Jesse ‘The Body’ Ventura Set To Return for Massive Saturday Night’s Main Event Show
Just when you thought the “Body” had permanently left the building, perhaps retreating to a comfortably off-grid bunker in the Baja or simply stepping away from the bright lights of sports entertainment, the wrestling world throws another curveball. In an industry where “never say never” is the only commandment written in stone, Jesse Ventura is reportedly making his way back for the upcoming edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C.
The Mystery of the Disappearing Governor Jesse Ventura
If you were scratching your head, wondering where Jesse Ventura was during the November 1st broadcast, you weren’t alone. The narrative was simple: Ventura had signed a short-term deal for these nostalgia-heavy Saturday Night’s Main Event specials, the contract ran out, and both parties decided to shake hands and part ways.
Even long-time industry observer Dave Meltzer noted that the impression backstage was that the deal was done. Silence usually speaks volumes in Stamford, and when Ventura wasn’t even mentioned during the last show, it felt like a quiet closing of the chapter.
But, as anyone who has followed the career of the Navy SEAL turned wrestler turned politician turned conspiracy theorist knows, Jesse Ventura rarely does anything quietly. His absence wasn’t a retirement; it was apparently just a breather before the big finale of the year.
That “Cage Match” Incident and the Heat Behind It
Back in May, during a steel cage match between Drew McIntyre and Damian Priest, Ventura did something that modern WWE commentators are trained not to do: he used logic. When Priest won the match by simply walking out the cage door, Ventura questioned the competitive integrity of a rule that allows a gladiator to win a fight by running away. He called it “BS” live on air.
Was he wrong? Absolutely not. To a guy who cut his teeth in the blood-and-guts era of the territories, the idea of a “door” in a cage match is ridiculous. But in the overly produced world of modern WWE, calling out the script is a cardinal sin. The production truck likely went into cardiac arrest, including some viewers. The line was scrubbed from YouTube replays, and the dirt sheets reported that management was less than thrilled with his candor. Not too long, his role on these shows was reduced.
Why the Cena Send-Off Needs a Voice Like Ventura
The upcoming show in Washington, D.C., is headlined by John Cena vs. Gunther. This is heavy stuff. We are talking about the twilight of the arguably greatest star of the modern era, facing the most dominant Intercontinental Champion in history.
You cannot have a generic, cookie-cutter commentary team for a match of this magnitude. You need gravitas. You need someone who sounds like they’ve gargled gravel and cigar smoke for three decades. Jesse Ventura brings an element of “big fight feel” that is impossible to replicate.
When he sits next to Joe Tessitore, there is a friction there that makes for compelling television. Is he going to go off-script? Is he going to criticize Gunther’s chops or Cena’s jorts? We don’t know, and that unpredictability is the secret sauce that Saturday Night’s Main Event thrives on.
What This Means for Future Appearances
Does this mean Jesse Ventura is back for the long haul? I wouldn’t bet the farm on it. This feels like a “one last ride” scenario to close out the year and pay respects to Cena. So, get ready, D.C. The Body is coming back, and Cena’s final match against The Ring General Gunther will happen. Although, are we going to see John Cena at this show?
