WWE Hall of Famer Jesse “The Body” Ventura didn’t hold back during a recent appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast, discussing his tumultuous departure from WWE, his controversial stint in WCW, and Hulk Hogan’s alleged role in his downfall.
Ventura, known for his outspoken personality and rebellious spirit, explained that his attempts to unionize wrestlers and his refusal to be exploited for marketing purposes led to his exit from WWE.
“I was thrown out. I was uncontrollable,” Ventura declared. “Jesse The Body Ventura, number one, I tried to unionize. Number two, I wouldn’t allow them to market me without negotiating it. That’s what ultimately got me thrown out of the WWF, WWE.”
He then detailed his move to WCW, where he says he was instrumental in elevating Eric Bischoff to a position of power. However, Ventura’s influence waned with the arrival of Hulk Hogan.
“Eric Bischoff then got the head job at WCW, and then behind my back, he went out and got Hogan,” Ventura revealed. “He (Hogan) came in, got me immediately fired because he took over my look. He put the shades on, he put the do-rag on, and he became a villain. He couldn’t have Jesse Ventura be there and become Jesse Ventura, so he got me fired, and in essence, my wrestling career was over.”
Ventura further accused Hogan of betraying him by informing Vince McMahon about his unionization efforts. He recounted a moment during a deposition where McMahon admitted that Hogan had been his source of information.
“During the deposition…my attorney asked Vince, ‘Mr. McMahon, has there ever been a union in wrestling?’ Vince said, ‘No.’ My attorney said, ‘Has anyone ever tried to form a union in wrestling?’ Vince thought for a moment and he said, ‘Yeah. I think Jesse Ventura might have spouted his mouth…off about it one time a number of years ago.’ My attorney said, ‘Oh, really. Did you hear Mr. Ventura talk about unionizing?’ Vince went ‘No.’ My attorney said, ‘Well, then how were you aware of it?’ With no hesitation, Vince went, ‘Hulk Hogan told me.’ I almost fell out of my chair…Hulk Hogan, I thought had been my friend?'”
Ventura passionately described his efforts to rally his fellow wrestlers to the cause, emphasizing the need for fair treatment, health insurance, and retirement security.
“It’s federal law and we refuse to perform until we’re allowed to unionize or collective bargain and bring these people in,” Ventura recalled telling his fellow wrestlers. “I made that passionate speech…I stood up to him (Vince). I said, ‘Vince, this isn’t just to fight you. This is about the fact right now…I’m paying $5,000 a year for health insurance for me and my family. If we had a union, there’s strength in numbers. Maybe I only have to pay $2,000 a year instead of five. I’ve seen hundreds of guys give 20 years of their life to this business, and in the end, they ain’t got a pot to piss in or a window to throw it out of…'”
Ventura’s return to WWE for the rebooted Saturday Night’s Main Event marks an interesting chapter in his complex relationship with the company. Ventura served as a color commentator for the original program alongside Vince McMahon, providing his signature outspoken and entertaining analysis for many memorable moments. This history makes his return, despite past conflicts and accusations, all the more intriguing for wrestling fans.
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.
