Politics

Pro Wrestler Kane Bodyslams Knox County Dems With Monstrous Mayoral Win

Photo credit: MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP/Getty Images

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Glenn Jacobs, who first made a name for himself as the “monstrous abomination” Kane in the WWE ring, is set to be the next mayor of Knox County, Tennessee.

Jacobs, a Republican, mimicked many of his pro wrestling victories by winning nearly two votes to every vote cast for his Democratic opponent, defeating Linda Haney 51,804 votes to 26,224. It was a sharp contrast to the primaries when a slightly more skeptical Republican base gave him a narrow victory over his primary opponent, Brad Anders.

The 51-year-old WWE star and insurance agency owner plans to implement a conservative agenda for the East Tennessee county, including “keeping taxes low,” “safer communities,” transparency and “a fresh outlook on limited government.”

“The thing someone like me brings to a race like this is — because of who I am — I can put Knox County in a positive light, nationally,” he told Knoxville’s WBIR. “There are so many great things our county has to offer, and frankly, the rest of the country needs to know about it.”

Wrestling fans, take heart. Kane, who appeared as a professional wrestler just last month on pay-per-view, told the Knoxville News Sentinel that he may still jump in the ring from time to time.

“After I am elected mayor, I’ll be mayor. Though I may still do a few special things,” he said. “I’ve done it for 23 years now and have quite a history. It’ll always be part of my life. I think the question is, if I am taking it seriously — and of course I am — I wouldn’t be running if not.”

“I’m sure some people will say that I’m not focused and some others will say that’s the coolest thing ever. Jacobs continued. “Again, you can’t make everyone happy. You just do what you can and that’s it.… you’re always going to catch criticism no matter what you do.”

Jacobs is set to be sworn in as Knox County Mayor September 1. But before his new job begins, his current one seemed happy for him:

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