Trump’s Strategy: Reconnecting with WWE Allies for Political Gain

Trump’s Strategy: Reconnecting with WWE Allies for Political Gain. Donald Trump hasn’t appeared on WWE programming for over a decade, but former wrestling stars are rallying behind his 2024 presidential campaign. At the Republican National Convention, Hulk Hogan famously wore a Trump 2024 tank top, declaring, “Let Trumpamania run wild, brother!” Recently, Trump participated in a podcast with WWE legend The Undertaker, who praised him for making politics entertaining again.

This unconventional campaigning approach may seem unusual as the election draws near, but for Trump, it resonates powerfully on social media, reinforcing his unique connection to the wrestling world as the only WWE Hall of Famer to reach the White House.

Many Americans often tune out politics until the end of an election year, leading them to “go with the most recent thing they remember,” according to journalist Abraham Josephine Riesman. She points out that Trump’s latest media strategy targets wrestling fans, a group that includes many apolitical individuals. The Trump campaign aims to attract young men through podcasts and social media, leveraging Trump’s celebrity status, as highlighted by senior communications adviser Alex Bruesewitz.

Trump’s Wrestling Legacy: The Intersection of Politics and Pro Wrestling

Riesman’s book, Ringmaster, suggests that understanding Trump’s political journey requires viewing it through the lens of professional wrestling, which blends fiction and reality to evoke strong emotions. She warns, however, that when politics mirrors wrestling, it risks prioritizing thrills over genuine policy discussions.

Trump’s fascination with wrestling dates back to his childhood in Queens, New York, and his business ascent parallels the rise of WWE under Vince McMahon, as both transformed family businesses into major empires while benefiting from a deregulated environment. Their paths first crossed when Trump hosted WWE’s WrestleMania events in the late 1980s.

In 2007, Trump and McMahon engaged in a storyline rivalry that culminated in a high-profile “Battle of the Billionaires” at WrestleMania 23, which drew significant attention and pay-per-view buys. This marked Trump’s first experience speaking to large, enthusiastic crowds, solidifying his connection to the wrestling world.

Since his 2013 Hall of Fame induction, Trump has not appeared on WWE programming, and it’s unlikely he will again due to the brand’s evolution. However, during his presidency, he appointed Vince McMahon’s wife, Linda, as small business administrator, and she now leads the pro-Trump America First Policy Institute. As Trump campaigns for a return to the Oval Office, not all former WWE stars support him; Dave Bautista recently mocked him in a viral ad, calling Trump a “weak, tubby toddler” and questioning his tough-guy image.

Trump’s Unconventional Allies: Harnessing Pro Wrestling Legends to Engage Audiences

Some of the most recognizable names in pro wrestling are helping Trump connect with audiences in unique ways. Wrestling journalist Bryan Alvarez noted that even non-fans know who Hulk Hogan is, suggesting that Trump is aligning himself with big stars. He described Trump as a performer whose style and tactics mirror pro wrestling, particularly in how he engages opponents.

During a recent interview, WWE legend Mark Calaway (The Undertaker) emphasized the importance of making people care, whether through love or hate, to succeed in both wrestling and politics. Trump appeared engaged as Calaway praised his ability to captivate audiences, highlighting the shared skills of wrestlers and politicians in winning public attention.