#1261 Neal Hebert & Jon Cogburn: Professional Wrestling, Donald Trump, and the New Cynicism
RECORDED ON MAY 5th 2026.
Dr. Neal Hebert is an Assistant Professor of Theatre in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at Grambling State University.
Dr. Jon Cogburn is Professor of Philosophy and Department Chair in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Louisiana State University.
They are both authors of Kayfabe Nation: Professional Wrestling, Donald Trump, and the New Cynicism.
In this episode, we focus on Kayfabe Nation. We talk about the connections between Donald Trump and professional wrestling, the relationship and similarities between Trump and Vince McMahon, and how Trump developed his mannerisms and way of speaking. We discuss kayfabe, the death of kayfabe, and neokayfabe in the Attitude Era. We talk about how wrestlers have put their bodies on the line for WWE. Finally, we explore four authoritarian tropes that characterize both WWE and authoritarian regimes: cynicism, buffoonery, sexism, and the invention of conspiracy theories.
Time Links:
Intro
The connections between Donald Trump and professional wrestling
The relationship and similarities between Trump and Vince McMahon
Trump’s mannerisms and way of speaking
Kayfabe, the death of kayfabe, and neokayfabe in the Attitude Era
Fact-free tirades
Sexism and misogyny in WWE, and wrestlers putting their bodies on the line
The trope of the strong man as buffoon
The role of conspiracy theories in politics
Follow Dr. Hebert and Cogburn’s work!
Kayfabe Nation: https://tinyurl.com/4ryucj3p
Follow Dr. Hebert’s work:
Faculty page: https://tinyurl.com/5n6k2zm7
Follow Dr. Cogburn’s work:
Faculty page: https://tinyurl.com/y82p8u7p
PhilPeople profile: https://tinyurl.com/3rr62pbm