WrestleMania 41 is just around the corner, bringing together tens of thousands of people in Las Vegas for two days of action-packed professional wrestling. But this year’s event also promises to be a showcase for politics, with President Donald Trump making his presence felt throughout.
Trump’s connection to WWE runs deep, having been a Hall of Famer and hosting early WrestleManias in the 1980s. He also bought Monday Night Raw, the flagship program, in 2009. His approach to politics has drawn comparisons to pro wrestling’s showmanship, with even his past GOP convention appearances seeming like grand entrances.
According to Dave Meltzer, a leading American wrestling journalist, Trump’s political career has involved “a lot of professional wrestling,” including framing enemies and allies along traditional good-vs-evil lines. WWE turned John Cena into an unambiguous heel for what’s being billed as his farewell tour, a move reminiscent of Trump’s tactics.
The concept of “kayfabe” – maintaining the illusion that pro wrestling is real – also plays a key role in both wrestling and politics. Those familiar with kayfabe recognize that Trump often uses it to keep people guessing, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.
Trump’s relationship with WWE owner Vince McMahon, who has been a significant financial supporter of his political career, further illustrates this connection. Both men embody a similar swaggering, braggadocious persona on screen and in real life.
As the world waits for WrestleMania 41, one thing is clear: Trump’s approach to politics is heavily influenced by pro wrestling’s showmanship and themes. Whether seen as prescient or just kayfabe, this connection will undoubtedly be on full display at the event.
Source: https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/04/19/donald-trump-pro-wrestling-wwe-00298303