Surprising details surrounding WWE Hall of Famer’s return revealed
To reach the WWE Hall of Fame means a pro wrestler has led a legendary career. The world's largest wrestling company launched its Hall of Fame in March 1993. The Hall currently has 245 members, including individuals, groups, Legacy Wing inductees, Warrior Award recipients, and Celebrity Wing inductees. One of the most controversial and outspoken legends is finally headed back to World Wrestling Entertainment, and new details were just disclosed about his comeback.
Jesse Ventura began his wrestling journey in 1974 after a stint in the U.S. Navy, and a job as a bodyguard. He wrestled and did commentary, and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004. The former AWA champion got into politics after wrestling and served as Mayor of Brooklyn Park, MN from 1991-1995 and Governor of Minnesota from 1999-2003.
The actor has had many personal and legal issues with Vince McMahon and his company over the years but announced in May that he was in talks for a WWE Legends contract. He attended RAW in August, and spent time backstage with Triple H and others, later announcing he was back on good terms with the company, in part due to McMahon's departure.
The Body is set to return to WWE commentary on December 14 at the Saturday Night's Main Event special. The 73-year-old took to X today to respond to the announcement, noting that he was excited to return to the booth. Jesse also revealed that his son, Tyrel Ventura, helped make his return a reality, along with Triple H.
"That's right, the Governing Body returns to Saturday Night's Main Event! So excited to get back into the broadcast booth. A very big thank you to @TripleH, @WWE and my son @TyrelWatching for helping make my return a reality," Jesse Ventura wrote.
Ventura's return to SNME is significant as he and McMahon were the main hosts of the program during its original run. Bobby Heenan was used at times, and Roddy Piper replaced Jesse when he left WWE in 1990.
WWE Saturday Night's Main Event XXXVII updated lineup
World Wrestling Entertainment will present the return of Saturday Night's Main Event on December 14 at 8 pm ET, from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island, NY. The show event will air live on NBC while simultaneously streaming on Peacock.
Officials now have four matches set for the two-hour SNME, the first since 2008. Below is the updated lineup:
- Jesse Ventura returns for commentary
- Tournament Finals: TBD vs. TBD to crown the inaugural Women's United States Champion
- World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther (c) vs. Finn Balor
- Women's World Championship: Liv Morgan (c) vs. IYO SKY
- Undisputed Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin Owens
Officials have already announced the first SNME of 2025. The 38th Saturday Night's Main Event will take place on January 25, 2025, from the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, airing at 8 pm ET as a two-hour special on NBC and Peacock.