Jesse’s real name is James Janos. Slovak name. Despite its Scandinavian heritage, Minnesota and its politics have been heavily influenced by Eastern Europeans and their socialism.
The name Ventura is a wrestling stage name, and is borrowed from the California city. That story has been around since Jesse began using the name Ventura.
I don’t follow wrestling so never gave it any thought. Didn’t he use Ventura as governor? I guess that’s why I never thought it might not be his real name. I remember Jimmy Carter had to get a legal OK to sign documents as Jimmy instead of James when he was President.