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Trump Leverages Wrestling Fame in 2024 Presidential Campaign
Controversial political figure Donald Trump is making waves as he seeks to solidify support for his 2024 presidential campaign, drawing on his historical ties with the wrestling world. It has been over ten years since Trump made a special guest appearance on WWE programming; however, former wrestling stars have begun to emerge, publicly endorsing his political ambitions.
During the summer’s Republican National Convention, legendary wrestler Terry Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, showcased his support by donning a bright-red Trump 2024 tank top. He excitedly exclaimed, “Let Trumpamania run wild, brother!”—a nod to his famous catchphrase.
Recently, Trump was featured in an interview with Tyrus, a wrestler-turned-media personality, where he emphasized the perceived threats to traditional masculinity and the mockery of religion in the current societal landscape. Following that, Trump engaged in a friendly conversation on a podcast hosted by Mark Calaway, famed as The Undertaker. Calaway complimented Trump for making politics entertaining again, to which Trump responded affirmatively, highlighting his appreciation for the acknowledgment.
For Trump, leveraging his past connections with wrestling isn’t merely nostalgia; it’s a strategic choice in a highly competitive election landscape. Political analysts like Abraham Josephine Riesman suggest that many voters often only engage with politics at the conclusion of an election cycle, picking up on the most memorable narratives rather than delving deep into issues. Riesman pointed out the effectiveness of wrestling podcasts in reaching an audience that may otherwise identify as disinterested in mainstream politics.
To attract younger male voters, Trump’s campaign is focusing heavily on social media and podcasts, embracing the cultural resonance of professional wrestling. According to senior communications adviser Alex Bruesewitz, Trump embodies a unique blend of celebrity and political celebrity that is essential in today’s media environment, noting that the allure of Trump is particularly potent among younger users on platforms like TikTok.
Riesman’s book, Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America, argues that Trump’s narrative cannot be disentangled from the world of wrestling. She suggests that both Trump and wrestling share a talent for blurring the lines between reality and fiction, employing high emotion and grandiosity. However, she warns that this approach risks prioritizing spectacle over significant political discourse.
Trump’s affinity for wrestling dates back to his childhood in Queens, where he was an avid fan. He and the WWE saw parallel trajectories, both rising to prominence in capitalist America. The two had significant interactions in the late 1980s when Trump hosted WrestleMania at his Atlantic City hotel, further escalating their connections with a scripted rivalry in 2007. Their infamous “Battle of the Billionaires” at WrestleMania 23 drew record pay-per-view buys as fans anticipated the dramatic stakes surrounding these billionaires.
Although Trump’s last WWE appearance was his induction into the Hall of Fame in 2013, his influence within the organization remained. His administration appointed Linda McMahon, Vince’s wife, to head the Small Business Administration, further intertwining politics and wrestling.
However, not all wrestling personalities are supportive of Trump. Dave Bautista, a prominent former wrestler, has publicly derided Trump, referring to him as a “weak, tubby toddler” during an advertisement on Jimmy Kimmel’s show. Bautista criticized the image of Trump as a tough figure, suggesting many men’s perceptions of him are misguided.
Amid varying endorsements, Trump’s outreach to wrestling icons illustrates his strategy of leveraging recognizable figures to bolster his appeal. As noted by wrestling journalist Bryan Alvarez, associating with universally known characters like Hogan helps Trump reach audiences that might not engage with conventional political messaging.
In reflecting on his connection to the wrestling world, Calaway highlighted the similarities between wrestlers and politicians, emphasizing the need to invoke passion and loyalty, whether through love or animosity. Trump’s knack for captivating audiences and provoking reactions remains a central element of his campaign as he navigates the complex landscape of American politics.
Source
www.bbc.com