Newsweek

Trump's Rise Foretold in Comic Book Story of Wrestling

Wrestlers understand “the malleability of truth,” flipping established narratives in shocking ways. Therefore, the book is a guidebook for understanding Trump and current politics.
Trumpemania: a spread from 'The Comic Book Story of Professional Wrestling' by Aubrey Sitterson and Chris Moreno
CUL_Wrestling_01

During the 2016 presidential race, Donald Trump insulted reporters, taunted rivals and encouraged violence at his rallies. One Trump supporter even created a meme of the president beating up CNN. It looked and sounded a lot like professional wrestling—and many voters loved it.

Author Aubrey Sitterson and artist Chris, shows why we love a good fight. In scrupulous detail, the duo cover America’s “one true sport” from its Colonial roots to the modern-day WWE empire. Turns out, the nation has always been a sucker for spectacle. The choreographed fighting and scripted results, Sitterson says, stir our emotions and tap our need for morality plays; we like to see heroes (called babyfaces) battling villains (heels).

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Newsweek

Newsweek2 min read
Michelle Buteau
MICHELLE BUTEAU IS PROOF THAT YOU CAN strike it big anytime. At 46, she’s out with her new film Babes (May 17), she has a hit Netflix series based on her memoir Survival of the Thickest and is the first woman to film a comedy special at Radio City Mu
Newsweek5 min read
‘I Don’t Live My Life With the Cameras On’
SOPHIE GRÉGOIRE TRUDEAU, THE DE FACTO first lady of Canada, has been a mental health campaigner and humanitarian for more than two decades. But her latest project may be her most personal: she’s authored a book on taking charge of one’s mental health
Newsweek3 min read
Newsweek US
GLOBAL EDITOR IN CHIEF _ Nancy Cooper EXECUTIVE EDITOR _ Jennifer H. Cunningham SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, DIGITAL _ Laura Davis DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS _ Melissa Jewsbury OPINION EDITOR _ Batya Ungar-Sargon VP, DIGITAL PUBLISHING _ Chris Roberts SENIOR E

Related Books & Audiobooks