Donald Trump is a multifaceted figure—former U.S. President, presidential candidate, businessman, politician, media personality, and WWE Hall of Famer. Beyond his political career, Trump has had a deep and long-standing relationship with WWE, which dates back to 1998 during the peak of Hulkamania. His involvement with the company not only boosted its financial growth but also solidified his position as a prominent figure in the world of sports entertainment.
Trump’s Early WWE Ventures and WrestleMania Appearances
Trump first became involved with WWE by hosting WrestleMania IV and V, recognizing the company’s potential for mass appeal. He also provided a venue for WrestleMania IV at the Atlantic City Convention Hall, later marketed as Trump Plaza. The event, which featured iconic wrestlers like Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant, drew an audience of 19,199 fans. Trump, eager to be part of the excitement, famously said, “I just wanted a piece of it.”
Trump’s Feud with Rosie O’Donnell and WWE Storylines
Trump’s relationship with WWE became more personal in 2006 when a feud with actress Rosie O’Donnell was integrated into WWE programming. The rivalry, which stemmed from O’Donnell’s criticism of Trump on The View, led to a staged battle between two wrestlers impersonating O’Donnell and Trump in the ring. Fans, however, were not pleased, and the event ended in boos from the audience.
The Battle of the Billionaires: Trump vs. McMahon
In 2007, Trump and WWE Chairman Vince McMahon began a high-profile feud, culminating in the Battle of the Billionaires at WrestleMania 23. Both men put their hair on the line, with Trump choosing Bobby Lashley as his representative and McMahon selecting Umaga. Special guest referee Stone Cold Steve Austin presided over the match, which saw Lashley defeat Umaga and McMahon’s head shaved in front of a roaring crowd. Trump’s involvement in this event became one of his most iconic moments in WWE.
Trump’s WWE Ownership and the Monday Night Raw Purchase
In 2009, as part of a WWE storyline, Trump purchased the flagship show Monday Night Raw from McMahon. He promised fans a commercial-free episode and even announced that ticket prices would be refunded. While this was purely scripted, it had real-world consequences, negatively impacting WWE’s stock and forcing McMahon to buy back the show at double the price.
Trump’s WWE Legacy: From Spectator to Hall of Famer
Trump’s rise in WWE was not limited to business dealings. His larger-than-life persona and knack for engaging in dramatic storylines made him an essential figure in WWE programming. From hosting major events to becoming a key player in one of the most memorable feuds in WWE history, Trump’s transition from a promoter to an active participant in the squared circle was inevitable.
Today, Trump remains the only WWE Hall of Famer to secure the Republican nomination for U.S. President. His time in the WWE spotlight, including his infamous Stone Cold Stunner moment at WrestleMania 23, continues to be a surreal footnote in his political career. He will likely be remembered as the only person to participate in both a presidential debate and receive a Stone Cold Stunner in the ring.
In many ways, Trump’s WWE career mirrored his public persona—combining spectacle, business savvy, and bravado, making him a perfect fit for the world of professional wrestling. His history with WWE is a testament to how he seamlessly blended entertainment with entrepreneurship, leaving a lasting legacy in both fields.
