In a mix of political commentary and nostalgia for the glory days of pro wrestling, CNN’s own Scott Jennings has floated a colorful (and frankly hilarious) suggestion for who could replace Senator Marco Rubio if he’s tapped to serve as Trump’s Secretary of State: none other than Hulk Hogan himself. Yes, that’s right—Jennings, ever the entertainer, suggested the 1980s wrestling icon would be a perfect fit for the U.S. Senate, adding a dash of “Hulkamania” to the Senate chamber.
In a tongue-in-cheek segment on CNN, Jennings riffed on Hogan’s so-called “credentials,” claiming the man who faced off against villains like The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff had already proved his ability to defend America. After all, if Hogan can drop the leg on the likes of Volkoff, why not send him to D.C. to face down Chuck Schumer?
As Jennings put it, “He’s a real American, he fights for the rights of every man.” Clearly, Jennings is leaning all the way into the fun, finishing off his pitch with a challenge: “And whatcha gonna do, Chuck Schumer, when Hulkamania runs wild on you, brother?”
Jennings even went the extra mile for this bit, opening his blazer to reveal a bright yellow “Hulkamania” T-shirt underneath. Now, if there’s one way to make a case for Hulk Hogan as a U.S. Senator, it’s surely with the full regalia to match. And if nothing else, Jennings’s antics managed to get some laughs around the CNN table, which isn’t easy to do these days.
LMAO: Scott Jennings says that HULK HOGAN should be appointed to the Senate by DeSantis to replace Rubio.
He is singlehandedly carrying CNN.pic.twitter.com/7lNBVY7p6C
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 13, 2024
In all seriousness, though, Jennings’s playful endorsement speaks to something broader in politics right now. The Republican base is itching for candidates who aren’t just suits and ties but have some grit and flair—people who bring that “America first” energy and aren’t afraid to shake things up. While Jennings likely doesn’t believe Hogan will be warming Rubio’s Senate seat anytime soon, his suggestion taps into a spirit of political entertainment that Republicans are increasingly embracing. Who says the Senate can’t use a little razzle-dazzle?
Jennings’s joke wasn’t just for show; he’s a longtime fan of Hulk Hogan and even had the chance to meet the wrestling legend at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last July. He shared a photo of the encounter with Hogan and none other than David Axelrod, Obama’s former strategist, showing that even political pros from opposing sides can bond over a little bit of Hulkamania.
“No matter what happens, I’ll always have this photo with my buddy @davidaxelrod & my childhood hero @HulkHogan, who absolutely brought the house down tonight in Milwaukee,” he captioned a photo from the event.
No matter what happens, I’ll always have this photo with my buddy @davidaxelrod & my childhood hero @HulkHogan, who absolutely brought the house down tonight in Milwaukee. @cnn #GOPConvention pic.twitter.com/jbzm9niIs6
— Scott Jennings (@ScottJenningsKY) July 19, 2024
So, while Hulk Hogan’s chances of filling Rubio’s shoes may be slim, Jennings has certainly brought some fun back to the political conversation. And in today’s climate, maybe we could all use a little reminder that politics doesn’t always have to be doom and gloom. Whether you’re here for Hulk Hogan in the Senate or just enjoying the laughs, one thing’s for sure: it’s moments like these that prove there’s always room for a little humor in D.C.—even if it comes wrapped in a bright yellow “Hulkamania” T-shirt.
