By Michael Kelman Portney

In the world of pro wrestling, the most successful wrestlers know how to work the crowd, build a persona, and play the long game. They’re not just athletes; they’re master strategists who understand psychology, narrative, and timing. If the Democrats want to build a new movement in the wake of Trump’s 2024 victory, they could take notes from wrestling’s playbook. Here’s how the archetype of a successful leader for a movement could work by leaning into some less obvious tactics.

1. The Heel Turn: Embracing the Role of the “Anti-Hero”

In wrestling, a “heel” (villain) who later turns into a “face” (hero) is often one of the most compelling characters. The best anti-heroes break the rules, speak their minds, and don’t care if they’re unpopular—as long as they win people over in the end. This character can be incredibly effective for a movement, embodying strength, resilience, and confidence.

• Leaning Into Unpopular Issues: Like a wrestling anti-hero, this movement leader should not shy away from controversy. Embracing tough topics (economic justice, corporate accountability) without flinching will make them appear fearless and genuine. This might mean supporting unpopular policies initially but standing by them confidently to win respect and loyalty over time.

• Taking Risks to Earn Credibility: Anti-heroes earn their followers’ respect by taking bold stances and sticking to them. A strong leader for the movement could take calculated risks, like calling out internal issues or facing powerful opponents directly, even if it’s polarizing. Like in wrestling, a big risk often earns a big payoff when audiences see they’re willing to fight for what’s right, no matter the backlash.

2. Master of the Promo: Artful Messaging and Subtle Storytelling

In wrestling, promos are everything. Great wrestlers know how to talk—how to hype up the crowd, create suspense, and send coded messages to their fanbase. For a political movement, messaging and communication need to operate on multiple levels, from mainstream platforms to grassroots communities.

• Tailoring Messages for Different Audiences: The leader can borrow from Leo Strauss’s concept of layered messaging, delivering lines that resonate differently depending on who’s listening. Like a wrestler dropping hints for diehard fans while giving the general audience something straightforward, this leader can deliver layered messages, making loyal supporters feel they’re part of an “inner circle” while keeping their larger message clear.

• Building a Mythology Through Stories: Every great wrestling persona has a backstory and a clear set of values. This movement leader should draw on their own story and the struggles they’ve overcome to build a relatable, heroic persona. People don’t follow ideals as passionately as they follow a compelling story.

3. The Slow-Burn Build: Playing the Long Game with Adaptability

Wrestling storylines sometimes unfold over years. Wrestlers build their character slowly, transforming through rivalries, friendships, and unexpected alliances. In the same way, a movement needs to think long-term, building alliances, focusing on local issues, and adapting strategies to shifting environments

• Letting Momentum Build Organically: Like a wrestler’s storyline, a movement doesn’t have to be rushed. A successful leader will lean into the long game, allowing the movement to gain momentum as it evolves. This might mean starting with small, local victories and using them as stepping stones for broader influence, rather than trying to force immediate change on a large scale.

• Adapting to the Crowd: Wrestlers know how to read the crowd and adjust their performance on the fly. A leader should take the same approach, remaining responsive to the community and evolving the movement’s strategies to reflect the needs of the moment. If an issue gains traction, they can focus on it without losing sight of the overarching goals.

4. Kayfabe: Blurring the Lines of Reality and Narrative

Kayfabe is the illusion in wrestling that what happens in the ring is “real.” A movement leader can use this concept to create a sense of urgency and authenticity, making the struggle feel deeply personal and resonant, while still controlling the narrative.

• Creating a Persona Rooted in Authenticity: While pro-wrestlers are playing characters, the best ones bring aspects of their true selves into their performances. The leader of the movement should do the same—adopting a persona that’s rooted in their genuine experiences and beliefs but amplified for public appeal.

• Amplifying Stories That Resonate: By weaving in real issues with larger-than-life storytelling, the movement leader can create narratives that feel real and urgent. This could mean focusing on deeply relatable stories about workers, families, or local heroes, using these stories as a foundation to build solidarity and a shared sense of purpose.

5. Turning Opponents into Foils: Defining a Clear Rivalry

Wrestlers thrive when they have a well-defined rival—someone who represents the exact opposite of what they stand for. By positioning clear opposition, a movement can create a powerful narrative that reinforces the urgency and stakes of their fight.

• Creating a Tangible “Enemy” for Unity: A successful movement needs a clear “opponent” to rally against, whether it’s corporate corruption, unchecked government power, or social inequities. Much like how a wrestler’s rival gives them a reason to fight, this opponent gives the movement focus and purpose.

• Using Rivalry to Highlight Values: A well-defined rival highlights the movement’s values. By standing against forces that prioritize profit over people or power over democracy, the movement can create a rallying cry that brings people together under a common cause.

6. Engaging the “Marks” and the “Smart Marks”: Reaching Different Levels of Support

In wrestling, “marks” are fans who believe in the storyline, while “smart marks” understand it’s all a performance. A successful movement needs to reach both types of audiences: those who support on the surface and those who seek deeper understanding.

• Providing Accessible Messages and In-Depth Content: For those casually engaged, offer clear, relatable messaging that captures the movement’s goals. For more dedicated supporters, provide deeper insights, policy discussions, and calls to action that make them feel like insiders.

• Creating Multiple Access Points: Like in wrestling, some fans just watch, while others dive deep into forums and follow every backstage rumor. A movement should provide accessible ways for people to engage, whether that’s attending a rally, joining a local action group, or participating in online discussions. This dual approach builds loyalty and engagement at all levels.

7. The Heel-to-Hero Redemption Arc: The Power of Transformation

The heel-to-hero arc is one of wrestling’s most compelling storylines. By starting as an unconventional figure and transforming into a respected leader through hard work, sacrifice, and authenticity, a movement leader can inspire people to believe in change.

• Embracing Imperfection as a Strength: Every compelling hero has flaws. Rather than trying to present a perfect image, this leader should show vulnerability and acknowledge mistakes. Like a wrestler who turns their weaknesses into part of their character, a leader who owns up to challenges will seem more human and relatable.

• Winning Respect Through Actions: In wrestling, redemption is earned, not given. This leader should focus on real accomplishments, from policy wins to community building, showing that they’re willing to fight for the movement even when the odds are against them.

8. The Ultimate Finish: Creating a Legacy Moment

In wrestling, the most iconic moments often come at the end of a long, dramatic storyline. The movement leader needs to plan for their legacy, creating a defining moment that encapsulates their vision and gives followers a symbol of victory.

• Creating a Defining “Victory”: This could mean achieving a major policy win, leading a historic rally, or organizing a widespread day of action. Like a wrestler celebrating a championship win, this moment should feel earned and signal a step forward for the movement.

• Leaving Behind a Lasting Impact: Wrestling legends aren’t just remembered for what they won but for how they inspired. The leader should focus on building a movement that can continue to grow, evolve, and influence beyond their own involvement, leaving a legacy that endures.

In the pro wrestling world, success isn’t just about strength or skill—it’s about mastering the art of strategy, storytelling, and connection. A successful leader for a movement in the wake of Trump’s 2024 victory could follow a similar path: adopting the anti-hero persona, crafting layered messaging, playing the long game, and focusing on a redemption arc that shows real growth.

By blending strategy, authenticity, and a little showmanship, this leader can build a movement that resonates across audiences, draws in supporters at all levels, and keeps people invested for the long haul. In true wrestling fashion, they’ll create an experience that feels personal, exciting, and worth fighting for, turning a political struggle into a movement that could redefine what’s possible.

The Rock’s return to Raw on January 25, 2016, is an excellent choice. It’s a masterclass in charisma, energy, and connecting with the crowd, which can be incredibly inspiring for a movement video. In that promo, The Rock commands the room with humor, confidence, and high-energy interactions, drawing everyone in and creating a sense of excitement and anticipation.

Here’s how elements from that promo can support the movement’s vibe:

1. Commanding Presence and Confidence: The Rock’s confidence and ability to own the room can translate well to a movement leader. Just as The Rock re-establishes himself with swagger and authority, the leader for this movement would use this same commanding style to project strength and assurance.

2. Connecting with the “Audience”: In this promo, The Rock plays off the audience’s energy and responds directly to them, making them feel seen and included. For the movement, this could translate to a leader who actively connects with supporters, acknowledging their struggles and showing they’re in it together.

3. Balancing Humor with Seriousness: The Rock is known for his humor, but he balances it with a message of strength and resilience. In the context of the movement, humor could be used to make the leader relatable and to lighten the mood amid tough discussions, allowing the message to hit even harder.

4. Authenticity and Spontaneity: The Rock’s improvisational approach makes him feel genuine. This quality would work well for a movement leader who wants to break from political “scripts” and show authentic responses to real issues, inspiring confidence and building trust.

5. A Grand Return: Much like The Rock’s return to the ring, a movement leader could frame their role as a bold comeback, signaling a new chapter and revitalizing hope and energy within the movement.

Using The Rock’s promo style in a movement video could add a sense of excitement, urgency, and power, capturing the attention of supporters and reminding them that, just like in the ring, they’re in for a big, game-changing fight.