Before Donald Trump became a political force, he was already a master of attention. From real estate to reality TV and even WWE, he built a reputation as a bold, take-charge figure. His time in professional wrestling wasn’t just a guest appearance—it was a stage where he sharpened the skills that later defined his political career.
The “Battle of the Billionaires” and WWE Fame
Trump’s most famous WWE moment came in 2007 at WrestleMania 23, where he took on Vince McMahon—not in a wrestling match, but in a high-stakes bet. Each billionaire chose a wrestler to fight on their behalf. Trump picked Bobby Lashley, while McMahon backed Umaga. The loser had to get his head shaved.
With over 80,000 fans in Detroit’s Ford Field and millions watching on pay-per-view, the event became one of WWE’s most successful shows ever. Lashley won the match, and in front of a roaring crowd, Trump personally helped shave McMahon’s head bald. It was over-the-top entertainment, but it also cemented Trump’s ability to create moments people would remember.
A Familiar Slogan and Strategy
Even Trump’s famous campaign slogan—“Make America Great Again”—had a wrestling connection. In his WWE storyline, Trump “bought” Monday Night Raw and promised to take it from the hands of the villainous McMahon and “make the show great again.” The parallels to his later political messaging were striking.
From WWE to the White House
In wrestling, he played a billionaire who wouldn’t back down from a fight. In politics, he took on that same role—only now, the opponents were career politicians instead of wrestlers.
His WWE days may have been scripted, but his political success was real. Whether in front of a wrestling audience or a crowd of voters, Donald Trump mastered the art of the spectacle. And for better or worse, he brought the energy of professional wrestling into American politics.
