In 2009, Donald Trumpamazed him WWE Universe entering one of WWE’s most daring storylines, “purchasing” WWE’s flagship show, Monday Night Raw, from the Chairman Vince McMahon. While Asset was already a A-list celebrity known for his reality TV success, his involvement in WWE took his image to new heights and left fans in stitches. This surprising arc generated some of the highest ratings Raw has seen in nearly a decade, setting a precedent for celebrity influence in professional wrestling.

Trump in WWE: more than just an appearance

Image via YouTube/Six Feet Under

Trump’s association with WWE dates back to 2007, when he regularly appeared on WWE programs, leading to an unforgettable WrestleMania feud with Vince McMahon. The partnership was not limited to a brief appearance; Trump was fully engaged in WWE storylines, even winning induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. The impact of this WWE chapter in Trump’s career was so great that after becoming the 45th President of the United States, he became “the first member of the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame to be elected president “.
However, the story that most resonated with fans occurred in June 2009, when Trump’s “purchase” of Monday Night Raw shocked fans and the financial world.

WWE Fake Sale Causes Stock Drop

The WWE storyline saw Vince McMahon announce the sale of Raw to Donald Trump, which generated significant hype. “The new owner could appoint his own general manager for the show and run it however he wants,” » the scenario teased. But WWE’s creative prowess was almost too convincing. Following the fake sale, WWE shares fell 7% as Wall Street reacted to the announcement. The company had to clarify the fictitious nature of the sale, issuing a press release to reassure investors and avoid further confusion.
Trump wasted no time making changes to Raw, the biggest of which was airing his first Raw as a “commercial-free” show, a bold move that WWE continued with. Anticipation soared and fans were captivated by the promise of a non-stop Raw experience.

Green Bay welcomes Trump with enthusiasm

On June 22, 2009, Trump made his first official appearance as “owner” of Raw at the Resch Center in Green Bay. The enthusiasm was palpable and Green Bay fans were excited to welcome Trump. “The whole city of Green Bay has gone crazy for Donald Trump” the article notes, showing how popular he was at the time as a celebrity without the polarizing image he would later acquire as a politician.
Trump’s first big decision? He announced that all fans attending the event would receive a full refund of their tickets, a move that reportedly cost WWE more than $200,000. This decision won over the fans present, adding to its already enthusiastic reception.
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Trump faces Randy Orton and changes the structure of Raw

Image via WWE

Trump’s appearance that evening included the announcement of a high-stakes Last Man Standing match between Randy Orton and Triple H for the WWE Championship, moving him from an upcoming pay-per-view to his Raw without commercials. As the storyline progressed, Trump made another significant change to Raw’s structure by removing the general manager position altogether, opting instead for celebrity hosts. “During Trump’s Raw, they will be celebrity guests” » recalls the article, a decision that added unpredictability and new excitement to the show.
The crowd responded enthusiastically to each of Trump’s announcements, and the atmosphere was electric. “Seriously, Trump is so done with the mob that you may have thought in 2009, ‘this guy could run for president and win'” the article observed, a statement that proved prophetic.

Trump vs. Vince McMahon: A Dramatic Conclusion

The story took a dramatic turn when Vince McMahon confronted Trump, accusing him of manipulating the purchase to “put WWE out of business” by offering commercial-free shows and refunding tickets. The tension culminated in an intense confrontation, where Trump “pushed the taste out of Vince’s mouth.” WWE fans watched as security rushed to separate the two, heightening the drama and ending Trump’s Raw with a memorable conclusion.
Ultimately, McMahon offered to buy Raw and Trump agreed to sell the show for double the original price, effectively closing the storyline. This chapter in WWE history, although short-lived, had a lasting impact. As the article notes, “Once again this particular episode of Raw got some of the company’s (sic) highest ratings in a decade,” showcasing the power of celebrity-driven storylines.

Donald Trump was a unique chapter in WWE history

Trump’s WWE storyline in 2009 is one of the company’s most talked-about celebrity arcs, blurring the lines between fact and fiction in a way that impacted both fans and investors . With record-breaking audiences and enthusiastic audience response, the storyline illustrates WWE’s knack for creating unforgettable moments that keep fans coming back for more. For many fans, Trump’s Raw will forever be remembered as an unpredictable and entertaining highlight in WWE history, capturing the drama and spectacle that defines professional wrestling.
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