Can Pro Wrestling Explain The 2024 Election War Games?
Abstract
As we head into the upcoming turbulence of the 2024 United States Election, there is an uncanny resemblance in the tactics used in the approach leading up to the election and those used in the sport entertainment of Pro Wrestling. Elements of both entertainment and “angertainment” are equally intertwined and designed to captivate legions of followers and voters. The goal being to create a façade where it is no longer possible to decipher reality from fantasy; emotional triggers that will determine the future versus what is in the best interest of the voting public.
This article will address how both “sports entertainment” arenas intersect, each with a similar design to one another and intended to achieve the “desired results” long before the actual event. The key “actors” in this event: Donald Trump and Vincent McMahon.
Professional wrestling has, to some extent, been explored, but it is the visual medium of television where to its loyal followers, it shines. More importantly, the role of television has illustrated their larger-than-life personalities. This phenomenon of Donald Trump is well documented in both entertainment as well as academic journals, but it is also through television where Donald Trump was able to revive a sagging career through “The Apprentice” which set the path and more importantly, the “tone” towards the PR exposure required for his Presidential run in 2016.
Much has been written about the Trump phenomenon. Specifically, the objective of playing the ratings games and “click bait” but as the world inches closer to the 2024 election and the threat of fascism being dangled before the American people, examining the tactics and approaches being used is more important than ever. The tactics used in the Pro Wrestling world can offer an insight that once examined may help to provide a clear picture of the “end game” long before it happens.
The results focus on the early origins of the “good guys/bad guys”, negative campaigns, the concept of retribution and revenge for previous matches to Trump’s threats of his plans once he wins. Both men have been involved in payouts due to lawsuits, hush money and sexual assault and are perceived or self-promoted as creative businessmen who have shrewdly integrated politics and world events into their characters and business. Finally, the flirtation with Fascism and Nazism they both employ into policies, politics and entertainment. The ultimate connection between these two, their 1984 WrestleMania, and the follow-up where Vincent Mc Mahon challenged Trump to a match at WrestleMania 23 in 2007 billed as 'the battle of the billionaires. Understanding the commonalities is crucial as we head into the ultimate match, the 2024 Election where if the courts rule in his Favour and he is allowed to run, Trump will face off against the “good guy”, Joe Biden in a battle of good vs. evil and where democracy could be the real loser with no rematch.
