Legendary Announcer Reflects On Jesse Ventura’s WCW Departure

In a recent episode of his “What Happened When” podcast, veteran announcer Tony Schiavone took a trip down memory lane, watching back a 1994 episode of WCW Saturday Night. The show, which Schiavone co-hosted with Bobby Heenan, sparked a discussion about his previous partnership with Jesse Ventura and the circumstances surrounding Ventura’s exit from WCW.

Schiavone spoke warmly of his time working alongside Ventura, highlighting the positive relationship they shared both on and off-screen.

I loved working with Jesse. Jesse and I were friends and it will always be one of the highlights of my career.

However, the conversation took a more serious turn as Schiavone delved into the reasons behind Ventura’s departure from WCW later in 1994. He pointed to financial considerations as a key factor, particularly focusing on the role of Eric Bischoff, who was running the organisation by early 1994.

I always thought that Eric (Bischoff) 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 Eric kind of wanted to phase him out if nothing else to save money.

While Schiavone said he didn’t know specific figures, he suggested that the financial burden of Ventura’s contract was a constant source of concern for Bischoff.

I don’t know what Jesse was making back then but I know Eric didn’t like it.

Schiavone also revealed that Ventura’s high-priced contract had been a point of contention even before Bischoff’s involvement.

I know Jim Ross didn’t like it when Jesse first arrived (in WCW). I always saw it as Eric wanted to move him on because of the money.

Jesse Ventura’s final WCW appearances would air in September 1994 after his on-screen role was greatly phased down during the course of the year.

The WWE Hall Of Famer Who Takes Blame For Jesse Ventura Issues

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently admitted on his podcast that he didn’t like Jesse Ventura when they first worked together in WCW. This was mainly out of jealousy for how much Ventura was being paid and used on television. However, Ross said he has apologised to Ventura since, and there aren’t no longer issues between them.

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