Former wrestling entertainment executive Linda McMahon has been confirmed by the Senate to lead the Small Business Administration. 

The vote Tuesday was 81-19.

McMahon served as the CEO at World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. before stepping down to run twice for the Senate in Connecticut. She lost both races despite spending about $100 million.

The two Democrats who defeated her — Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy — backed her nomination to lead the Small Business Administration.

McMahon helped WWE grow from about a dozen employees into an enterprise with more than 800.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.