Jesse Ventura is an American politician, actor, and retired professional wrestler. After achieving fame in the World Wrestling Federation, he served as the 38th governor of Minnesota from 1999 to 2003. He was elected governor with the Reform Party and is the party's only candidate to win a major government office.
Ventura in 2024
Ventura in the Minnesota House of Representatives Chamber in 2000
Governor of Minnesota Jesse Ventura (center) testifies on China's participation in the WTO in March 2000
Ventura greeting President George W. Bush and Norm Coleman in 2002
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is an American professional wrestling promotion. It is owned and operated by TKO Group Holdings, a majority-owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings. A global integrated media and entertainment company, WWE has also branched out into fields outside of wrestling, including film, football, and various other business ventures. The company is additionally involved in licensing its intellectual property to companies to produce video games and action figures.
Vincent J. McMahon with Verne Gagne and Bruno Sammartino in 1975
Hulk Hogan, pictured in 1989, was the WWF's top star during the 1980s professional wrestling boom.
Shawn Michaels became one of the biggest star in WWF during this time, since an iconic ladder match at WrestleMania X.
Stone Cold Steve Austin rivalry with Vince McMahon is often cited as having turned the tides for WWF in the Monday Night War against rival promotion WCW.