Once I was a child, WWE, then the WWF, was an enormous factor. It not solely led to a bunch of flicks about wrestling to hit the massive display screen, however there have been additionally so many wrestlers who have been making the leap to films and TV to showcase their skills. However who caught round? Right this moment, I need to have a look at the careers of among the wrestlers who made it large in Hollywood — so large that, in some circumstances, we have even forgotten after 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 turn into one among Hollywood’s highest-grossing and most sought-after stars. Initially gaining fame within the WWE’s Angle 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 films, which helped set up him for mainstream audiences who did not come from wrestling. After an early position 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 fully shattered expectations. Certain, he obtained his large break enjoying the tremendous literal and hilarious Drax the Destroyer in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), and that position alone is iconic. However as an alternative of simply cashing in, Bautista went for severe, character-driven roles. He was unbelievable because the quiet replicant in Blade Runner 2049 (2017) and completely terrifying as Rabban in Dune (2021). He proved he might carry an entire film together with his intense efficiency in Knock on the Cabin (2023). Severely, the person has legit vary.
3. John Cena
You possibly can’t see him? Now you possibly can see him in all places. John Cena’s leap from WWE champ to Hollywood star has been all about his stunning reward for comedy. He began out with motion flicks like The Marine (2006), however he actually discovered his footing making individuals giggle. He stole scenes in Trainwreck (2015) and Blockers (2018) by being prepared 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 could possibly giggle 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 an element; 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 likely one of the most badass moments in film historical past. The movie is a cult basic for a purpose, 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 speak about wrestlers in films with out speaking in regards to the Hulkster. He is form of the OG on this listing, who made all of it attainable 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 in opposition to 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 perhaps a bit tacky now, however again then, they have been important viewing for any child of the period.I do really feel dangerous he by no means obtained his iconic position and did not get to do extra grownup motion films.
6. Jesse “The Physique” Ventura
Earlier than he was the Governor of Minnesota, Jesse “The Physique” Ventura was the final word cinematic powerful man. He carved out an ideal area of interest for himself in 80s motion flicks. His position as Blain in Predator (1987) is the stuff of legends. Strolling round with a minigun he known as “Outdated 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 power 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 Big
Anyone desire a peanut? André the Big’s appearing profession is principally outlined by one excellent, lovable position: Fezzik in The Princess Bride (1987). He’s critically so good in that film that he sort 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 delicate big who beloved rhymes. His efficiency was so full of heat and allure that he turned a hero to an entire new viewers. Fezzik is likely 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 stated so! The chief of the Angle Period introduced his signature Texas Rattlesnake persona straight to Hollywood. After a strong position 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 screen. 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 shocked if he has one other resurgence, as he has been crushing it in TV.
9. Kevin Nash
“Huge Daddy Cool” Kevin Nash used his large dimension and cool-headed demeanor to construct a fairly slick appearing profession. He is popped up in plenty 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 position by far is as Tarzan, the veteran stripper within the Magic Mike films. It was a task 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 one of the crucial spectacular TV careers of any wrestler. As Adam Copeland, he’s proven some severe appearing chops. He began getting consideration with a serious recurring position on the Stephen King collection Haven, however his position because the fierce Viking warlord Ketill Flatnose in Vikings confirmed he might deal with heavy historic drama. Now, he is enjoying a literal god—Ares, the God of Struggle—within the big Disney+ hit Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Edge is not simply getting roles; he is getting essential ones in big-time exhibits.
Summing It All Up
These wrestlers made the massive leap to the massive display screen, and it paid off. Their careers have been fairly superior, however we’ll most likely see some new names on this listing as an increasing number of of them get autos to showcase their skills. Anybody I missed? Let me know what you suppose within the feedback.
