5 politicians who've appeared in WWE
World Wrestling Entertainment doesn’t exactly seem like a prime destination for a political leader. While wrestling—and particularly WWE—has a substantial audience, it’s still a relatively small subsection of larger society. Add onto that the negative connotations some folks attach to WWE for perceptions of glorifying violence and checkered past when it comes to sexism, and politicians generally want to keep their distance from the product.
Over the years, however, there have been a fair number of politicians who did cross the line and appeared on WWE television. Some made brief, pre-taped comments. Others stopped in for a one-off live appearance at an event or participated in one or more angles that ran for a period of weeks. Still, others were even a homegrown WWE talent who later went into politics, you might be surprised by the volume of people who have had significant roles in politics and also appeared for WWE at one time or another.
#5 Jesse Ventura
While Jesse “The Body” Ventura was a famous pro wrestler and a successful colour commentator in both WCW and WWE, he very arguably wound up more famous for his career to follow wrestling. Ventura became the mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. From there, he transitioned to being elected to the position of governor of Minnesota.
Though Ventura would spend four years leading the state, he wasn’t entirely done with wrestling. Ventura made a one night return to WWE to serve as the guest referee for the main event of SummerSlam 1999. The match saw Steve Austin defend his world title against Triple H and Mankind.
Ventura called it down the middle, and Mankind picked up the upset win. From there, Ventura would be back again for a guest appearance hosting an episode of Monday Night Raw in 2009. That night, his most memorably kayfabe imposed that Vince McMahon had to work the broadcast table with him for the main event like they had twenty years before.