I went to see Mickey Rourke’s knockout performance (no pun intended…well, maybe a little) in “The Wrestler” this weekend, which brought back memories of the high points of professional wrestling during the late 80s, and again in the mid 90s. There were the golden years of Hulkamania, when Andre the Giant was still the favorite enemy of boys aged five to twelve. Then there were the resurgent years, when those same kids (now 10 years older and a little more reluctant to admit that they still watched wrestling) couldn’t decide whether Stone Cold Steve Austin was the meanest sum’bitch they ever saw, or just the coolest. Intrigued, I did a little internet research to see where some of these guys are today. First, let me say that the movie apparently got it right (and I promise, I won’t spoil anything): professional wrestlers either die relatively young, or return to wrestling. It’s amazing how many of these guys, now in their 40s, 50s, and 60s are still working for the WWE, most of them just making appearances here and there, but others still throwing themselves against the ropes the same way they did 20 years ago. It’s also amazing how many of these guys are no longer alive. But I also came across an intriguing trend that is a little more germane to this site: an amazing number of these guys are now outspoken conservatives. Allow me to run through the list. The Ultimate Warrior - Remember the guy with the incoherent babble-speak interviews and crazy face paint that would sprint to the ring and shake the living hell out of the ropes? Now, the Warrior (which is apparently his legally adopted name) is a conservative spokesman. He was hired by the College Republicans to speak on campuses across the country until a few years ago, when inflammatory comments about gays got him fired from that job. He still posts his own political musings on his website, including one about how it’s unpatriotic to celebrate “Presidents’ Day” to honor all presidents instead of “George Washington’s Birthday.” Heady stuff, I have to tell you. “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase - After his life in the ring ran its course, Ted DiBiase became a Christian minister and adopted all of the political opinions that you would assume go with that kind of title. He puts on “Christian” wrestling shows (whatever that means). Another interesting tidbit: his cousins managed to make the news when they got arrested in a big mob sweep that took down more than 20 members of the Genovese crime family. Jesse “the Body” Ventura - This boa-wearing nut job needs no introduction. He was an “independent” while Governor of Minnesota, but let’s not joke around: the guy was conservative. John “Bradshaw” Layfield - One half of the “Acolyte Protection Agency,” Bradshaw is still wrestling today. But he’s an avid conservative, and loves to talk about it any chance he gets. The WWE stages a mock debate for the 2004 presidential election, with Bradshaw arguing for Republicans against “Mankind” Mick Foley for Democrats. Layfield says he’d like to run for office one day. And yes, he’s a minister, too. Vince McMahon - The oft-vilified CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment is a well-known Republican. He’s given countless thousands to national Republicans, as well as GOP candidates. I tried to look for a few others, and I really would have thought I would have come across something about “Macho Man” Randy Savage wanting to run for President. But no- no news on the Macho Man/Slim Jim Spokesman. And in a more disappointing turn of events, I think Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson just might be a Republican. He’s never really publicly said so, but he delivered a speech at the 2000 Republican National Convention, and you have to figure that to address such an important event must mean that he at least leans that way. But Democrats, don’t be totally discouraged: we do have some of these guys in our corner! Hulk Hogan publicly endorsed Barack Obama during the election (though I’m sure that probably hurt him as much as it helped), and of course, there is “Mankind.” Any guess how the Undertaker votes? PS- If readers have any idea about the political leanings of any other wrestlers, feel free to leave the information in the comments section.
