Is the president using WWE's 'bombastic smack talk' as a blueprint?

Munya Chawawa is to present a documentary interpreting Donald Trump’s rise through the prism of pro wrestling. 

The comedian hears how the US President harnessed the showmanship of  WWE  and how it blurs the lines between fiction and reality on his rise to the White House. 

Trump is in the WWE hall of fame, having appeared at WrestleManias IV and V, which he sponsored, in 1988 and 1989, and as well as playing a rival to franchise founder Vince McMahon  in a 2007 Battle of the Billionaires storyline.

Chawawa said: ‘In 2026, it feels like we're all living under the enormous, eclipsing shadow of Donald Trump. At every moment of every day, we know what he's doing, but so often we're left asking why. My theory is: Wrestling - as in "sweaty men in tiny hotpants" wrestling.

‘This documentary was the ultimate bittersweet adventure that interprets one of the most contentious men on the planet, through the lens of my fondest childhood nostalgia.

‘It's equal parts crushing and compelling, to know the bodyslams and bombastic smack talk we all enjoyed growing up may have actually been creating a strategic blueprint for the President of the United States. You have to see it to believe it.’

In  Wrestling With Trump, former campaign advisor Sam Nunberg tells Chawawa  how elements of wrestling influenced Trump's campaigning style.

The  British–Zimbabwean comic also meets former wrestler Brutus Beefcake recalling steak dinners with Trump at WrestleMania, while Marc Copani reflects on his controversial ring persona of Muhammad Hassan, who was portrayed, essentially, as an Islamic terrorist.

And he spends time with a travelling group of independent wrestlers, including 'Handsome' Beau James, to learn about the concept of Kayfabe - an audience's deliberate suspension of disbelief for entertainment. James says this deep-rooted acceptance of performance and narrative has long influenced public life.

Munya Shaminder Nahal, Channel 4's head of specialist factual programming, said: ‘With his unique perspective and knowledge, Munya delivers a surprising take on the intersection of politics and popular culture, and in this bold and entertaining film, he uncovers surprising truths about performance, belief and modern political life.’

And Iain Wimbush from producers Bango Studios adds: ‘Wrestling, Munya and Trump are an unlikely combination - but a genuinely fascinating one. Uncovering what links them has been a real pleasure, particularly given the passion Munya has for the subject and his dexterity as a documentary maker.’

Wrestling With Trump airs on Channel 4 at 10pm on Tuesday May 12.

Published: 29 Apr 2026