In a recent edition of his widely followed "ARN" podcast, revered figure in the world of professional wrestling, Arn Anderson, delved into a discussion about the standout talents emerging from Smoky Mountain Wrestling. When the topic turned to identifying the premier act to emerge from that domain, the seasoned member of the iconic Four Horsemen faction promptly pinpointed one name that resonated above all others.
Anderson Perspective on Kane Athletic Excellence
In Anderson's estimation, none other than Glenn Jacobs, famously known as Kane, captured the essence of excellence. Reflecting on Kane's remarkable attributes, Anderson marveled at his extraordinary athleticism, especially given his imposing size.
Jacobs' background in basketball undoubtedly contributed to his innate agility and athleticism, which were truly exceptional considering his formidable stature. Anderson emphasized how Kane's physical prowess, combined with an impressive physique, generated an awe-inspiring presence.
The initial incarnation of Kane, complete with his menacing mask, made an indelible impression as he stepped into the WWF arena alongside his companions. The wrestling luminary went on to draw an equivalence between Kane and The Undertaker, both of whom he deemed exemplary in terms of business acumen and in-ring capability.
With his towering height of almost seven feet, Kane was undeniably a larger-than-life figure, embodying the essence of a megastar each time he made his entrance. Glenn Jacobs' journey in the wrestling world commenced with a brief interlude at Smoky Mountain Wrestling in 1995, preceding his epoch-making debut as Kane in WWE in 1997.
The persona of Kane, portrayed as the long-lost brother of The Undertaker, unfolded dramatically, with his debut significantly altering the landscape of the squared circle. Notably, his initial appearance saw him interfere in the historic Hell in a Cell match between The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels at the Badd Blood: In Your House pay-per-view event.
Across his tenure in WWE, Jacobs attained a multitude of championships, including the prestigious WWE Championship and the World Heavyweight Championship. Impressively, his contributions extended beyond the ring, as evidenced by his current role as the Republican Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee—a position he has held since 2018.
The culmination of his enduring impact on wrestling materialized in his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2021, solidifying his legacy as an indomitable force in the annals of the sport. In essence, Arn Anderson's unequivocal admiration for Glenn Jacobs, the formidable Kane, serves as a testament to the lasting impact of a wrestling luminary who seamlessly fused athleticism, theatricality, and business acumen in an extraordinary career.