Digital Dish Diva says: Welcome to MSN Live. Former Governor Jesse Ventura will be on stage in just a few minutes to talk about the release “Beyond the Mat” Ringside Special Edition.

Digital Dish Diva says: Governor, welcome to MSN Live!

Digital Dish Diva says: What should we be calling you? Mr. Ventura? Governor Ventura or Jesse?

Jesse Ventura says: First of all, I've been called many things worse than those. You can call me Jesse, Mr. Ventura, or Governor, whichever you prefer.

Digital Dish Diva says: So you are still called Governor even after you've left the office?

Digital Dish Diva says: I think you are our very first Governor.

Jesse Ventura says: Yes, you maintain the title forever. You can even put that on your gravestone. You can put your highest position so when I was Mayor I could have mayor but now that I've been Governor, then I can now have that and if someday I became president, then I could have that title.

Digital Dish Diva says: Since we're here to talk about "Beyond the Mat" let's start with that.

Jesse Ventura says: I thought it was a terrific film that lets you into the life of a pro wrestler and how life is after wrestling, some is good and bad, mine was good but others were not so good. It was very truthful.

Digital Dish Diva says: What special features are on "Beyond the Mat" Ringside edition?

Jesse Ventura says: It's actually myself and Mick Folley and Barry Blaustein talking about the film. Interestingly my son Tyrel was the director and hopefully he put some good things in there. We didn't get to see the final product.

Digital Dish Diva says: Did the wrestlers look forward to participating in "Beyond the Mat"?

Jesse Ventura says: I couldn't answer that. In my case they asked me and I volunteered and I'm assuming the others did likewise.

Digital Dish Diva says: Are there any similarities between politicians and wrestlers?

Jesse Ventura says: There are plenty of similarities. I do a class on it. I'm teaching that at Harvard. The easiest way for me to answer is that in wresting you get paid by how many people buy a seat just like getting votes. You have to be good in front of people for both. Maybe most importantly when you see the politician on stage, he may be nothing like what they are in real life like the wrestler. They may simply be performing for you.

Digital Dish Diva says: Teaching at Harvard. That is such an accomplishment. Has any of this been surreal for you?

Jesse Ventura says: Not after Nov. 3, 1998 which was the night I got elected and nothing else has measured up to that.

mommyofanangel02 in Onstage_1 asks: So Mick Folley is in the DVD as well as you?

Jesse Ventura says: Yes, he is.

Digital Dish Diva says: Is the wrestling community a tight community?

Jesse Ventura says: For the most part yes. Probably like any other community of professionals like baseball and football. You travel to the same places and you may not become friends but you become business friends.

STONECOLDTX in Onstage_1 asks: So will you run for President?

kathryn_403 in Onstage_1 asks: Do you ever think about running for office again?

Jesse Ventura says: I don't have any intentions to but I said that after I was Mayor and then I ran for Governor. The only other political thing I would run for would be president but I am not running this time because I need time off.

Digital Dish Diva says: When Arnold ran for Governor, did you give him any advice?

Jesse Ventura says: I haven't spoken to Arnold the whole time. I sent him a good luck thing and the night he won I sent him a bottle of Dom Perignon. I know where he's at. It's like jumping on a treadmill at 7 or 8 so he doesn't need to hear from me.

DTCutting in Onstage_1 asks: Jesse, today is the 3 year anniversary of WWE buying WCW. In your opinion, how has WWE buying WCW helped and harmed the wrestling business?

Jesse Ventura says: It harms the business in the fact that the wrestlers have no bargaining chips. If there are two separate leagues you can play against each other. You'll notice job loss when businesses merge. The WWF is a better organization and the buck stops with Vince McMahon so it works much better.

?e r e gr ??e¤ GW MVp¤ Ë ?t in Onstage_1 asks: Mr. Ventura, have you ever had the desire to head back to the wrestling arena even if only for one last fight? Maybe in the next pay-per-view event?

Jesse Ventura says: Absolutely not! I want to be known as the wrestler that when he said retired, did. Besides it's a young mans game. My best days in wrestling are behind me.

Digital Dish Diva says: "Beyond the Mat" Ringside Special Edition releases tomorrow!

jill_ph in Onstage_1 asks: To you who do you think is the greatest wrestler of all time?

Jesse Ventura says: That's like asking me who the baseball or football players of all time are. There are different generations and it's a question that can't be answered. In his day Gorgeous George was the best and then you can say Bruno San Martino but because of the different generations it's impossible.

L337jcanales in Onstage_1 asks: Hello Mr. Ventura, how are you today? I was just wondering: how different was the lifestyle change from wrestler to politician?

Jesse Ventura says: (laughs) It's different in the way I had to go from my outrageous outfits to suits. As you get older you look silly running around in feather boas.

Digital Dish Diva says: Did you keep any of your costumes?

Jesse Ventura says: I donated most to charity. Plus I promised I would go out in the middle of the Lake Street Bridge in my home town I would throw my costume over it and I did just that when I retired.

cardsramsfan301 in Onstage_1 asks: Any chance of you getting in the booth again with Vinnie Mac?

Jesse Ventura says: Slim to none because I've moved on and I haven't kept track of it. The fans would know more of what's going on. I have other mountains to climb. It's a part of my past that I'm proud of but the chance is slim.

STONECOLDTX in Onstage_1 asks: HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT BEING INDUCTED IN THE WRESTLING HALL OF FAME?

Jesse Ventura says: Very honored. I went in with my hero Super Star Billy Graham and Tito Santana. It made us realize that the time went quick, we couldn't believe we used to be Wrestlmania and now it's the Hall of Fame.

EsmeHazel in Onstage_1 asks: How do you feel about wrestlers like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson successes now as he is evolving into a recognizable leading man in Hollywood. Are you proud of him for continuing to appreciate where he came from while making a new future for himself?

Jesse Ventura says: I'm extremely proud of the Rock. I used to wrestle his father Rocky. Whenever he does a press junket in Minnesota he always says, "Say hello to the Governor." I wish the best success to anyone who leaves the business.

Jesse Ventura says: He's so damn handsome it's not doubt he got where he's going. (laughs)

gothicchick_gc in Onstage_1 asks: Who do you think is the legend of wrestling as of now?

Jesse Ventura says: Oh, I think you have a tremendous amount of legends. Gorgeous George, Dick the Bruiser, Superstar Billy Graham, Natureboy Rick Flair, the list goes on and on.

EsmeHazel in Onstage_1 asks: What are your new goals professionally? Will you continue to teach, lecture or is there even more?

Jesse Ventura says: Right now I'm teaching at Harvard and enjoying the heck out of it. I'm taking the summer off and we'll see what happens in the fall. Don't be surprised if I do a few more films, it will be a surprise. That's the way I like it. I believe in destiny.

Digital Dish Diva says: What films would be interested in taking part in?

Jesse Ventura says: I would love to do a role in "The Da Vinci Code" not the lead, but there are a few parts I would be interested in.

Digital Dish Diva says: I just finished reading Dan Brown's prequel to “The Da Vinci Code” "Angels & Demons.” I highly recommend it.

DTCutting in Onstage_1 asks: Jesse, are you still in favor of wrestlers having a union? Would you be willing to make another attempt at unionizing wrestling?

iamjamdawg in Onstage_1 asks: I noticed that you grew your hair back along with a full beard, is this just to do it, or is it for a movie/TV role?

Jesse Ventura says: (laughs) Will I be willing? I'm in favor of wrestlers in being in the union but I won't be attempting to do it for them. I have been in the union and a member of SAG since "Predator."

Digital Dish Diva says: So are you wearing Tweed too?

Jesse Ventura says: I believe that every professor should have a beard, and I have patches on my suit coats.

Digital Dish Diva says: So are you wearing Tweed too?

Jesse Ventura says: No, (laughs) I am usually in jeans and a t-shirt.

STONECOLDTX in Onstage_1 asks: In your opinion what's the difference in wrestling then and wrestling now?

Jesse Ventura says: Sure, wrestling today is what we called Mexican Wrestling which is aerial moves and not so much mat work. I would like to go back to the other style because I like the hold for hold, but if you do that you would have to go slow to re-educate the audience.

Digital Dish Diva says: Has the audience changed in the past 20 years?

Jesse Ventura says: No, they're still wild and young people. You just go through different generations. It's a roller coaster ride and from generation to generation

you have to get new fans. The fans are terrific, they always have been.

gothicchick_gc in Onstage_1 asks: Why did you decide politics and not something else?

Digital Dish Diva says: Why not start a winery or something else entirely different?

Jesse Ventura says: (laughs) Because #1 I don't drink wine, and #2 I started politics because I got into it over a fight over a wetland in my neighborhood and then became Mayor. Then a few issues came up while I was doing talk radio and I thought it was my duty to run as Governor. It never entered my mind when I was a wrestler, so it was destiny.

Digital Dish Diva says: What did you say to people who said "You'll never succeed at this" whatever "this" may have been at the time?

Jesse Ventura says: I'm also a Navy Seal and I went through Basic Underwater Seal training which is the most difficult thing in the world and if you make it through BUDS you can do anything. If I ever doubt myself I think back to BUDS and if I could make it through that, this is nothing.

EsmeHazel in Onstage_1 asks: A surge in political interest by the younger generation is attributed to your honesty. Showing politics can be truthful and served for the people. Can you see 20 years from now the differences you have made?

Jesse Ventura says: Certainly. I appointed seventy-three judges and I never knew one before. It was based on qualifications. Unlike politicians who appoint their cronies. I put in the first light rail between the twin cities. You are judged 20 years later on your term.

µ±²±ChEeKo±²±µ in Onstage_1 asks: The Rock addressed in a radio interview about a week ago he might go into politics. If this is true, what are your feelings on it?

Jesse Ventura says: Enjoy Hollywood. Don't screw it up with politics yet. Wait 15 to 20 years.

kathryn_403 in Onstage_1 asks: Who do you support in the Presidential election?

Jesse Ventura says: Right now, anyone but Bush.

mommyofanangel02 in Onstage_1 asks: Did your body suffer any long term effects from being a pro wrestler and if so how so?

Jesse Ventura says: I have the perennial bad back that bothers me every year (right around golf season). I'm not bothered by any of my other injuries other than my back.

Frediá in Onstage_1 asks: Hiya Jesse thanks for chatting! What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a pro wrestler?

Jesse Ventura says: Work out hard. Naturally in the U.S. you have to be a heavy weight. There are many great smaller wrestlers that will never be known because only heavyweights draw the crowds. You have to work hard. The competition is very tough.

±¤¶€R΢ßÏŠçHض¤‡1 in Onstage_1 asks: If you could have a billion dollars what would you do with it?

Jesse Ventura says: (laughs) I'd certainly retire, go to the beach on Kona and you'd never hear from me again.

Jesse Ventura says: I don't need a billion dollars.

Digital Dish Diva says: A million doesn't get you very far these days.

fishnutt1 in Onstage_1 asks: I live in Washington State where we are taxed pretty hard and always seem to have to cut important programs, and I was wondering why state politicians don't just look at what other states make work and do that? Why be one of the worst?

Jesse Ventura says: They certainly should. One of the things at the Governors convention one of the things we advocate is stealing. If a governor does something in their state that is good they are good about letting other governors look at it so they can implement it in their state if they want to. No one has the market cornered on good ideas.

Digital Dish Diva says: You sound like your enjoying your days at Harvard. Do you miss being in office?

Jesse Ventura says: No. After 4 years I was burned out and didn't seek re-election. I am enjoying my time at Harvard. I graduated from high school and no one else in America can teach at the most prestigious university in the world with that.

Digital Dish Diva says: How do you like Boston?

Jesse Ventura says: It's great. You don't have to have a car here. There's a great light rail system here. It's great to run along the Charles River.

Digital Dish Diva says: Do you have any new projects coming up?

fishnutt1 in Onstage_1 asks: I would also like to thank you for serving our country.

Jesse Ventura says: I will probably write a new book this summer. I haven't really written about why I got out of office and what I hold for the future. I've been motivated by being at Harvard and you can expect it out in the fall.

Jesse Ventura says: I'll keep on with my career and have some irons in the fire. I may resume my acting career. I don't have to run around looking for parts, but if something interesting comes my way I can do it. My daughter is attending college this year so my wife and I have this new found freedom that we're looking forward to.

Jesse Ventura says: I wish everybody a happy good night and I hope everyone is prosperous out there. You never know what tomorrow brings and that's the challenge in this world and what makes it so great.

Digital Dish Diva says: Enjoy your time off this summer and from all of your fans from around the world best of luck with whatever lies ahead for you.

Digital Dish Diva says: Pick up "Beyond the Mat" Ringside Special Edition available tomorrow!

Digital Dish Diva says: Thanks to Governor Ventura for joining us tonight.

JulieannaOK80 in Onstage_1 asks: Jesse - Good luck with your future plans, and we hope to hear from you again soon! Good night!

?NîghtW?lƒ9022? in Onstage_1 asks: Goodnite Jesse And God Bless

CaliCountrySinger in Onstage_1 asks: Well "Body" I'll be voting for you in '08

EsmeHazel in Onstage_1 asks: Fantastic to read your heartwarming support of The Rock and others who have grown from the ring into their own. Be well, take care!

Prowler-22 in Onstage_1 asks: Would just like to thank you and all of MSN staff and host for the wonderful event.

L337jcanales in Onstage_1 asks: Wish you the best in everything you do Jesse. Take care and good luck!

jfunk632 in Onstage_1 asks: Thanks, Body! Good luck telling it like it is from the White House!

BigMike0152 in Onstage_1 asks: Thank you for all and good luck I loved this form, goodnight!

µ±²±ChEeKo±²±µ in Onstage_1 asks: Goodnight Jesse and thanks for taking the time to answer our questions.

Digital Dish Diva says: That's all the time we have for tonight.

Digital Dish Diva says: Thanks for joining us on MSN Live!