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Who is the ex-wrestler once floated as RFK Jr’s running mate? Meet Jesse Ventura, who claims Donald Trump ‘copied’ him and George Bush ‘knew’ about 9/11 – but will he return to WWE at age 72?
STORYLynn Farah
- The governor of Minnesota from 1999-2003, Ventura’s name popped up in politics again when rumours swirled that he might be Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s running mate – but it was Nicole Shanahan instead
- ‘Cannabis saved my family’s life,’ he once said, speaking about how it helped his wife Terry with chronic seizures – he’s also launched his own brand of THC edibles under the Jesse Ventura Farms brand
If you’re a fan of WWE, you’ll know him as The Body – the outspoken 110kg (245-pound) wrestler who ditched the ring for a political career. Jesse Ventura served as governor of Minnesota from 1999 to 2003, advocating for the legalisation of marijuana, among other things.
His name resurfaced in politics this year after it was rumoured he could be Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s running mate. Although RFK Jr went for American lawyer Nicole Shanahan in the end, Ventura remains in the spotlight … and a return to WWE could be on the cards even at age 72.
Here is everything you need to know about him.
Jesse Ventura, WWE wrestler turned governor
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Ventura made his political entry in 1998, when he won the race of Minnesota governor. According to The Washington Post, the former “pro wrestler, navy seal and radio shock jock” beat seasoned politicians, and even became the first governor to have his own action figure doll. He renamed himself The Mind during his campaign, playing on his WWE alias of The Body.
After winning, he called himself Governor Body, telling fans after his victory, “I’ll bet you they’re never going to take the people lightly again, are they?”
Fast forward around 25 years to 2024, when independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr named him as a potential running mate for the coming US elections, per ABC. Of course, RFK Jr eventually selected tech lawyer Shanahan, who also contributed millions towards campaign funding.
Ventura’s return to wrestling
His political career might be over and done with, but he could have another run with the WWE. According to Wrestling Inc, the former star, who left WWE in 1990, confirmed he had been in talks with the organisation over a new contract. He said he might be brought back as a WWE Legend, admitting that, even though he’s “an old guy”, he was willing to re-enter the ring.