As the U.S. Presidential election gets closer, you’re going to read a lot of columns about how politics are just like pro wrestling. Can you blame them? There’s a chance we’re going to end up with a WWE Hall of Famer in the White House. We didn’t think that would happen until The Rock decided to run.
As you read those columns, don’t forget that way back in 2008, WWE managed to get all of the major Presidential candidates — Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John McCain — to send in pre-taped wrestling promos that aired on Raw. If you’ve never seen them, Clinton and McCain go all-in on the wrestling terminology, whether they understand it or not.
For me, the highlight is Hillary openly threatening Randy Orton. This really happened.
“Hi, I’m Hillary Clinton, but tonight in honor of the WWE, you can call me Hill-rod.”
No. No, I can’t.
“This election is starting to feel a lot like … King of the Ring. The only difference? The last man standing may just be a woman. The truth is, this election is so important.
The next President will face a stack full of difficult challenges right from the opening bell; to fix the economy, bring out troops home from Iraq, and make college more affordable. You need a President who will go to the mat for you, and that’s exactly what I’ll do. I’ve been knocked down but I’ve always gotten back up, and I know how to take a hit for the American people. And if things get a little tough, I may even have to deliver the … People’s Elbow. Because this country is worth fighting for. Now I promise to stick to the political arena, so don’t worry, Randy Orton … you’re safe. For now.
When it comes to standing up for the American people, though, I am ready … to rumble.”
I was really hoping she was gonna end that with, “I am ready, willing, and Gable to be President.”
If you want to know why Barack Obama won the 2008 Election, it’s that “do you smell what Barack is cooking” mic drop. He threatens Randy Orton, too, hilariously. Orton was not popular with the United States government.
