Wrestling Observer Live with “Filthy” Tom Lawlor and Lance Storm are here ahead of the weekend to give you all the news and notes ahead of WWE Smackdown, Clash in Turin, a full TNA Impact on AMC review, Donald Trump, and an apparent FCC violation for peeing on the Xmas turkey! A fun show as always so check it out~!
Tag: donald trump
Donald Trump purchased TKO stock in March ahead of June UFC event
U.S. President Donald Trump purchased between $15,000 – $50,000 in TKO stock in March, months ahead of the high-profile UFC event outside the White House on his birthday.
First noted by the Huffington Post, Trump bought the stock on March 25 according to a May 12 disclosure filing.
The June 14 event, dubbed UFC Freedom 250, will be held on the South lawn of the White House with an estimated 4000 in attendance (2900 White House/TKO guests and 1100 military members and their families), according to TKO COO Mark Shapiro on a recent investors call. WWE talent will take part in a fan fest prior to the show.
Given the relationship between Trump and TKO, namely his longtime friendships with UFC president Dana White and former WWE head Vince McMahon, the transaction has raised some eyebrows as has been the case with many of his financial transactions during his second term.
The outlet, and others, have noted his proclivity toward “purchasing stocks in companies ahead of actions by his own administration favorable to those same companies” while also stating that White House officials claim his financial advisors handle all decisions and not him.
Trump’s cabinet includes longtime friend and former WWE executive Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education and Robert F. Kennedy as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, notable as his niece is now under a WWE contract. Current WWE CCO Paul Levesque is a member of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition.
Jesse Ventura ‘very angry’ Donald Trump is in WWE Hall of Fame
Jesse Ventura is “very angry” that Donald Trump is in the WWE Hall of Fame — so much so that he’s considered giving up his own spot out of protest.
During Trump’s second presidential term, Ventura has been an especially outspoken critic of his. He continued that criticism during a recent appearance on Independent Americans, expressing how mad he is that Trump is included in the WWE Hall of Fame. Ventura said he has wanted to publicly resign from the HOF himself because he does not feel Trump is qualified to be in it.
“You know what I’m ticked off about? He’s in the wrestling Hall of Fame,” Ventura said. “I’m angry over that. Very angry. And here’s why: I have friends that are not in the Hall of Fame. One in particular, Olympian Ken Patera. At one time considered possibly the strongest man in the world. Competed in the Olympics, had a tremendous pro wrestling career afterward. Well, guess what? He’s not in the Hall of Fame, and Trump is. And do you know how you get into the Hall of Fame? You do like what I had to do. Do you know what I did one time? True story: I wrestled 63 consecutive nights in a row without a day off. And there’s people that would destroy that. There’s guys that did more than that. But that’s how you get into the Hall of Fame. Think about that — I wrestled 63 consecutive nights in a row. This is in the territory days, that was driving to and from the town…
“You know why [Trump] got in? Because he provided us two buildings [for WrestleMania IV and V] where he probably made millions, you know, off of renting us his buildings to hold WrestleMania. And for that, Vince McMahon puts him in the Hall of Fame? It’s a disgrace. I’ve almost resigned, gone public and said I’m resigning from the Hall of Fame because Trump is in it and he doesn’t qualify. Like everything he does, he’s not qualified.”
Trump joined the Hall of Fame in 2013 as a celebrity inductee. His history with WWE includes appearances at WrestleMania IV, WrestleMania V, and WrestleMania 23.
Ventura’s induction into the WWE Hall of Fame happened in 2004. He’s had a contentious relationship with WWE at different points over the years but signed a new Legends contract in 2024 and now makes regular appearances at Saturday Night’s Main Event specials.
Triple H makes Fox News appearance, calls Trump food pyramid change ‘the correct call’
WWE executive Paul “Triple H” Levesque popped up on television last night with an appearance on Fox News.
Over the weekend, Levesque penned a column for Fox News Digital on his fitness journey and the importance of exercise and nutrition. He is a vice chair of President Donald Trump’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition and plays a role in helping promote the administration’s efforts in those areas.
“The Ingraham Angle” ran a segment on Monday night covering how the Trump administration has been criticized for its recent changes to the food pyramid and focus on promoting full-fat dairy products like whole milk. Levesque appeared during the segment and discussed what he wrote in his column, along with calling the Food Pyramid changes the “correct call.”
“It’s mind-boggling when you look at those numbers, a 270 percent increase [in childhood obesity] from 50 years ago. One in five kids is obese. And, statistically, they will spend the rest of their life obese,” Levesque said. “They will have chronic diseases because of it. We can change that, and the biggest, significant change you can make is exercise and nutrition. It’s not treating it down the line, it’s treating it now while you’re young.
“I truly believe that most nutritionists that disagree with it, it’s because they were taught wrong from the beginning. They were taught nutrition in the wrong way. The flip of the food pyramid is the correct call. I just think that that is in children’s best interest. And exercise, health — people, they just need to put down their phones, get out there, exercise. These kids need to get healthy, work out, play, go outside, ride a bike, play basketball, play baseball. Do something active every day. Get yourself fit. Get yourself healthy. And the accomplishment that you feel from doing those things will lead to success in the rest of your life, I promise you that.”
Levesque was named to the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition last summer. It’s an advisory committee that has the stated goal of promoting healthy eating and physical activity among the American public. Levesque serves as the vice-chair under golfer Bryson DeChambeau, with several other athletes and sports executives like Roger Goodell, Gary Bettman, Wayne Gretzky, Lawrence Taylor, Tony Romo, Nick Bosa and Mariano Rivera listed as members.
Mick Foley addresses fan reaction to anti-Trump stance
Mick Foley believes the political stance he’s taken is an important one, even if it’s lost him a few fans.
The 60-year-old Foley announced last month that he is “parting ways” with WWE due to the close association the company has with President Donald Trump. Foley will not be making any appearances for WWE while Trump is still in office, and he will not be renewing his WWE Legends contract when it expires this June.
While Foley has been outspoken about his criticism of the Trump administration in the past, the final straw for him was the “incredibly cruel comments” that Trump made after the death of director Rob Reiner. WWE executive Paul “Triple H” Levesque has ties to Trump through being a member of his Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition.
Foley spoke to Orlando Weekly for a new interview published this week. He chose not to answer questions about the reasons behind his split from WWE but did address how fans have reacted to his political stances.
“People know that I’m not on board with a lot of things the current administration is doing,” Foley said. “I have fans who feel different, and still like and support me. And I have [fans] who dropped out of the fandom, which is obviously their right.”
The Orlando Weekly interview was to promote Foley’s one-man show that’s taking place at the Funny Bone comedy club tonight (January 6). The show is part of his “40 Years of Foley” tour. He noted that he does not talk about politics during these shows.
“People know I’m outspoken,” Foley said. “But the closest I get to making a political statement in the show is saying that kindness is cool.”
Performing one-man shows has become a regular gig for Foley, who feels like he gets better at them with each stop.
“I think with anything, you get better with practice,” he told Orlando Weekly. “The more reps you get in, the more natural it feels. And the more natural it feels, the better the show is. The stories are always evolving and changing. I can honestly say I never get bored of doing these shows. I really enjoy them, and I enjoy seeing the smiles and hearing the laughs.”
WWE has not commented publicly on Foley’s decision to part ways with the promotion. Both Foley and Trump are members of the WWE Hall of Fame, with Trump being a celebrity inductee.
Kane on Mick Foley cutting ties with WWE: ‘He’s entitled to his opinion’
Kane thinks that Mick Foley is entitled to his opinion.
Speaking on Newsmax, the WWE Hall of Famer and now Republican mayor of Knox County, Tennessee said that while he doesn’t agree with Foley’s choice to cut ties with WWE due to their association with the Trump administration, part of the beauty of living in the United States is that people are free to disagree with one another.
“Well, certainly it’s no surprise. I know where Mick is at politically and we’ve had our discussions about politics,” he said. “We’ve always been able to keep them civil, and I wish that could happen more on the public platforms altogether. One thing is we live in a country where we are free to disagree about things. I think Mick is wrong, but nevertheless, he’s entitled to his opinion. I will defend his right to say that, even if I do think he’s wrong. And that’s the beauty of America. I wish that would kind of be all over the place, as opposed to just in wrestling.”
Foley announced last week that he would not be renewing his WWE Legends deal when it comes up in June and will not make any appearances for the company while President Trump remains in office. Foley cited Trump’s remarks about director Rob Reiner’s death as the final straw, calling them “incredibly cruel.”
Both Triple H and Stephanie McMahon have visited the White House and President Trump during his first year in office. Triple H appeared in a White House social media video on Monday giving fitness advice.
Mick Foley ‘parting ways’ with WWE over Donald Trump relationship
WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley is “parting ways” with the company due to its association with President Donald Trump.
Foley posted a statement today revealing that he will not be renewing his WWE Legends contract when it expires this coming June. Along with that, he will not be making any appearances as a representative of WWE while Trump remains in office. Foley said he’s been concerned about WWE’s relationship with Trump for months now — but the breaking point for him was seeing how Trump reacted to the death of director Rob Reiner. Foley called Trump’s reaction “incredibly cruel” and questioned how anyone in WWE could stand by him.
The full statement from Foley can be read below:
- PARTING WAYS WITH WWE
- While I have been concerned about WWE‘s close relationship with Donald Trump for several months — especially in light of his administration’s ongoing cruel and inhumane treatment of immigrants (and pretty much anyone who ‘looks like an immigrant’) — reading the President’s incredibly cruel comments in the wake of Rob Reiner’s death is the final straw for me.
- I no longer wish to represent a company that coddles a man so seemingly void of compassion as he marches our country towards autocracy. Last night, I informed @WWE talent relations that I would not be making any appearances for the company as long as this man remains in office.
- Additionally, I will not be signing a new Legends deal when my current one expires in June. I love WWE, will always treasure my time with them, and I am deeply appreciative for all the opportunities they afforded me. But, in the words of Popeye the sailor, ‘I stands all I can stands, and I can’t stands no more.‘
WWE executive Paul “Triple H” Levesque — one of Foley’s most famous in-ring rivals — is a member of Trump’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition and has appeared at White House events. There has been no public reaction from Levesque or anyone in WWE over the comments Trump made about Reiner.
Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead at their Los Angeles home on Sunday. Their son Nick, who has long struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues, is believed to be responsible for their deaths. Trump responded to the news in a Truth Social post on Monday where he claimed that Reiner had driven people “crazy” with his outspoken criticism of the president.
Both Foley and Trump were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2013.
This past weekend, WWE was in Washington, D.C. for John Cena’s final match. Trump himself did not attend the event, but there were White House officials there including Linda McMahon and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Stephanie McMahon & Triple H appear with President Trump at the Oval Office
Triple H & Stephanie McMahon were at The White House.
Both were seen on Tuesday at the Oval Office as President Trump signed executive orders. Stephanie took time to speak to reporters about one of the orders, which relates to using AI to help improve treatments for childhood cancer. Stephanie spoke about her and WWE’s relationship with Connor Michalek, a young WWE fan who fought cancer.
“Kids shouldn’t even know what cancer is, let alone have to face it. And this incredible team believes that too. This executive order makes kids with cancer the first focus of AI innovation across health care in America,” she said. “If there is one thing in the world that could bring us together, please let it be our children because I can almost guarantee if your child was diagnosed with cancer, you wouldn’t care what party your doctor belonged to, you would just want the best. And President Trump is doing just that, enabling every child with cancer gets the best care possible. And we couldn’t be more grateful.”
Later on social media, Triple H praised Stephanie for her words.
“I cannot begin to describe how proud I am of @stephaniemcmahon. Her dedication to #ConnorsCure and tireless advocacy in the fight against pediatric cancer over the past decade has been truly inspiring,” he said. “Today’s Executive Order, which she spearheaded, marks a historic breakthrough in this incredibly important cause.”
The charity fund Conor’s Cure was established by WWE in 2014 to support pedicatric cancer research across cancer centers worldwide. Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are part of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. Triple H is the vice-chair of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. Earlier this year, he and Stephanie visited the US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, who was also in attendance Tuesday.
The McMahon family continues to have a strong relationship with President Trump during his second term, with Linda McMahon serving as the current Secretary of Education. She was at the Oval Office on Tuesday and spoke briefly to praise Stephanie for her efforts.
Dana White says UFC White House event is confirmed: ‘We got it done today’
Image: UFC
The UFC is indeed heading to the White House.
At the end of an Instagram story Thursday (seen below), UFC president Dana White said he had both a long and good day and was about to take off from Washington, DC.
“The White House fight is on. I will have more details on that in the next few weeks, but we got it done today,” he said.
News broke earlier this year that U.S. president Donald Trump wanted a UFC event at the White House, but the idea was initially scoffed at by critics as to whether that was even possible given the logistics.
The event will take place on Saturday, July 4th and will air on Paramount+ (and very possibly CBS) as part of their new seven-year deal that begins in 2026.
Trump and White (seen above) are close friends with White crediting the two-time president with helping the UFC in its early tenure as he hosted events from his venues at a time when the sport was reviled by the mainstream. White has spoken at the Republican National Convention while Trump has been a regular at major UFC events over the past few years.
WOL: HHH at White House, overruns, Summerslam preview, Collision
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Lance Storm is back with tons to talk about including Hulk Hogan today, Hunter part of a new Trump initiative, SummerSlam predictions, why AEW needs to axe the overrun, Collision thoughts, and tons more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
Triple H ‘honored’ to join President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition
WWE executive Paul “Triple H” Levesque is grateful for the new opportunity he’s been given by President Donald Trump.
On Thursday, Levesque was named to the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition — an advisory committee that has the stated goal of promoting healthy eating and physical activity among the American public. The committee is being chaired by golfer Bryson DeChambeau.
Honored doesn’t begin to describe what this opportunity means. Physical fitness has been a part of my life from a young age and has created the path to support myself and family beyond my wildest dreams.
— Triple H (@TripleH) August 1, 2025
The President’s Council on Physical Fitness is a vehicle to get young… pic.twitter.com/OGZBpD49Sd
“Honored doesn’t begin to describe what this opportunity means,” Levesque tweeted about the new role. “Physical fitness has been a part of my life from a young age and has created the path to support myself and family beyond my wildest dreams.
“The President’s Council on Physical Fitness is a vehicle to get young people active and healthy. Incredibly thankful for the trust reposed in all of the council members by the @realDonaldTrump, @JDVance, and @RobertKennedyJr. @Linda_McMahon @brysondech”
Levesque and DeChambeau were at the White House for an executive order signing on Thursday, with other new committee members NFL legend Lawrence Taylor, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, and golfer Annika Sorenstam also in attendance.
Linda McMahon — Levesque’s mother-in-law and the Secretary of Education — was also at Thursday’s White House event.
The executive order signed by Trump reestablishes the Presidential Fitness Test, which had been phased out in 2012 for a different program that prioritized individual health rather than athletic achievement. Students who perform well on the test will receive a Presidential Fitness Award.
Levesque joining the council comes after he and his wife Stephanie McMahon met with Robert Kennedy Jr. — the Secretary of Health and Human Services — back in June.
I’m so proud of you @TripleH! You have talked about the President’s Council on Physical Fitness since we first got married over 20 years ago! Thank you for always wanting the best for kids and for helping provide opportunities for their success 🙏 https://t.co/WV7HKAC4up
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) August 1, 2025
Trump’s executive order says the Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition will feature up to 30 members.
“The Council shall consist of up to 30 members appointed by the President,” the order says. “Members shall serve for a term of 2 years, shall be eligible for reappointment, and may continue to serve after the expiration of their terms until the appointment of a successor. The President may designate one or more of the members as Chair or Vice Chair.”
Thursday’s executive order signing streamed live on the White House’s YouTube channel:
Triple H to appear at White House executive order signing
Before SummerSlam takes place this weekend, Paul “Triple H” Levesque will be in Washington, D.C. on Thursday for an event at the White House.
CNN reports that Levesque will be among the sports figures attending an executive order signing by President Donald Trump. The executive order exists to expand Trump’s council on sports, fitness, and nutrition, as well as reviving the Presidential Fitness Test.
Football legend Lawrence Taylor, NFL player Harrison Butker, and golfers Bryson DeChambeau and Annika Sorenstam are some of the other athletes who will be attending, with CNN noting that many of the athletes will become formal members of Trump’s sports, fitness, and nutrition council.
This news comes after Levesque and his wife Stephanie McMahon met with Robert Kennedy Jr. — the Secretary of Health and Human Services — about the council last month.
Existing from 1956-2012, the Presidential Fitness Test was a program that assessed the cardiovascular fitness, upper-body and core strength, endurance, flexibility, and agility of students. Highly ranked students received awards from the president, but the test was phased out in 2012 for a different program that focused more on overall health rather than athletic performance.
Levesque’s mother-in-law — Linda McMahon — is a member of Trump’s cabinet as the Secretary of Education.
Following today’s event, Levesque will be in New Jersey from Friday through Sunday for SmackDown and both nights of SummerSlam. Raw will then be held in Brooklyn, New York on Monday.
Donald Trump, Linda McMahon pay tribute to Hulk Hogan
United States President Donald Trump and Linda McMahon were the latest big names to pay tribute to the late Hulk Hogan, following Vince McMahon and many from the wrestling industry including Sting, Triple H, Kevin Nash, and Kurt Angle.
Hogan passed away Thursday at the age of 71 after suffering cardiac arrest at his Florida home.
He famously appeared at the 2024 Republican National Convention to cut a promo in supporting Trump in his third run for the presidency.
Trump, a WWE Hall of Famer, posted the following on social media Thursday:
“We lost a great friend today, the “Hulkster.” Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way – Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart. He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week. He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive. To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!“
McMahon, a Trump cabinet member and head of the Department of Education, posted the following on X:
Donald Trump WrestleMania Rumors: Latest update
US President Donald Trump is someone that people have been expecting to appear at WrestleMania 41 this weekend. The former Apprentice star has been to a number of UFC events over the past year or so and with his former association with WWE it seemed like he was destined to be in attendance.
Whilst nothing has been confirmed, a new report seems to indicate that the President will not be appearing at the show this year.
Read More – WWE WrestleMania 41: Date, Match Card, Tickets, Main Events and more
Donald Trump WWE WrestleMania Latest
According to a new report from Fightful Select, nobody in WWE have been told that Donald Trump is going to be at the event.
Fightful also revealed that they had “contacted appropriate local authorities,” and that “they said they have not been informed or prepared for security measures or detail related to a presidential appearance.”
So by all accounts it appears as though Trump will not be appearing at the show this weekend, although this may well change.
Read More – WWE WrestleMania 41 Saturday Global Start Times: EST, PST, GMT and more
Senate confirms Linda McMahon to lead Department of Education
Linda McMahon has been confirmed to lead the Department of Education.
The United States Senate moved to confirm McMahon’s nomination as Secretary of Education Monday on a 51-45 vote along party lines. This would mark the second time that McMahon has served in President Donald Trump’s cabinet. During his first term, McMahon served as the administrator of the Small Business Administration, being approved by the Senate back in 2017 on a bipartisan 81-19 vote.
During McMahon’s congressional hearing last month, Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin brought up an active lawsuit against Linda & Vince McMahon and WWE relating to the ring boy scandal of the 1980s and 1990s. Baldwin asked McMahon if she could be trusted to support sexual assault survivors on college campuses. McMahon replied in the affirmative.
“I have a granddaughter that is now in college. I have two grandsons who are in college. And I have a deep commitment of understanding of how I would feel if any of them were involved in sexual harassment or accused of sexual harassment,” she said. “You have my absolute commitment that I will uphold and protect those investigations to make sure that those students are treated fairly on both sides.”
Despite McMahon being confirmed for the department’s top position, President Trump has made moves to abolish the Department of Education, wishing to leave schools to be run by the states. Trump said back in February that he hopes McMahon does a great job while also putting herself out of a job. Eliminating the Department of Education completely would require congressional approval.