional wrestling date back decades, creating a powerful narrative that continues to shape his public persona. Donald Trump first became associated with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in the late 1980s when his Atlantic City hotel hosted consecutive WrestleMania events. This partnership with WWE founder Vince McMahon brought Donald Trump into the spotlight of a passionate fanbase, many of whom admired his bold and brash business persona.
The pinnacle of Donald Trump’s WWE involvement came in 2007 during the highly publicized “Battle of the Billionaires,” where Trump faced off against McMahon in a scripted rivalry that culminated in a wrestler representing each man in a match at WrestleMania 23. The event was a massive success, cementing Trump’s status as a showman who knew how to draw crowds. It also introduced him to a type of audience he continues to court as he campaigns for the 2024 presidential election.
Why WWE Endorsements Matter to Donald Trump’s Campaign
As Donald Trump vies for a return to the White House, he is leveraging his celebrity status and tapping into a unique base of support from the WWE universe. At the Republican National Convention, wrestling legend Hulk Hogan made headlines by endorsing Trump with a spectacle reminiscent of his wrestling days, wearing a Trump 2024 shirt and chanting his iconic phrase, “Let Trumpamania run wild, brother!” This was more than just an endorsement; it was a targeted effort to engage wrestling fans who might otherwise disengage from political discourse.
In recent weeks, Donald Trump has strategically appeared on platforms connected to WWE personalities, including an interview with Tyrus and an hour-long podcast with Mark Calaway, better known as “The Undertaker.” These appearances highlight Trump’s campaign strategy of bypassing traditional media outlets to engage directly with a specific demographic—young men and apolitical individuals—who are more likely to tune into wrestling podcasts and social media content.
The WWE Influence: Wrestling’s Role in Trump’s Public Persona
Trump’s relationship with WWE goes beyond simple celebrity cameos; it reflects a deeper connection to the spectacle of wrestling, where the line between fiction and reality blurs. Author Abraham Josephine Riesman, in her book Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America, argues that Trump’s rise in politics mirrors the art of professional wrestling—where emotion is elevated through hyperbole and characters are larger than life. This approach allows Trump to play the role of both hero and villain, engaging audiences with a mix of truth, lies, and exaggerated rhetoric.
Riesman further notes that Trump’s appeal lies in his ability to turn political discourse into entertainment, much like a WWE match. His speeches often evoke the same crowd-pleasing tactics used in wrestling, where fans are encouraged to take sides passionately. However, Riesman also warns of the potential danger in this approach, as it shifts politics away from policies and principles, making it more about personal identification with a larger-than-life character.
Diverging Opinions from WWE Stars on Trump’s Candidacy
While Trump’s association with WWE has brought him endorsements from major wrestling icons like Hulk Hogan, not all WWE personalities are supportive of his 2024 bid. Former wrestler Dave Bautista, known in the ring as “The Animal,” publicly mocked Trump in a recent viral advertisement, calling him “a weak, tubby toddler” and questioning the narrative that Trump is a “tough guy.” Bautista’s critique points to a broader division within the wrestling community, where not all see Trump as the embodiment of strength or leadership.
Despite these differing opinions, Trump’s connection to WWE remains a key component of his campaign strategy. By aligning with figures from a world that thrives on spectacle and drama, Trump taps into a specific voter base that values entertainment and charisma over traditional political decorum. As the 2024 election draws nearer, it is clear that Trump’s WWE past will continue to play a significant role in his efforts to capture the presidency once again
