WWE star makes huge claim about Trump’s assassination attempt and points at key detail
The 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, remains one of the most scrutinized moments in modern American history. Now, Jesse Ventura—the former Navy SEAL, WWE Hall of Famer, and Minnesota Governor—has ignited a firestorm of controversy by questioning the fundamental legitimacy of the attack.
On July 13, 2024, the nation watched in horror as 20-year-old Thomas Crooks opened fire with an AR-15–style rifle from a nearby rooftop during a campaign rally. The shooting left Trump with a bloodied ear, claimed the life of one attendee, and critically wounded two others before a Secret Service sniper neutralized Crooks. Despite a sprawling federal investigation that the FBI officially closed in November 2025, the gunman’s motive remains a mystery, leaving a vacuum that continues to be filled by public skepticism and conspiracy theories.
Wrestling Terminology Meets Political Violence
Ventura, who hosted the long-running television series Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura, took his skepticism to a global stage during a recent interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored. During the exchange, Ventura stunned the veteran broadcaster by characterizing the former president’s near-death experience as a “blade job.”
In the lexicon of professional wrestling, a “blade job” refers to a performer intentionally cutting themselves with a concealed razor to simulate a bloody injury, thereby heightening the theatrical drama for the audience. Ventura, drawing on his decades of experience in the squared circle, implied the tactic was utilized during the chaotic scene on the Butler stage.
When Morgan remarked on Trump’s iconic display of defiance immediately following the shots, Ventura was dismissive. “Oh yeah right, right, right, you ever heard of a blade job?” he scoffed. When pressed on whether he truly believed the attempt was “fake,” Ventura countered with a challenge: “I don’t know, where’s his scar today?”
A Dismissive Stance on Tragedy
The interview grew increasingly tense as Morgan reminded Ventura that the gunfire resulted in the real-world death of a former volunteer fire chief who was standing near Trump.
Ventura appeared unmoved by the reminder of the loss of life. “I don’t know, come on Piers, you’re going to tell me this guy’s a big hero now?” he said, referring to Trump. When Morgan pushed back further, Ventura replied sharply: “Then he accomplished what he wanted out of you guys.”
The former governor’s critique extended beyond the mechanics of the shooting to Trump’s personal character. Asked what he would say to the president if given the opportunity, Ventura stated he would “prefer not” to engage. “He has no courage. He never has,” Ventura claimed. “There’s always one guy who will start the fight, and then hold your coat. That’s Donald Trump.”
A Storied and Unconventional Path
Ventura’s skepticism is the latest chapter in a career defined by breaking conventions. Born in Minneapolis, he served in the Navy Special Operations Underwater Demolition/SEAL Teams during the Vietnam War. He later transitioned into the world of professional wrestling, performing as the “heel” character Jesse “the Body” Ventura from 1975 to 1986.
His success in the WWF/WWE as a performer and color commentator led to his 2004 Hall of Fame induction and a successful stint in Hollywood, appearing in action classics such as Predator and The Running Man.
Ventura’s political ascent was equally unorthodox. He served as mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, before launching a Reform Party bid for governor in 1998. In a historic upset that dismantled the traditional two-party hold on the state, he defeated both major-party opponents. During his single term, he implemented significant tax reforms and oversaw the construction of the METRO Blue Line light rail. Since leaving office in 2003, he has remained a vocal—and often polarizing—presence in the media, offering endorsements ranging from the Green Party in 2020 to the Democratic ticket in 2024.
As the nation continues to process the trauma of the Butler shooting, Ventura’s comments serve as a polarizing reminder of the deep-seated distrust that still lingers surrounding the events of that July afternoon.