The Aggro Lions, the Sleeper-ish Hawks, Million-Dollar Picks, and Jesse Ventura on His Surprise WWE Return
Dec 6, 2024
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Joe House, a sports and gambling expert from The Ringer, shares his insights on the Lions' exciting matchup against the Packers and the intriguing Bengals' and Ravens' games this week. Meanwhile, Jesse Ventura, the iconic former wrestler and Minnesota governor, opens up about his unexpected return to WWE, his days on set with legendary films like 'Predator', and the challenges of navigating politics and celebrity life. Their conversation blends sports analysis with nostalgic reflections, making for an engaging discussion.
Jesse Ventura discusses his nostalgic return to WWE broadcasting, aiming to rekindle the authentic essence of classic wrestling shows.
Ventura reflects on his wrestling career, emphasizing the importance of relationships and memorable matches like Steamboat vs. Savage at WrestleMania III.
The podcast reveals Ventura's challenges in attempting to unionize wrestlers, highlighting power dynamics and his subsequent fallout with Hulk Hogan.
Ventura critiques the current political landscape as a two-party dictatorship, stressing the need for integrity and accountability among leaders.
Deep dives
The Return of Saturday Night's Main Event
The upcoming revival of Saturday Night's Main Event marks a significant return to television for wrestling fans, particularly for Jesse Ventura, who will be part of the announcing crew. This event is set to take place in the Nassau Coliseum, the same venue that hosted the inaugural Saturday Night's Main Event back in the 1980s. Ventura emphasized that the show aims to capture the nostalgic essence of the original broadcasts by reverting to simpler graphics and production styles, with wrestlers making their entrances through the crowd rather than elaborate ramps. This retro approach not only honors wrestling's history but also brings long-time fans closer to the action they remember fondly.
Reflections on Wrestling Career and Greatest Matches
Ventura reflected on his career, pinpointing his greatest match as the iconic bout between Ricky Steamboat and Randy Savage at WrestleMania III. This match is often celebrated for its storytelling and technical prowess, showcasing the peak of wrestling entertainment during that era. He also reminisced about his rapport with other wrestlers like Tito Santana, with whom he felt a great chemistry, and the unforgettable moments shared with the likes of Hulk Hogan and Paul Abdul. In discussing these moments, Ventura acknowledged that the relationships and experiences he had during his wrestling days enriched his overall perspective on the sport.
Hogan's Betrayal and the Unionizing Effort
A pivotal moment in Ventura's life was his attempt to unionize wrestlers in the mid-1980s, which ultimately led to his fallout with Hulk Hogan. Ventura disclosed that Hogan informed Vince McMahon about his unionization efforts, which resulted in Ventura being pushed out of the WWF. The effort aimed to secure better health benefits and working conditions for wrestlers, which was a revolutionary idea at the time. Ventura's betrayal by Hogan was particularly painful given their past friendship, emphasizing how power dynamics in wrestling often overshadowed the camaraderie among wrestlers.
The Impact of Predator and Hollywood Career
Ventura shared insights about his iconic role in Predator, highlighting how his famous line, 'I ain't got time to bleed,' became synonymous with the film. He noted that while he was only a supporting character, this line has endured as a defining quote, much like Arnold Schwarzenegger's 'I'll be back'. Ventura's experience in Hollywood allowed him to pivot away from wrestling, proving that he could be a viable actor, even when faced with uncertainty after leaving the sport. This shift not only solidified his place in pop culture but also opened new doors for his career outside the ring.
Lessons from Political Experience
Reflecting on his political career, Ventura discussed how his time as Governor of Minnesota taught him the harsh realities of public service. He criticized the financial compensation for politicians compared to sports figures, highlighting the absurdity of a governor making significantly less than college football coaches. Ventura recounted the struggles he faced, from dealing with media scrutiny to managing his responsibilities, all while trying to uphold his oath to serve the public. His political experience serves as a reminder of the challenges beyond wrestling, emphasizing the importance of integrity while navigating the complex world of politics.
Critique of Modern Politics
Ventura expressed skepticism about the current political landscape, categorizing it as a two-party dictatorship where politicians often fail to uphold their responsibilities. He lamented the events of January 6th, asserting that they represented a betrayal of the Constitution he had sworn to protect. Ventura believed that the treasonous actions of that day exposed the fragility of democracy and the urgent need for accountability among leaders. His commitment to political integrity remains strong, as he yearns for a system that truly reflects the will of the people rather than the interests of a select few.
The Wrestling World Behind the Curtain
Ventura provided a candid assessment of the wrestling business dynamics, noting that much of it revolves around backstabbing and self-interest. He acknowledged that the struggles for power within wrestling often led to personal conflict, exemplified by his split with Hogan after the latter secured a position of influence. Despite recognizing these harsh realities, Ventura maintains a love for the sport and excitement about returning to WWE. As he prepares for his comeback, he is keen to channel his legacy into shaping a new era of wrestling commentary where he can freely express his opinions.
Future Plans and Legacy
Looking ahead, Ventura expressed anticipation for his role in WWE and the opportunity to share his unique perspective with a new generation of wrestling fans. He emphasized a desire to bring back elements of authenticity and excitement that characterized wrestling's earlier days. As a political figure and wrestling legend, he feels a strong sense of responsibility to use his platform wisely. Ultimately, Ventura aims to leave a lasting legacy that inspires both fans of wrestling and advocates for integrity in politics.
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House to discuss the Lions surviving the Packers on 'TNF,' talk through the NFL weekend slate, and make the Million-Dollar Picks for Week 14 (2:35), before looking at the updated NBA win totals, "make the playoffs" bets, likely trade teams, and more (44:44). Then, Bill talks with Jesse "The Body" Ventura about his return to WWE broadcasting, his rocky exit from pro wrestling, filming 'Predator' and 'Running Man,' his political career as a mayor and later governor of Minnesota, and much more (1:11:36).
Host: Bill Simmons
Guests: Joe House and Jesse Ventura
Producer: Kyle Crichton
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