Jesse Ventura Calls Donald Trump’s WWE Hall of Fame Induction a “Disgrace”

Jesse Ventura recently criticized Donald Trump for his place in the WWE Hall of Fame. The legend said the honor does not reflect in-ring work or long-term contribution as a performer.

Trump was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame’s celebrity wing in 2013. The category has generally been used to recognize public figures who have been associated with the company. The current President of the United States also made several appearances in WWE, most famously at WrestleMania 23 in a “Battle of the Billionaires” Hair vs. Hair match against Vince McMahon.

Speaking on the Independent Americans podcast, Ventura suggested Trump’s induction was a business decision. He said it was connected to hosting major WWE events, not wrestling achievements. Ventura pointed to WrestleMania V and WrestleMania VI held at Trump-owned venues. Ventura added that he once considered stepping away from the Hall of Fame entirely over the issue (via WrestlingNews.co).

“Trump got in because he provided us two buildings—I think WrestleMania 5 and 6 or something—where he probably made millions off renting us his buildings to hold WrestleMania,” Ventura explained. “And for that, Vince McMahon puts him in the Hall of Fame. It’s a disgrace. I’ve almost resigned, gone public and said I’m resigning from the Hall of Fame because of Trump is in it.”

Ventura argued that hosting shows and collecting rent should not lead to Hall of Fame recognition. He contrasted that path with the grind of full-time wrestlers, referenced his own schedule, recalling long stretches on the road without time off.

“Do you know how you get in the Hall of Fame? You do like what I had to do,” Ventura stated. “I wrestled 63 consecutive nights in a row without a day off. And there’s people that would destroy that. There’s guys that did more than that. But that’s how you get in the Hall of Fame.”

He also mentioned Olympic  Ken Patera as an example of someone he believes deserves induction based on athletic credentials and wrestling work.

“He (Trump) doesn’t qualify—like everything he does, he’s not qualified,” Ventura concluded.