The WEIRD Influence of Donald Trump on WWE
You might roll your eyes, but it’s undeniable: Donald Trump has a strange (and pretty deep) connection with WWE. But no, he didn’t step into the ring to throw a suplex on anyone. The whole thing was way more strategic – and theatrical.
And that’s why today we’re talking about how the former U.S. president basically became a character in the pro wrestling universe, and how that role (brace yourself!) helped shape the very way he built his political career.
It all started with business and glamour…
Back in the ’80s and ’90s, WWE (then WWF) was on its way to becoming the top dog in sports entertainment. And who else but the egocentric, ambitious Donald Trump to spot a golden opportunity?
WrestleMania 4 and 5 were held at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, in a win-win deal: WWE got a luxurious venue with reduced costs, while Trump used the event to promote his casinos and his image as a powerful “man of the people” tycoon.
Fun fact: Trump was in the front row, surrounded by celebrities, grinning like he owned the ring. More than just showing up, he was playing a role – and learning.
Fast forward to 2007. WWE cooked up one of the most ridiculous (and hilarious) storylines in its history.
Trump and Vince McMahon picked wrestlers to fight on their behalf, and the loser had to shave their head. Yep, you read that right.
Bobby Lashley on Team Trump vs Umaga on Team Vince. The referee? None other than Stone Cold Steve Austin – because, why not? And of course, we all knew how this would end. There was no way Trump was walking out bald. So Vince took the L and got his head shaved live, to everyone’s delight.
But here’s the twist: behind all the silliness, Trump grasped the power of the “charismatic villain.” The guy you love to hate, but can’t take your eyes off. Like Ric Flair, Edge, or Vince himself in his Mr. McMahon days. And Trump would use that… later in politics.
Politics as spectacle
During his campaign and presidency, Trump basically became a WWE character. He taunted, polarized, and went head-to-head with the media like he was feuding with John Cena. And it worked. Even when everything seemed to be going against him, his base stayed loyal. Why? Because he became the perfect heel.
In wrestling, the villain is essential. He makes the hero shine, he drives the storyline. And Trump got that. Even more: he realized that the more hate he received, the stronger he became with his supporters. That’s the “art of polarization” – wrestling edition.
And it didn’t stop there…
Linda McMahon, Vince’s wife and a big shot behind the scenes at WWE, was appointed by Trump as the head of the Small Business Administration. Just like that, the wrestling world officially stepped into Washington.
On top of that, Vince McMahon was one of Trump’s biggest campaign donors. This wasn’t just entertainment – it was personal, strategic, and symbolic. Entertainment and power locked in a political suplex.
In the end…
Maybe today, more than ever, politics needs to entertain in order to work.
But what do you think? Are we really at that point? Or are we all just living inside one big kayfabe?
And you – what’s your take on this crazy mix of wrestling and politics? Was Trump a genius… or just lucky?