KNOXVILLE — Glenn Jacobs is used to a spotlight, so when his county election win got national coverage on Friday, he was not surprised.
'That's pretty cool on the one hand, but also I've been so busy today, I haven't really had time to pay attention to it frankly," said Jacobs.
After his election made headlines on nearly all major national news outlets, Jacobs says he wants to make sure his constituents know he's taking the role of mayor seriously, despite the internet having fun with the situation.
"You can make a meme and I think that's just as funny as the next guy," he said. "But in the end, this is really serious. The role of county mayor impacts 450 thousand people."
PR expert and republican Mike Cohen agrees that Jacobs' fame might help the county if used correctly.
"People tend to think he's probably a big dumb jock -- and you talk to him and after 15 seconds, that perception is gone," said Cohen. "He's really really smart, has a degree in English Lit and that's a tool he can use to help Knox County."
When it comes to wrestling and continuing the activities that made him famous, Jacobs says even that might be on the table it it would help bring a positive spotlight to Knox County.
"I may do a special appearance here or there and I also think that's still something that would bring positive attention to our county," Jacobs said. "A lot of people think it's sort of cool, so I wouldn't rule out special appearances."