I admit it: I’m one of those fans who believe pro wrestling — like life — was better back in the day. It’s a time-honored tradition, one generation passing judgment on the next. Based on my conversations
with young fans after Survivor Series, that tradition is alive and well.
Where I do feel sorry for modern audiences, though, is that most of you will never fully appreciate the genius of Jesse Ventura. Sure, you can revisit his brilliant 1980s and ’90s commentary, but there’s something special about witnessing it in real time.
In his prime, Ventura — the wrestler turned commentator turned actor turned Minnesota governor — was “the man who calls it like it is.” Last weekend, during the Countdown to Saturday Night’s Main Event, he reminded everyone why: unfiltered, unflinching, hilariously biased — and somehow always spot-on — Ventura delivered a masterclass in WWE commentary.
Sporting a beard in homage to his friend and fellow Hall of Famer, the late “Macho Man” Randy Savage, Ventura wasted no time addressing John Cena ahead of Cena’s final match. Noting that Cena followed in the footsteps of legends like Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, and The Rock, Ventura gave the retiring star his proper due.
“John Cena has carried WWE very much on his shoulders for the last 20 years, and he deserves to be recognized for that,” said Ventura before adding a verbal asterisk to the 17-time world champion’s resume.
“Remember this: if he won the championship 17 times, that means he lost it 17 times. And who would want to brag about that?” quipped Ventura, delivering just enough snark to amuse savvy fans while still jabbing at those out of the loop.
He got a rise out of his fellow panelists, but the fans in attendance did not appreciate the slight, booing in response.
Congratulations, kids. Now you know exactly how my generation felt listening to “The Body” roast the likes of Chico — err — Tito Santana and Hulk Hogan.
Speaking of Hogan, Ventura mentioned the Hulkster more than once during his appearance — a moment that perked up longtime fans familiar with their history.
According to past stories told by Ventura, he tried to form a wrestler’s union in 1986. His efforts were shut down after then-WWE owner Vince McMahon caught wind of the plan. As it turned out, it was Hogan who ratted Ventura out to McMahon, severing their friendship for good.
But when it came time to name his Mount Rushmore, as hard as it was for him to say, he admitted that the since-deceased Hogan belonged there, even as fans booed him again.
“You can’t run from it,” Ventura said, acknowledging Hogan’s success and contributions. He also included Austin, The Rock, and, of course, himself.
While he remains a master of self-promotion, Ventura has always known when to shine the spotlight on the talent around him. That’s as true in 2025 as it was in 1985. Reflecting once more on Cena, he referred to announcer Joe Tessitore as “Mean” Joe, a nod to his longtime counterpart “Mean” Gene Okerlund, another beloved voice from WWE’s golden era.
In his final assessment of Cena, Ventura said:
“John Cena was the face of WWE since, really, the turn of the century. I say this with everything: to be on top in this business for five years is an exceptional feat. He has done it for nearly 20 to 25 years. That’s unheard of — that he would be the face and the man in World Wrestling Entertainment.
“John Cena deserves everything he gets tonight. He earned it.”
Later that night, as Cena waged war with Gunther, fans chanted “You still got it,” acknowledging the skills Cena still brought to the ring at 48.
Just as much, Body, you still got it. Here’s hoping you stick around a little longer to give us some more.
