Jesse Ventura is one of wrestling’s most iconic voices, especially remembered for his time at the WWE commentary table with Gorilla Monsoon in the ’80s. But before he ever held a mic, Ventura made his name as a wrestler, grinding it out night after night through the rough and gritty wrestling territory system of the 1970s.
Now a WWE Hall of Famer, Ventura still takes pride in the hard work that earned him his spot — and he isn’t shy about calling out others who, in his view, didn’t put in that same effort.
Jesse Ventura’s Wrestling Roots
Ventura began his wrestling journey in 1975, travelling through multiple territories and building a reputation for his flashy look and villainous charisma. By 1981, he signed with WWE (then WWF), where he quickly stood out — not just for his in-ring work but for his loud, colourful promos and unique persona.
Eventually, health issues pushed Ventura away from active wrestling, but he found a new home at the commentary table. Alongside Gorilla Monsoon, he helped define a golden era of wrestling commentary that fans still talk about today.
The Fallout with Vince McMahon and Move to WCW
Despite becoming a fan favourite on commentary, Ventura’s relationship with WWE owner Vince McMahon eventually soured. The disagreement led to a very public fallout, and Ventura exited the company for WCW. He never returned to WWE on a full-time basis.
However, in 2004, WWE still inducted Ventura into the Hall of Fame, recognising his contributions to the business — both in and out of the ring. In recent years, with Vince McMahon stepping back, Ventura has even made a few brief returns to WWE TV.
Ventura on Trump’s WWE Hall of Fame Induction
Jesse Ventura takes his Hall of Fame status seriously, because for him, it represents years of dedication, pain, and sacrifice. That’s why he’s openly critical of Donald Trump’s 2013 induction into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Speaking on the Independent Americans podcast, Ventura didn’t hold back:
“I’m very angry that Donald Trump is in the Hall of Fame. Do you know how you get in? You do what I had to do — I wrestled on 63 consecutive nights without a day off.”
He compared that to Trump’s contribution — hosting two WrestleManias at his hotel and having a storyline role in WWE — which Ventura claims was more about business than actual wrestling merit.
“He probably made millions renting out his buildings. For that, Vince puts him in? It’s a disgrace.”
Ventura even admitted that Trump’s induction nearly made him resign from the Hall of Fame altogether.
Ken Patera Deserves It More, Says Ventura
Ventura also pointed out that real legends like Ken Patera — who had a major impact in the ring during the same era — haven’t been inducted. According to him, this is further proof that the Hall of Fame sometimes prioritises fame and connections over true wrestling credentials.
Jesse Ventura: A Wrestler and Politician
Outside of the wrestling world, Ventura has had a high-profile political career. He served as the Mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, and later as the Governor of Minnesota from 1999 to 2003. His political independence and bold opinions have always set him apart, both in the ring and in government.
