Washington ? Pro wrestling executive Linda McMahon has never been shy about wading into the ring — and now she’s plotting a smackdown of Connecticut Sen. Christopher Dodd.

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. said Wednesday McMahon has resigned as the company’s chief executive to seek the Republican nomination for Dodd’s seat, providing a show-business twist to one of the nation’s marquee Senate races.

“I never do anything half-heartedly,” McMahon said in a telephone interview Wednesday with The Associated Press. “I am 100 percent serious about this race.”

McMahon, 60, launched her candidacy saying the five-term incumbent Dodd has “lost his way and our trust.” Dodd plans to run for a sixth term next year and is seen as one of the most vulnerable Senate Democrats. He also faces a Democratic challenger, businessman Merrick Alpert.

McMahon’s candidacy recalls the move brash Jesse Ventura made back in 1999, jumping from pro wrestling to the Minnesota governorship.

WWE, which is behind such television shows as “Raw” and “Friday Night SmackDown” is known for its over-the-top performers, rowdy story lines and scantily clad women known as “divas.”