Jesse Ventura to host Raw next week
Jesse Ventura will return to his pro wrestling roots next Monday when he serves as guest host for a three-hour Thanksgiving-themed episode of Raw, WWE announced in a press release today.
Ventura and WWE chairman Vince McMahon have had a strained relationship over the years, but this announcement doesn’t surprise me at all. In fact, Ventura was one of 20 names I came up with last July when looking at potential guest hosts for Raw. No matter how they feel about each other personally or what they say about each other publicly, Ventura and McMahon have shown in the past that they won’t hesitate to do business together if it’s mutually advantageous.
McMahon obviously believes that Ventura will be a ratings draw, while Ventura certainly sees the value in having a vehicle to promote his upcoming series on truTV, “Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura.”
I’ve always found “The Body” to be entertaining whether he was wrestling, commentating, appearing on a talk show or governing the state of Minnesota. Selfishly, I wish Ventura’s appearance as guest host would have been pushed back to the following Monday, when Raw takes place in Baltimore at 1st Mariner Arena.
Comments
He better wear the Pilgrim hat.
Posted by: Chris Jericho's Midlife Crisis | November 16, 2009 5:00 PM
"Selfishly, I wish Ventura’s appearance as guest host would have been pushed back to the following Monday, when Raw takes place in Baltimore at 1st Mariner Arena."
No one blames you Kevin.
Posted by: Brian | November 16, 2009 6:02 PM
Any word or rumors on who is going to guest host for Raw in Baltimore?
RESPONSE FROM KE: I read a few weeks ago that it might be Verne Troyer (MiniMe). I'm not kidding.
Posted by: Jim Hayes | November 16, 2009 10:29 PM
I am going to Raw too. I just have this fear it is going to be the lamest celebrity possible or Michael Phelps and his marble mouth.
Posted by: Elevation | November 16, 2009 11:23 PM
So you need a Raw GM for Baltimore?
Maybe somebody with something to promote... perhaps a book?
Somebody who doesn't mind a little embarrassment to get more attention?
Somebody who relishes being in the national spotlight?
Somebody who aspires to be in the Mid-Atlantic region?
Let me introduce you to the one and only Sarah Palin!
Posted by: Andrew | November 16, 2009 11:27 PM
no comments on the great Turning Point ppv?
RESPONSE FROM KE: Didn't see it.
Posted by: graves9 | November 17, 2009 2:36 AM
I wonder if Ventura will make someone dress up in a turkey suit like Jim Cornette made AJ Styles wear in 2007. I know who he could get to do it- Vince and Stephanie McMahon, the biggest turkeys in professional wrestling these days.
Posted by: Cliff | November 17, 2009 6:36 AM
Jesse will certainly be an interesting guest host. You never know what side he is going to take and whether he will appear as a face or heel. I look forward to the show.
Posted by: Larry | November 17, 2009 8:02 AM
Tell it like it is Jesse !!!!
Posted by: the artist formerly known as jack in hebron | November 17, 2009 10:39 AM
I wish the whole 3-hour RAW broadcast could have been pushed back a week as well, so it would fall on Cyber Monday.
Then, WWE could use the Taboo Tuesday/Cyber Sunday concept on a night it makes sense; plus it would give all the voters a chance to watch the matches they voted on. And charging $1/text again would give them a small amount of change to boot!
Posted by: Mr. Sarcasm | November 17, 2009 11:44 AM
All I am begging for is one 'pencil-necked geeks' reference to Cole and the fans...then I can die happy....=)
Posted by: Daryll B | November 17, 2009 2:07 PM
I have heard him commentate on matches thst occured before I started watching WWE, and I can't wait to see him on it. Best host in a while, no doubt.
Posted by: SteRDLK | November 17, 2009 2:26 PM
Guess this means we will be seeing a public debate between Chavo and Hornswoggle with the winner being elected governor of Minnesota...then Chavo will get body slammed by Jessie and
pinned by Hornswoggle. All in a day's job - er - work.
Posted by: Bignasty247 | November 17, 2009 5:43 PM
There is absolutely ZERO chance of Ventura being a worse host than Roddy Piper. I are still the man "Rowdy" but last night's performance was just awkward (especially the (unintentional?) reference to Captain Lou).
Posted by: TheCoz | November 17, 2009 5:48 PM
I spoke with Ventura last week about his new show and wrestling. He didn't answer my question about guest hosting Raw, but I guess we now have the answer. Find that interview at this link: http://thewrestlingdaily.com/?p=4273
Posted by: Adam Testa | November 17, 2009 6:22 PM
I'm hoping to witness the world premiere of the new alliance between Jericho, Seamus, and Miz. Called the "Red Rooster Brigade," in honor of epic bad hair.
Posted by: jvwalt | November 17, 2009 6:50 PM
Kevin, anyone you would like to see guest host on the 30th when we go? I was thinking Ray Lewis.
RESPONSE FROM KE: Lewis would be a natural. I'd like to see Stacy Keibler, but apparently WWE isn't interested.
Posted by: Erik | November 17, 2009 7:10 PM