Trump chose a wrestling podcast over '60 Minutes'—and it paid off
Trump’s decision to appear on a podcast hosted by a pro wrestler best known for his persona as an actual dead man may seem strange, but it is actually part of a campaign strategy targeting young men.
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At one point during Donald Trump's appearance on The Undertaker's “Six Feet Under” podcast this week, the former president turned to the retired WWE legend and quipped, “I turned down 60 Minutes to do your stupid show.”
While it may have been intended as a joke, the remark reflected a broader reality: Trump had indeed declined to appear on 60 Minutes' primetime election special, opting instead for less conventional platforms.
And though Trump’s decision to appear on a podcast hosted by a pro wrestler best known for his persona as an actual dead man may seem strange, it is actually part of a campaign strategy targeting non-traditional media platforms that cater to appeal to a key voting bloc: young men.
The interview, which lasted about an hour, offered unique insight into Trump’s wrestling fandom, as well as his fascination with the inner workings of sports entertainment. He shared his memories of participating in the “Battle of the Billionaires” at WrestleMania 23, when Trump and Vince McMahon each had a wrestler represent them in a match where the loser’s billionaire got their head shaved.
“I said, ‘I don’t want to have my hair shaved,’” Trump recalled during the interview.
Nevertheless, the conversation eventually veered into politics, where Trump was given free rein to spew MAGA talking points while enjoying the adoration of his host.
Trump even recounted the attempt on his life in July, when a bullet grazed his ear during a campaign rally. It was one of the more poignant moments in the interview, one where Trump seemed vulnerable and even questioned why he was still in politics instead of lying on a beach in Monte Carlo.
“I don’t have to do this. I say, ‘what am I doing?’ sometimes — ‘why am I doing this?’” Trump said. “Look, I have a lot of wealthy friends, and they go to these places, and most of them aren’t happy and all that stuff. But, you know, I feel I have a purpose, and that’s to rebuild our country.”
The Undertaker, whose real name is Mark Calaway, closed out the interview by raising the subject of Title IX and protecting the “integrity of women in sports,” a reference to conservative outrage over trans women competing in women’s sports. He brought out his daughter, whom Trump turned to and said: “I will get rid of it fast. Men playing in women’s sports is insane.”
Although the political discussion was lighter than in Trump’s usual media appearances, the interview served as a masterclass in portraying the former president as a relatable, down-to-earth figure, capable of stepping outside his MAGA persona. Ironically, this only makes the MAGA brand more appealing to many young men.
For example, in 2023, Trump appeared on the UFC Unfiltered podcast with former champion Matt Sera. The interview offered a rare departure from the controversial president’s politically charged interviews, instead focusing on his background as a boxing promoter, his all-time favorite combat sports matches, and the hypothetical walkout song he would pick if he were a fighter himself. The hosts described Trump as a “genuine fight fan” and their enthusiasm was palpable as he shared insights on promoting the likes of Mike Tyson during the 1980s.
Similarly, Trump’s UFC interview underscored his calculated approach to engaging a demographic outside the traditional politician’s reach. While a vocal portion of the UFC’s fanbase identifies as right wing, the sport is also home to less politically engaged voters who could be swayed by Trump’s apparent cultural cachet. His ability to carry a lengthy conversation dedicated to combat sports emphasizes his comfort around the fight game and his willingness to engage with its audience on their terms – a trait that his political opponents sorely lack.
“Political opinions or not, it is cool to see such an influential person chop it up about sports like they are one of us,” read one of the YouTube comments beneath the interview. Another user chimed in, saying: “Such a pleasure to hear Trump speak candidly about boxing and MMA. No politics nor BS.”
While it’s uncertain whether Trump’s media strategy will impact election results, polls show that there is a significant gulf between young men and women in this election, with young men far more likely to lean conservative.
Trump’s strategy also signals a broader shift in the role traditional outlets play in presidential campaigns. As traditional media lose their influence over younger voters in the social media age, nontraditional platforms have become key spaces for political promotion. This trend isn’t exclusive to Republicans—Democrats like Kamala Harris have also embraced it, with appearances on popular podcasts like Call Her Daddy and one hosted by NBA champions Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes.
For Trump, though, it’s been far more effective to appear on WWE and UFC affiliated podcasts, where hosts shower him with praise and help normalize him to young, impressionable audiences, rather than facing the rigorous scrutiny of a 60 Minutes interview, which would challenge many of his claims and confront his creeping authoritarianism.
A note to readers: Trump’s strategic use of sports and entertainment as part of his campaign strategy is a central theme of Sports Politika’s ongoing three-part audio series, In The Red Corner. Listen to the first episode here.
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Donnie tryna pull a Randy Savage. … Well get in the ring snitch. Let’s all watch Putin’s Pet git its weave smacked.