AEW’s Tony Schiavone Calls Working With This WWE Hall Of Famer A Highlight Of Career
Tony Schiavone Reflects on Calling Matches with Jesse Ventura in WCW
Professional wrestling is more than just a sport; it is an art form that captures unforgettable moments. AEW commentator Tony Schiavone, who played a pivotal role as the lead voice in WCW, frequently revisits his memories on the “What Happened When” podcast. In a recent episode, Schiavone shared insights on his experience working alongside WWE Hall of Famer Jesse “The Body” Ventura and how it shaped his career.
Memorable Partnership with Jesse Ventura
Schiavone expressed great admiration for Ventura, recalling their time together in WCW. “I loved working with Jesse. Jesse and I were friends,” he said. Schiavone emphasized that teaming up with Ventura was one of the most significant highlights of his career.
However, he also shed light on the backstage dynamics involving WCW’s management. According to Schiavone, WCW executive Eric Bischoff was not in favor of Ventura’s high salary. “Eric was saddled with a very, very big contract with Jesse, and Eric did not like that they had to pay him so much money, so he wanted to phase him out to cut costs,” Schiavone explained. He also noted that Jim Ross (JR) shared similar concerns regarding Ventura’s contract.
Jesse Ventura’s Time in WCW
After leaving WWE in 1990, Ventura joined WCW in 1992, where he provided commentary until 1994. While Schiavone speculated that financial reasons contributed to Ventura’s departure, Ventura himself pointed to another factor. He believed that his exit became inevitable when Hulk Hogan signed with WCW.
For years, Ventura and Hogan had a complicated history. Once close friends, their relationship soured when Ventura attempted to introduce unionization efforts among wrestlers. Hogan reportedly informed Vince McMahon about Ventura’s initiative, which strained their bond. When Hogan later joined WCW, Ventura saw the writing on the wall and anticipated his own exit.
The Impact on Schiavone’s Career
Schiavone’s time with Ventura left a lasting impression on him. Despite the business side of wrestling affecting their partnership, Schiavone remains grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Ventura. “It was and will always be one of the highlights of my career,” he stated.
Ventura’s brief yet influential run in WCW remains a significant chapter in wrestling history, marked by his dynamic commentary and behind-the-scenes challenges. Meanwhile, Schiavone continues to share his experiences, giving fans a glimpse into the world of professional wrestling from a commentator’s perspective.