Jesse Ventura Calls Trump's WWE Hall of Fame Induction a 'Disgrace'

Former wrestler and governor criticizes Trump's inclusion, says others more deserving

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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During an appearance on the Independent Americans podcast, former WWE wrestler and Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura expressed anger over Donald Trump's induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, calling it a "disgrace." Ventura, who is himself a Hall of Famer, argued that Trump's inclusion was due to him providing venues for WrestleMania events rather than his wrestling accomplishments, and said there are more deserving wrestlers like Olympian Ken Patera who have not been inducted.

Why it matters

Ventura's comments highlight the ongoing political tensions and controversies surrounding Trump's legacy, even in the realm of professional wrestling. As a high-profile figure in the industry, Ventura's criticism carries weight and reflects broader debates about who deserves to be honored in the WWE Hall of Fame.

The details

In the podcast interview, Ventura said he has "friends that are not in the Hall of Fame" like Olympian and wrestler Ken Patera, who he described as "at one time considered possibly the strongest man in the world." Ventura then contrasted Patera's exclusion with Trump's induction, which he said was due to Trump providing venues for WrestleMania events rather than any wrestling accomplishments. Ventura said he has "almost resigned" from the Hall of Fame because of Trump's inclusion, which he called "a disgrace."

  • Trump was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013 as a celebrity inductee.
  • Ventura made these comments during a recent appearance on the Independent Americans podcast in 2026.

The players

Jesse Ventura

A former professional wrestler who was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004. He has been an outspoken critic of Donald Trump and his inclusion in the Hall of Fame.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013 as a celebrity inductee, in part for providing venues for WrestleMania events.

Ken Patera

An Olympian and professional wrestler who Ventura says is more deserving of induction into the WWE Hall of Fame than Donald Trump.

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What they’re saying

“I have friends that are not in the Hall of Fame. One in particular, Olympian Ken Patera. At one time considered possibly the strongest man in the world. Competed in the Olympics, had a tremendous pro wrestling career afterward. Well, guess what? He's not in the Hall of Fame, and Trump is.”

— Jesse Ventura, Former WWE wrestler and Minnesota governor (Independent Americans)

“You know why [Trump] got in? Because he provided us two buildings [for WrestleMania IV and V] where he probably made millions, you know, off of renting us his buildings to hold WrestleMania. 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 Trump is in it and he doesn't qualify.”

— Jesse Ventura, Former WWE wrestler and Minnesota governor (Independent Americans)

What’s next

It remains to be seen if Ventura will follow through on his threat to resign from the WWE Hall of Fame over Trump's inclusion.

The takeaway

Ventura's strong criticism of Trump's Hall of Fame induction reflects the ongoing political divisions and controversies surrounding the former president, even in the realm of professional wrestling. His comments highlight debates about who truly deserves to be honored in the WWE Hall of Fame based on their accomplishments in the sport.