The world of professional wrestling is full of action and drama, which often attracts wrestlers to another form of entertainment: movies. In recent years, several wrestlers have made the transition to Hollywood, winning audiences over with their performances on the big screen. In this article, we’ll explore seven major wrestling stars who became successful actors.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is undoubtedly the most successful example of a wrestler-turned-actor. He began his wrestling career in WWE , where he quickly became one of the industry’s biggest stars. His transition to acting was so seamless that it’s easy to forget he started in the ring.
Top Movies:
- Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
- Fast & Furious franchise (2011 onwards)*
- Hercules (2014)
- Skyscraper (2018)
The Rock has maintained a steady presence in major action and comedy productions, captivating both audiences and critics alike.
John Cena
John Cena followed in The Rock’s footsteps and also made a successful transition to acting. Known for his charisma and imposing physique, Cena started with smaller roles but soon stood out in both action and comedy films.
Top Movies:
- Bumblebee (2018)
- The Suicide Squad (2021)*
- Playing with Fire (2019)
- F9 (2015)*
Cena has particularly excelled in comedic roles, where his ability to make people laugh surprised many of his fans.
Dave Bautista
Dave Bautista, known in the wrestling world as Batista, has built a solid acting career, particularly with his role as Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy. Bautista is another example of a wrestler who brought his intimidating physique to the screen but surprised audiences with his dramatic talent.
Top Movies:
- Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
- Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
- Spectre (2015)
- Dune (2021)
His presence in high-budget action films has given Bautista a prominent position in Hollywood, and he continues to expand his acting repertoire.
Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan was one of the first wrestlers to transition into acting. During the 1980s and 90s, Hogan was the biggest star in wrestling, and that popularity led him to experiment with a movie and TV career, with mixed results.
Top Movies:
- Suburban Commando (1991)
- Mr. Nanny (1993)
- No Holds Barred (1989)
Although Hogan didn’t achieve the same level of success in film as some other wrestlers, he paved the way for future stars.
Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey made her name in the UFC before entering the wrestling world. Her transition to acting was natural, given her background as a fierce fighter. Rousey quickly landed prominent roles in action films, where her fighting skills were essential.
Top Movies:
- Furious 7 (2015)*
- The Expendables 3 (2014)
- Mile 22 (2018)
Despite her ongoing focus on combat sports, Rousey has shown her talent in front of the camera.
Roddy Piper
Roddy Piper, one of the most charismatic wrestlers in WWE, also found success as an actor, particularly in the sci-fi genre. He is best remembered for his role in the cult classic They Live.
Top Movies:
- They Live (1988)*
- Hell Comes to Frogtown (1988)
- Immortal Combat (1994)
Piper became a cult legend, especially for his work with director John Carpenter.
Bill Goldberg
Bill Goldberg is another WWE wrestler who made his way into Hollywood. He hasn’t had as constant a presence as some of his colleagues, but he’s landed notable roles, particularly in action and comedy films.
Top Movies:
- The Longest Yard (2005)
- Looney Tunes: Back in Action (2003)
Goldberg usually plays villains and tough characters, which aligns perfectly with his wrestling persona.
These seven wrestlers not only dominated the ring but also shined in Hollywood, capturing a new audience and proving they could excel in any arena. With their physical abilities and charisma, they’ve become true stars on the silver screen, showing that wrestling is a gateway to success in various forms of entertainment.
*Watch on Amazon Prime.