WWE Hall of Famer Jesse “The Body” Ventura recently appeared on The Bill Simmons Podcast to discuss the return of Saturday Night’s Main Event, airing live this Saturday at 8 pm Eastern on NBC. During the conversation, Ventura reflected on his unique journey from the wrestling ring to the broadcast booth, crediting pop icon Cyndi Lauper with a pivotal role in his career transition.
Ventura recalled the uncertainty he faced towards the end of his wrestling career, unsure of what his next move would be. “What do I do now?” he wondered. “Am I going to go down to General Mills and sign on as a VP and put down past experience, pro wrestler? You’re not going to get a job.” He acknowledged the common struggle faced by many athletes who suddenly find themselves needing to navigate a new path after their time in the spotlight is over.
A friend suggested broadcasting, recognizing Ventura’s natural talent for speaking. With nothing to lose, Ventura approached a local Minneapolis station, where he was given a chance to prove himself. It was during the peak of the “Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Connection” era, with Cyndi Lauper heavily involved in the wrestling world alongside Wendy Richter. Seizing the opportunity, Ventura reached out to Lauper’s manager and secured an interview with the singer.
In a move that perfectly captured the spirit of the times, Ventura and Lauper decided to dye his hair in a vibrant array of colors, reflecting the punk rock aesthetic popular in the 1980s. Lauper even brought Ventura on stage during her Minneapolis concert to showcase his newly transformed look to the audience.
This unexpected publicity stunt caught the attention of Vince McMahon, who saw potential in Ventura’s on-screen charisma. “Vince got a hold of that tape, and it was like two days later, he calls me, and he says, ‘Jesse, do you think you could do color commentating?'” Ventura recounted. Confident in his abilities, Ventura accepted the challenge, and McMahon proposed a groundbreaking idea: “There’s never been a villain on the mic before. You’re going to be the first one.”
This marked the beginning of Ventura’s successful broadcasting career, where he became known for his outspoken personality and controversial commentary. Ventura’s history with Saturday Night’s Main Event is significant. He was a prominent figure during the show’s initial run in the 1980s, serving as a color commentator alongside Vince McMahon. His outspoken style and heel persona added a unique dynamic to the broadcast, making him a memorable part of the show’s legacy.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit The Bill Simmons Podcast with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
