Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs prepares to face his latest challenge: A bologna eating contest

What do a bologna-eating contest and WWE have in common? Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs is in it to win it.

Major League Eating is coming to Knoxville. On May 18, Dead End Barbecue and Elm Hill Bologna will be joining forces to present Major League Eating's 2024 Ultimate Bologna Showdown. "This meat-tastic competition will bring together the best bologna connoisseurs to battle it out in a quest to be crowned the Bologna Champion of the World," the website reads.

The winner will receive $10,000, according to the website.

Jacobs is confident about his upcoming performance. "I have an unblemished record in amateur eating contests. Now, it's off to the big time, and I'm going to hit Major League Eating like a giant slab of bologna," he said.

Jacobs' opponents will include Major League Eating champion Joey Chestnut, who the website calls "the greatest eater in history." Chestnut currently holds 55 world records, including the world hot dog eating record.

Jacobs is no stranger to the world of competition, even before his entry into politics. His storied history as WWE wrestler Kane means Jacobs is used to battling the big names. In 2021, Jacobs' expertise in the ring landed him in the WWE Hall of Fame as Kane, a top wrestling honor.

Now, "The Big Red Monster" is bringing his wrestling heat to the competitive eating table, and Jacobs is already threatening a smackdown. "Today, I officially start my training," Jacobs said in an April 12 video posted on X. "And by the way, Joey Chestnut, there's a slice inside with your name on it, pal."

Jacobs' might lean on Kane's iconic villainy in the competition, but as Knox County mayor, Jacobs also will be eating as a representative of the community.

The contest will be held at noon on Saturday, May 18 at the RecSports Field Complex.

Hayden Dunbar is the storyteller reporter. Email hayden.dunbar@knoxnews.com.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs brings Kane heat to eating contest