Channel 4 doc explores link between Trump and wrestling
April 29, 2026
By Nik Roseveare
Comedian and satirist Munya Chawawa travels to the US to immerse himself in wrestling and MAGA politics in a new documentary, uncovering the perhaps surprising link between Donald Trump and the world of body slams and spandex.
Wrestling with Trump sees Munya examine the influence that wrestling has had on the US President by meeting WWE Superstars, Trump sidekicks, and even throwing himself headlong into the ring. The 1 x 47 minute documentary launches on Channel 4 at 10pm on May 12th.
Along the way, Munya meets a cast of larger-than-life characters from across the world of wrestling and politics. WWF legend, Brutus ‘The Barber’ Beefcake, recalls steak dinners with Trump at WrestleMania, while Marc Copani reflects on portraying a controversial post-9/11 character in WWE. Former campaign advisor Sam Nunberg offers insight into how elements of wrestling performance and showmanship influenced Trump’s political campaigning style, blurring the lines between reality and spectacle. Trump even took part in the Hulk Hogan docuseries that recently premiered on Netflix.
Munya delves deeper, and discovers that the relationship between wrestling and politics stretches far beyond Trump’s presidency. Spending time with a travelling group of independent wrestlers, including ‘Handsome’ Beau James, Munya explores the concept of kayfabe – an audience’s deliberate suspension of disbelief for entertainment – and its resonance within US culture. According to James, this deep-rooted acceptance of performance and narrative has long influenced public life, with Trump being just one of many political figures to harness its power whilst campaigning.
Fully committing to the experience, Munya undergoes wrestling training, stepping into the ring for a tag team match under the guidance of James and his crew. Through sweat, spectacle and self-discovery, he gains first-hand insight into the physical and psychological demands of the wrestling world.
Ultimately, Munya uncovers a deeper and more complex connection between wrestling and politics than he first imagined. As the lines between performance and reality continue to blur, the influence of wrestling on Trump’s rise – and its wider implications for American and global politics – becomes impossible to ignore.
Chawawa said: “In 2026, it feels like we’re all living under the enormous, eclipsing shadow of Donald Trump. At every moment of every day, we know what he’s doing, but so often – we’re left asking why. My theory is: wrestling – as in ‘sweaty men in tiny hotpants’ wrestling. This documentary was the ultimate bittersweet adventure that interprets one of the most contentious men on the planet, through the lens of my fondest childhood nostalgia. It’s equal parts crushing and compelling, to know the bodyslams and bombastic smack talk we all enjoyed growing up, may have actually been creating a strategic blueprint for the President of the United States. You have to see it to believe it.”
Shaminder Nahal, Channel 4’s Head of Specialist Factual commented: “What’s so exciting about this film is the way Munya Chawawa examines Donald Trump through a new and unexpected lens – wrestling – at a time when every day brings dramatic, often shocking world events. With his unique perspective and knowledge, Munya delivers a surprising take on the intersection of politics and popular culture we see today, and in this bold and entertaining film, he uncovers surprising truths about performance, belief and modern political life.”
Iain Wimbush, Executive Producer, Bango Studios, added: “Wrestling , Munya and Trump are an unlikely combination – but a genuinely fascinating one. Uncovering what links them has been a real pleasure – particularly given the passion Munya has for the subject and his dexterity as a documentary maker.”