Governor Tim Walz (D-MN) is suddenly silent in the wake of a direct challenge from WWE wrestling champion-turned-Republican-politician Glenn Jacobs, who is currently serving as Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee.
Walz had boasted just days earlier — while on a podcast with fellow Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) — that conservatives who had criticized his masculinity during the 2024 election had only done so because he intimidated them: “I think I could kick most of their a**.”
A number quickly pushed back, including Jacobs — who had great success as “Kane” in the WWE before transitioning to a life of public service in Tennessee — who initially just laughed off Walz’s comments.
This morning I ran into @GlennJacobsTN, aka Kane, and asked him about Tim Walz saying he’d kick any MAGA voter’s ass.
Here’s what he has to say: pic.twitter.com/DsT8b7b8SN
— Brent Scher (@BrentScher) March 20, 2025
But a short time later, after some consideration, Jacobs dropped a serious challenge on the Minnesota Governor.
“All joking aside, @GovTimWalz, let’s put our money where our mouth is…in a charity wrestling match. We’ll split the gate 50/50 between our chosen organizations. I’ll kick things off myself with a $10,000 donation. What do you say #TennesseeWalz #LetsDance.”
All joking aside, @GovTimWalz, let's put our money where our mouth is…in a charity wrestling match. We'll split the gate 50/50 between our chosen organizations. I'll kick things off myself with a $10,000 donation. What do you say? #TennesseeWalz#LetsDance pic.twitter.com/2VV6j4RYs2
— Glenn Jacobs (@GlennJacobsTN) March 20, 2025
Walz did not respond to Jacobs’ challenge, however, opting instead to post a number of complaints about tariffs, Elon Musk, and about President Donald Trump fulfilling his campaign promise to end the Department of Education.
Meanwhile, others joined Jacobs in offering to put up the funding for a potential charity bout: “Yes! We already have close to $50k in pledges and a corporate title sponsor! C’mon, @GovTimWalz, let’s raise some money for a good cause!”
Yes! We already have close to $50K in pledges and a corporate title sponsor! C'mon, @GovTimWalz, let's raise some money for a good cause! https://t.co/60jeDeWnKg
— Glenn Jacobs (@GlennJacobsTN) March 21, 2025
Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) joined in as well, offering to host the match in Florida because it would be “neutral.”
“Florida can serve as the neutral site host. We’ve got a lot of great spots and a lot of wrestling fans …” DeSantis said.
Florida can serve as the neutral site host.
We’ve got a lot of great spots and a lot of wrestling fans… https://t.co/ZSt4VVLqp4
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) March 21, 2025
“Just name the venue, Mr. Governor, and we’ll make it happen!” Jacobs agreed, but still no response from Walz.
Just name the venue, Mr. Governor, and we'll make it happen! https://t.co/pEGm7WyuAw
— Glenn Jacobs (@GlennJacobsTN) March 21, 2025
Walz did respond to Fox News host Jesse Watters, who had mocked the failed vice presidential candidate once for using a straw, over his list of rules for men — which included, among other things, not using straws and never eating soup in public.
“There’s nothing weird about Jesse Waters secretly enjoying a bowl of soup alone in the dark,” Walz mocked.
There’s nothing weird about Jesse Waters secretly enjoying a bowl of soup alone in the dark. pic.twitter.com/qgNUyTaSgj
— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) March 20, 2025
He still has not responded to Jacobs’ challenge — but the Tennessee mayor’s alter ego appears ready to step into the ring.
“Everyone is always asking me if I have one last match left. I think I have found my final victim, er, I mean opponent,” the wrestling legend posted.
Everyone is always asking me if I have one last match left. I think I have found my final victim, er, I mean opponent. pic.twitter.com/NYOraw0ES6
— Kane (@KaneWWE) March 19, 2025
