WWE Star Turned GOP Mayor Challenges Dem Governor to Wrestling Match

In a bizarre—and very public—clash of politics and pro wrestling, Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, known to millions as WWE legend “Kane,” is challenging Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to a real-life charity wrestling match. And yes, he says he’s dead serious.

This political throwdown began when Walz, a Democrat and former National Guard commander, made an offhand remark that he could “kick the a–” of most Trump supporters during a candid moment on This Is Gavin Newsom, the California governor’s podcast.

“I think I could kick most of their ass. I do think that,” Walz said. “I know I can outrun them… but I don’t know if we’re gonna get into some WWE-style thing.”

Well, now we are.

Jacobs, a staunch Republican and former Trump surrogate, fired back Friday morning with a challenge on X (formerly Twitter), calling out Walz directly and offering to throw down—for charity.

“He threw down the gauntlet, so I had to pick it up,” Jacobs told NewsNation. “If he wants to talk tough, I say let’s back it up in the ring—for a good cause.”

The conservative mayor wasn’t just talking trash. He pledged to kick off the spectacle with a $10,000 donation to a charity of his choice and said he’s already lined up a potential sponsor.

“Let’s put our money where our mouths are,” Jacobs posted. “This could be a great opportunity to raise real funds for organizations that matter to both of us.”

Jacobs, inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2021, is no stranger to theatrics or physical punishment. Standing 6’8” and weighing over 300 pounds during his wrestling prime, Kane was known for brutal matches and an iconic red mask that terrified audiences for decades. But in recent years, Jacobs has used his fame to pursue a very different role: politics.

Elected mayor of Knox County, Tennessee in 2018, Jacobs has pushed a libertarian-leaning agenda and often clashed with federal COVID mandates and Democratic leaders.

But this week’s turn toward literal combat has caught fire online, with supporters and critics alike weighing in on whether a political brawl is absurd, brilliant—or both.

Still, Jacobs says he’s not trying to bully Walz.

“We could figure out some stipulation to even the odds a little bit,” he said. “I think that he would be facing a huge uphill battle, but I’m all for fairness.”

Despite his bravado, Jacobs insists the event would be all in good fun—and for a good cause. And if Walz wants to keep talking tough, Jacobs says he’ll be waiting.

No official word yet from the Walz camp—but if the Minnesota governor wants to prove he can back up the talk, he may soon find himself squaring off against a literal giant in the ring.

Politics just got a whole lot more physical.