By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
As the 2024 U.S. presidential race heats up, Donald Trump is leveraging an unusual, yet familiar, platform to garner support—professional wrestling. With a deep-rooted connection to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Trump has revived old friendships and tapped into the star power of wrestling icons like Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker to boost his campaign appeal, especially among key demographics like young men. This strategy merges Trump’s celebrity persona with WWE’s theatrical style, aiming to energize his base and attract undecided voters.
Trump's relationship with the WWE dates back decades, culminating in his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013. His first prominent WWE appearance occurred in the late 1980s when Trump hosted back-to-back WrestleMania events at his Atlantic City hotel. He later became a central figure in a storyline rivalry with WWE’s ex-CEO, Vince McMahon, that climaxed at WrestleMania 23 in 2007. This event, dubbed "The Battle of the Billionaires," showcased Trump’s ability to perform in front of large, energized crowds—an experience that foreshadowed his later political rallies.
Hulk Hogan, known for his larger-than-life persona, threw his support behind Trump at the 2023 Republican National Convention by ripping off his shirt to reveal a Trump 2024 tank top, declaring: "Let Trumpamania run wild!" More recently, Trump appeared on a podcast hosted by Mark Calaway, better known as WWE legend The Undertaker, where they discussed Trump’s impact on American culture and politics. Trump, the only WWE Hall of Famer to have made it to the White House, is leveraging these high-profile appearances to enhance his campaign's reach. According to Abraham Josephine Riesman, author of Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America, Trump's approach to politics mirrors professional wrestling’s blend of fiction and reality. By embracing hyperbole and spectacle, Trump taps into the emotions of his supporters, much like a wrestling storyline. This strategy appeals to a large segment of the electorate, particularly those who may be disillusioned with traditional politics.
Trump’s outreach through wrestling taps into a demographic that tends to consume media outside of traditional news outlets. Podcasts, social media, and WWE-related content are increasingly important tools in Trump’s campaign. According to senior communications adviser Alex Bruesewitz, Trump’s persona and "unmatched aura" resonate particularly well with younger audiences on platforms like TikTok. While Trump has received endorsements from iconic wrestlers like Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker, not all WWE stars are on board. Former wrestler Dave Bautista, known as "The Animal" Batista, aired a viral ad on late-night television mocking Trump, describing him as "a weak, tubby toddler." Nonetheless, Trump’s team remains focused on amplifying his celebrity status through the wrestling world, recognizing its potential to sway apolitical or disengaged voters.
Trump’s 2024 campaign strategy reflects the growing fusion of politics and entertainment. By leveraging his connections to WWE stars and utilizing wrestling's emotive appeal, Trump is aiming to engage a broader, unconventional audience. As Riesman notes, both wrestling and politics thrive on captivating storytelling, and Trump has mastered the art of making people care—whether they love or hate him. This blend of celebrity, theatrics, and politics may help Trump stand out in a crowded race as he seeks a return to the White House.
