Once I was a child, WWE, then the WWF, was an enormous factor. It not solely led to a bunch of films about wrestling to hit the massive display, however there have been additionally so many wrestlers who have been making the leap to motion pictures and TV to showcase their abilities. However who caught round?
As we speak, I wish to have a look at the careers of among the wrestlers who made it massive in Hollywood — so massive that, in some instances, we have even forgotten once they used to wrestle.
Let’s dive in.
1. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
That is most likely the GOAT within the dialogue. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has grow to be certainly one of Hollywood’s highest-grossing and most sought-after stars. Initially gaining fame within the WWE’s Perspective Period, Johnson’s magnetic persona and spectacular physique made for a pure transition to motion movies.
His persona was already set within the ring, and audiences flocked to his early motion pictures, which helped set up him for mainstream audiences who did not come from wrestling.
After an early function because the Scorpion King in The Mummy Returns (2001), he went on to guide his personal blockbuster franchises, together with Jumanji and the Quick & Livid collection, the place he debuted as Agent Luke Hobbs in Quick 5 (2011).
Johnson has additionally showcased his comedic timing in movies like Central Intelligence (2016) and his voice appearing expertise as Maui in Disney’s Moana (2016).
2. Dave Bautista
If The Rock is the GOAT of blockbusters, Dave Bautista is the GOAT of legit appearing. This man utterly shattered expectations. Positive, he obtained his massive break enjoying the tremendous literal and hilarious Drax the Destroyer in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), and that function alone is iconic.
However as an alternative of simply cashing in, Bautista went for critical, character-driven roles. He was unimaginable because the quiet replicant in Blade Runner 2049 (2017) and completely terrifying as Rabban in Dune (2021). He proved he may carry an entire film along with his intense efficiency in Knock on the Cabin (2023).
Critically, the person has legit vary.
3. John Cena
You possibly can’t see him? Now you possibly can see him all over the place. John Cena’s soar from WWE champ to Hollywood star has been all about his stunning present for comedy.
He began out with motion flicks like The Marine (2006), however he actually discovered his footing making folks chuckle. He stole scenes in Trainwreck (2015) and Blockers (2018) by being keen to make enjoyable of himself.
However the true game-changer was Peacemaker.
In that present, he took a personality from The Suicide Squad (2021) and turned him into somebody you possibly can chuckle at one minute and really feel for the following. It’s the proper mix of motion, comedy, and coronary heart.
4. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper
For a sure era, Roddy Piper is a legend, and it is all due to one film: They Reside (1988). Because the star of John Carpenter’s sci-fi basic, Piper wasn’t only a wrestler enjoying a component; he was the half.
His supply of the road, “I’ve come right here to chew bubblegum and kick ass… and I am all out of bubblegum,” is without doubt one of the most badass moments in film historical past.
The movie is a cult basic for a motive, and Piper’s efficiency because the everyman hero Nada is what holds all of it collectively. He wasn’t simply appearing; he was making a popular culture icon.
5. Hulk Hogan
You possibly can’t discuss wrestlers in motion pictures with out speaking concerning the Hulkster. He is form of the OG on this record, who made all of it doable for the remainder of them.
When “Hulkamania” was working wild within the 80s, Hogan was a popular culture phenomenon, and Hollywood got here calling. His cameo as Thunderlips towards Stallone in Rocky III (1982) was unforgettable.
After that, he turned the king of the family-friendly action-comedy. Motion pictures like No Holds Barred (1989), Suburban Commando (1991), and Mr. Nanny (1993) is likely to be a bit tacky now, however again then, they have been important viewing for any child of the period.
I do really feel unhealthy he by no means obtained his iconic function and did not get to do extra grownup motion motion pictures.
6. Jesse “The Physique” Ventura
Earlier than he was the Governor of Minnesota, Jesse “The Physique” Ventura was the last word cinematic robust man.
He carved out an ideal area of interest for himself in 80s motion flicks. His function as Blain in Predator (1987) is the stuff of legends. Strolling round with a minigun he known as “Previous Painless” and declaring he “ain’t obtained time to bleed,” Ventura was simply as memorable as Arnold Schwarzenegger within the film.
He introduced that very same vitality to different classics like The Working Man (1987) and Demolition Man (1993), proving he was among the finest character actors to ever come out of the ring.
7. André the Large
Anyone desire a peanut? André the Large’s appearing profession is mainly outlined by one excellent, lovable function: Fezzik in The Princess Bride (1987).
He’s severely so good in that film that he type of invented a trope of the massive, dumb, however lovable sidekick. It was sensible casting.
Within the ring, he was the intimidating “Eighth Surprise of the World,” however on this film, he was a mild big who liked rhymes. His efficiency was so full of heat and allure that he turned a hero to an entire new viewers. Fezzik is without doubt one of the most beloved characters in film historical past, and it is all because of André’s iconic and heartfelt portrayal.
8. “Stone Chilly” Steve Austin
And that is the underside line, ‘trigger Stone Chilly mentioned so! The chief of the Perspective Period introduced his signature Texas Rattlesnake persona straight to Hollywood.
After a strong function in The Longest Yard remake (2005), he obtained his personal starring automobile with the action-packed thriller The Condemned (2007).
Since then, he is been a staple within the direct-to-video motion world, simply opening up cans of whoop-ass on display. Plus, he obtained to combine it up with a bunch of different motion legends in The Expendables (2010), which was an ideal match.
I would not be stunned if he has one other resurgence, as he has been crushing it in TV.
9. Kevin Nash
“Large Daddy Cool” Kevin Nash used his large dimension and cool-headed demeanor to construct a reasonably slick appearing profession. He is popped up in a whole lot of cool spots, enjoying the unstoppable Russian murderer in The Punisher (2004) and a jail guard in The Longest Yard (2005).
However his most well-known function by far is as Tarzan, the veteran stripper within the Magic Mike motion pictures. It was a job no one noticed coming, however Nash nailed it, proving he had the charisma and comedic chops to hold with Hollywood’s A-list.
10. Adam Copeland (Edge)
The “Rated-R Famous person” has been quietly constructing some of the spectacular TV careers of any wrestler.
As Adam Copeland, he’s proven some critical appearing chops. He began getting consideration with a serious recurring function on the Stephen King collection Haven, however his function because the fierce Viking warlord Ketill Flatnose in Vikings confirmed he may deal with heavy historic drama.
Now, he is enjoying a literal god—Ares, the God of Battle—within the enormous Disney+ hit Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Edge is not simply getting roles; he is getting necessary ones in big-time exhibits.
Summing It All Up
These wrestlers made the massive leap to the massive display, and it paid off. Their careers have been fairly superior, however we’ll most likely see some new names on this record as increasingly more of them get autos to showcase their abilities.
Anybody I missed?
Let me know what you suppose within the feedback.
