WWE WrestleMania 33: 25 Greatest Moments in WrestleMania History
By Bryan Heaton
21. Battle of the Billionaires (WrestleMania 23)
Let’s get this out of the way: This is in no way an endorsement of nor a condemnation of the current President of the United States.
What this is, though, is the hilarity of seeing Vince McMahon getting his head shaved, and a future US President taking a Stone Cold Stunner.
In 2007, Donald Trump and McMahon became entangled in a rivalry. Trump interrupted McMahon’s “Fan Appreciation Night” by dropping money on the audience. Eventually, the two businessmen would agree to a match — kind of.
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Each man would choose a superstar to wrestle on their behalf. McMahon chose Intercontinental Champion Umaga, and Trump chose ECW Champion Bobby Lashley. But more than pride would be on the line at WrestleMania 23 – the billionaire who chose the losing superstar would be forced to have his head shaved.
To ensure a level playing ground, Steve Austin was named the special referee for the match. And once things got started, the physicality would spread to the men with the money.
Yes, Donald Trump clotheslined Vince McMahon. Yes, Lashley won the match, and McMahon lost his hair. And, yes, Trump celebrated by drinking a beer with Austin before being felled by a Stunner.
The end result? According to WWE’s corporate website, WrestleMania 23 received the most PPV buys in WWE history. Trump would later (kayfabe) purchase Raw, and be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. But for one night at WrestleMania 23, the billionaires created a memorable moment.