The WWE Is Having a Very Good Week
When Donald Trump was elected president, it was assumed it would be good news for his old friends at the WWE. On Wednesday, the president-elect came through for his pro wrestling pals, announcing World Wrestling Entertainment CEO Linda McMahon as his pick to run the Small Business Administration. (The Small Business Administration was founded in 1953 and deals with helping small businesses through loans and counseling. McMahon will have to be confirmed by the Senate following a nomination hearing in front of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.)
McMahon helped oversee the growth of her family’s billion-dollar wrestling empire over the past three-plus decades. She also ran for the United States Senate twice, winning the Republican nomination (2010, 2012) before losing in the general election, despite spending nearly $100 million of her own money on the failed bids.
The McMahons have a long history with Trump, dating back to the time he hosted WrestleMania in Atlantic City in the late 1980s. The WWE is one of the single biggest donors to the Trump Foundation, giving $5 million between 2007 and 2009, and Trump is a member of the organization’s Hall of Fame. He was involved in a “Battle of the Billionaires” storyline with Vince McMahon in 2007, which culminated in his taking a Stone Cold Stunner from “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. This means that, possibly, at least two members of the Trump administration — McMahon and President-elect Trump himself — have been on the receiving end of the Austin’s finishing move:
But McMahon isn’t the only WWE player in the news this week, as John Cena is set to host Saturday Night Live this weekend. The 15-time world champion has expanded his résumé to include comedy (Parks and Recreation, Trainwreck, Sisters, and the recently announced The Pact) and reality show hosting (Fox’s American Grit). The first promo for his appearance — which will include musical guest Maren Morris — features Cena’s entrance music, a custom SNL title belt, and a preemptive apology to Leslie Jones:
Cena is just the third wrestler to host the show, joining Hulk Hogan, who co-hosted with Mr. T in 1985, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who has hosted the show four times, most recently in 2015. If the previous wrestler hosting gigs are any indication, expect some WWE cameos on Saturday night.
Saturday Night Live airs Saturday at 11:35 p.m. on NBC.
