Governor Tim Walz may have talked a big game on a podcast, but when the challenge turned physical — and charitable — his bravado suddenly disappeared. After casually suggesting that he could “kick most of their a**” in reference to Republican critics, the Minnesota Democrat is now facing a real-life offer he has yet to acknowledge: a charity wrestling match laid down by none other than Glenn Jacobs, the WWE legend known as “Kane,” and current Republican Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee.
It all started as political bluster. Walz, speaking alongside California Governor Gavin Newsom, mocked conservatives for questioning his masculinity during the 2024 election cycle. But while most laughed it off, Jacobs — who is as formidable in stature as he is in political presence — took a different route. First came a chuckle. Then came the challenge.
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
“All joking aside, @GovTimWalz, let’s put our money where our mouth is… in a charity wrestling match,” Jacobs posted to social media. He even sweetened the deal with a $10,000 personal donation, proposing that proceeds be split between charities of their choice.
The internet lit up, with supporters from across the political spectrum throwing in pledges. Within days, the pot swelled to $50,000, and a corporate sponsor was ready to sign on.
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
Even Florida Governor Ron DeSantis joined the fray, offering Florida as a “neutral site” to host the match. “We’ve got a lot of great spots and a lot of wrestling fans,” DeSantis added. Jacobs quickly agreed.
But Walz? Radio silence.
Instead of engaging with the opportunity to raise funds for charity — and perhaps settle the masculinity debate in the squared circle — the governor redirected his attention to posts criticizing Trump, Elon Musk, and education policy. When he did engage politically, it wasn’t with Jacobs or the rising charity movement, but with Fox News host Jesse Watters, whom he mocked for eating soup in the dark. Yes, soup.
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
The contrast is stark. On one hand, a retired wrestling titan turned mayor putting his legacy — and body — on the line for a good cause. On the other, a sitting governor who had no problem flexing his muscles in a podcast studio, but now appears unwilling to step out from behind the mic when someone calls his bluff.
Meanwhile, the man once feared in the WWE ring — with fire, chains, and chaos in tow — is ready. “Everyone is always asking me if I have one last match left,” Jacobs posted. “I think I have found my final victim, er, I mean opponent.”