Social media users were quick to react after spotting a familiar face at Linda McMahon’s Senate confirmation hearing for Secretary of Education – pro-wrestling star Triple H.
Some joked that McMahon, estranged wife of WWE mogul Vince McMahon, had “brought her own security,” while others remarked on the sheer absurdity of the moment on Thursday.
“Triple H is currently sitting behind Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon as she testifies before the Senate to become the Secretary of Education. America is back,” wrote one user.
Wrestler Triple H (right) sits behind Linda McMahon at her Senate confirmation hearing (AFP via Getty Images)
“I guess she brought her own security… Wild times,” added another.
Another wrote: “I count 4 people in the room for Linda McMahon’s confirmation hearing who’ve taken a Stone Cold Stunner on national television: Linda McMahon, Paul Levesque, Stephanie McMahon, Shane McMahon.”
A Stone Cold Stunner refers to the signature wrestling move of pro-wrestler Steve Austin, aka “Stone Cold.”
Shane and Stephanie McMahon are the children of Linda and Vince McMahon. Stephanie is married to Triple H, whose real name is Paul Levesque. McMahon introduced her children and Lavesque to the Senate in her opening remarks.
“Yeah, the U.S. is a f****** joke,” another social media user commented.
But others continued to riff on the WWE theme. “Okay thank you everyone for joining us today, and wait what’s that? OH MY GOD IT’S SHAWN MICHAELS! AND HE’S GOT A STEEL CHAIR!” quipped one user.
In her opening remarks, McMahon introduced senators to her children, Shane and Stephanie McMahon (right) (Getty Images)
“Triple H ready to body slam [Senate Minority leader Chuck] Schumer in Linda McMahon’s hearing,” added another.
McMahon’s first committee confirmation hearing for the head of the Department of Education comes just a day after Donald Trump ranted about closing that very department, after recently claiming McMahon should eventually “put herself out of a job.”
The president has been arguing for the removal of the DoE for years and has said he “immediately” wants to shut it down while pushing lawmakers to conduct the final execution.
Trump cannot remove the department without an act of the legislative branch.
McMahon’s confirmation hearing also comes after the so-called “Ring Boys” lawsuit being brought against her and her estranged husband, is set to resume.
The civil lawsuit, which claims the McMahons knowingly enabled the sexual exploitation of children by a longtime WWW employee, was subject to a temporary pause in the Maryland Supreme Court’s ruling over the Child Victims Act.
On Monday, justices voted four-three to preserve the act, eliminating the statute of limitations for victims of child sexual abuse to sue their alleged abusers. The McMahon family denies all allegations.