Former WWE Writer On Working With Donald Trump At WrestleMania, Original Plans, Trump Taking Stunner
WrestleMania is now just days away, and the Shane McMahon – Undertaker match appears to be the most important heading into the show. Just nine years ago, another McMahon was in the headline match, as "The Battle Of The Billionaires" pitted Donald Trump and Vince McMahon's hand chosen warriors against one another.
Former WWE creative writer Court Bauer spoke to myself and Wrestling Inc founder Raj Giri recently, and we asked him about original suggestions for the Donald Trump – Vince McMahon storyline at WrestleMania 23.
"I suggested (Umaga and Bobby Lashley). Originally it was supposed to be Rey Mysterio, but Vince said 'Why would Donald Trump pick Rey? He's a small guy.' Maybe his skill level, maybe his success in the company. We're grooming the big guy Bobby Lashley, why not go there? That was my involvement in the big picture."
Bauer said that one of his favorite career points was helping create the Umaga character, as his family members helped him break into the business.
"I created the character named Umaga with Eddie Fatu, who was the talent known as Umaga. I was broken in by Afa and Sam A'noiai. To come full circle and repackage Eki Fatu, formerly Jamal of Three Minute Warning was thrilling."
When asked about Donald Trump's participation in the match and taking a Stunner from Stone Cold, Bauer told us there was no hesitation from Trump.
"He was down. This was all for charity. People forget that. There was no 'oh, I don't know,' none of that. "
Bauer also discussed WaleMania 2, and talked about Wale being interested in his own promotion.
"We talk about it all the time. Having done it when I was young and foolish, it's not an easy proposition. There's a lot that's on the line and a lot of logistics and money and risk and time and resources. It's a daunting challenge to go down that road. Will Wale ever go down that road? Never say never. He's a student of the game," Bauer said.
Bauer told us that general admission and VIP tickets are both sold out for WaleMania, but tickets may be available at the door. WaleMania 2 takes place this Thursday at 7:30 PM local time at Winstons Supperclub. You can find more info at this link.