A Defiant Ventura Steps Back Into Ring

MINNEAPOLIS —  Jesse Ventura defied his critics Sunday and temporarily traded his job as Minnesota governor for a stint as a referee at a professional wrestling match.

Before 19,404 rowdy fans at Target Center and millions more watching on pay-per-view, Ventura strutted into the same World Wrestling Federation ring where large-biceped wrestlers spent the night hitting each other with fists, kicks, chairs and even a guitar.

“There’s a lot of media saying I’m a disgrace for being here. I’ll tell you this: I’m proud of wrestling. I’m proud I was a wrestler, and I’m proud to be here tonight,” he said.

Much of the match transpired out of the ring despite Ventura’s instructions that it take place on the mat. Ventura drew a standing ovation and chants of “Jesse, Jesse” when he ejected Triple H’s female manager, Chyna, from ringside.

Ventura stayed 5 to 10 feet away from the wrestlers most of the time.