With the countdown to the 2024 presidential election intensifying, Donald Trump is revisiting his roots in the world of professional wrestling to bolster his campaign. It's been over a decade since Trump last stepped into the ring of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), yet former wrestling stars are re-emerging to lend their support, creating a nostalgia-fueled buzz around his candidacy.
The Republican National Convention this summer saw a memorable moment when Terry Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, made a dramatic entrance, ripping off his shirt to display a bright red Trump 2024 tank top. Hogan passionately declared, “Let Trumpamania run wild, brother!” This spectacle emphasizes how Trump is strategically courting audiences that resonate with his larger-than-life persona, reminiscent of his wrestling days.
In a recent chat on a podcast with Tyrus, a fellow wrestler-turned-media personality, Trump voiced concerns over masculinity and religious values being ridiculed in the United States. His recent media tactics have taken a different turn, opting for platforms outside traditional journalism, seeking to connect with a demographic often overlooked in political discourse.
Echoing this strategy, Trump joined Mark Calaway, famously known as The Undertaker, for an hour-long podcast conversation. The Undertaker praised Trump’s ability to make politics entertaining, revealing how Trump's celebrity status parallels the drama of wrestling. This approach unveils a deliberate effort to captivate an audience that may not typically stay engaged with political events until closer to election time.
There is a growing understanding that Trump's appeal, especially to younger men, is tied to media platforms like social media and podcasts. As his senior communications advisor, Alex Bruesewitz, pointed out, "I think what we’re doing better this time is leveraging Trump as a person; the unmatched aura of Donald Trump." This strategy aims to utilize Trump's charisma to attract those who often identify as politically apathetic.
Abraham Josephine Riesman, author of "Ringmaster," highlights the intertwining narratives of Trump's political rise and wrestling's theatrics. She argues that it’s necessary to navigate the blurred lines of reality and fiction to understand political engagement today, warning against the dangers of prioritizing entertainment over substantive policies.
Before venturing into politics, Trump was a lifelong fan of wrestling, a pastime that profoundly influenced his public persona and business tactics. His collaboration with WWE mogul Vince McMahon saw them both transform their respective platforms into cultural phenomena, particularly through Trump hosting significant events at his Atlantic City hotel and creating storyline feuds that enthralled fans.
However, Trump's renewed connections with WWE icons are not universally supported. Former wrestler Dave Bautista criticized him harshly on a late-night show, pointing out the dissonance between Trump’s public image and the reality he perceives. Despite mixed reactions, Trump’s association with well-known wrestling figures serves as a unique engagement tool, as their recognition can draw in undecided voters.
In the wrestling world, as Calaway described, both wrestlers and politicians rely on stirring emotion to create a connection with their audiences. As Trump continues to navigate the complex landscape of the 2024 election, his embrace of wrestling friends may provide unconventional channels for rallying support as the political landscape shifts.
