WWE Hall of Famer Kane could be heading to Washington, D.C. — and not for another wrestling appearance. The former WWE Champion, whose real name is Glenn Jacobs, is reportedly the leading contender to become Tennessee’s next U.S. senator.
According to The Washington Sun, Jacobs has emerged as the favorite to replace Senator Marsha Blackburn after her victory in Tennessee’s 2026 gubernatorial election. Blackburn is scheduled to take office as governor on January 16, 2027, leaving behind a Senate vacancy that she will have the power to fill.
Jacobs, who previously served two terms as mayor of Knox County, has reportedly spent months strengthening his relationship with Blackburn and her political team. He’s also been actively campaigning alongside her throughout Tennessee, putting himself in a strong position for the appointment. One Republican operative familiar with the situation believes Jacobs’ chances have improved now that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is no longer being considered for the position.
“Based on [what happened], it’s even more likely for Glenn.”
Jacobs also has a close relationship with Ward Baker, Blackburn’s top political consultant. Kim Perry, president of the Tennessee-based political consulting firm Perry Strategies, pointed out just how frequently Jacobs has been seen alongside the governor-elect.
“Every time I saw Marsha, Glenn wasn’t very far behind.”
However, Kane isn’t the only person interested in the job. Republican Congressman Tim Burchett has been aggressively pursuing the appointment, while Deputy Governor Stuart McWhorter and Congressman Chuck Fleischmann are also reportedly under consideration.
Burchett has made it clear that he wants the position, but some Republican insiders believe his history of challenging party leadership could complicate his chances. Jacobs, meanwhile, is being viewed as someone capable of connecting with both establishment Republicans and everyday voters. His WWE career could also work in his favor. Jacobs spent decades portraying Kane, becoming one of the most recognizable characters in professional wrestling before transitioning into politics. His name recognition extends well beyond Tennessee, giving him an advantage that most political candidates simply don’t have.
Despite the growing speculation, Blackburn has not publicly announced who she intends to appoint. The decision remains hers, and Jacobs’ reported frontrunner status doesn’t guarantee he’ll get the job. Still, the possibility of Kane going from WWE’s Big Red Machine to the United States Senate is looking increasingly realistic. If Blackburn ultimately selects him, Jacobs would take another major step in a political career that has already seen him transition from wrestling superstar to elected mayor.
Do you think Glenn Jacobs would be a good choice for Tennessee’s U.S. Senate seat, and are you surprised to see the former WWE star emerge as the leading contender? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
