Wrestlers Who Succeeded As Actors (& Others Who Bombed Spectacularly)

Professional wrestling, is known for larger-than-life characters and dramatic storytelling, especially in WWE, a combination that makes perfect sense as a breeding ground for actors. Over the years, several wrestlers have tried their hand at Hollywood with varying levels of success. Acting presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities that may allow a pro wrestler to prolong their careers outside of the ring.

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Wrestlers who have natural charisma and extensive main-event wrestling experience often shine in Hollywood, while some wrestlers fail despite having a large fan base. The reasons for these varying outcomes are as diverse as the wrestlers themselves.

Succeeded: The Rock

One Of The Biggest Actors Alive Today

The Rock’s acting success can be attributed to his unmatched work ethic. He has an easy ability to connect with audiences and has excellent physicality. This makes him a versatile actor capable of taking on a large range of roles. Dwayne Johnson has built a brand around his persona that aligns with his image.

His engaging presence on social media allows him to connect with fans on a personal level which further solidifies him as a fan favorite. He recently returned to a more regular role with WWE and has been wrestling matches, something that has increased his popularity even more.

Bombed: Hulk Hogan

His Character Did Not Work In Hollywood

Hulk Hogan struggled to find acting success. A major factor was the poor quality of the movies he chose to star in. Films such as ‘No Holds Barred’ and ‘Suburban Commando’ failed to resonate with fans and earned very bad reviews. His transition to Hollywood lacked nuance and depth.

The roles that he took often played to his wrestling persona rather than showcasing any legit acting chops which limited his appeal to outside audiences. His muscular build made it harder to be considered for certain roles. Hogan’s onscreen image remained tethered to his wrestling identity, which ultimately hurt his ability to evolve in the film industry.

Succeeded: John Cena

It Was Easy For Cena To Make The Transition

John Cena has an undeniable ability to connect with fans which translated excellently into acting. Cena has demonstrated a natural ability to connect with audiences through his comedic timing and genuine screen presence. His role in movies like ‘Blockers’ and ‘Trainwreck’ showcased his knack for comedy, breaking the mold of the traditional action hero.

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Cena approaches each role with professionalism and a desire to improve. He remembers his roots and plans to return to WWE in 2025 for a farewell tour. Cena understands that his time in pro wrestling is coming to an end, but acting will surely fill that void for years to come.

Bombed: The Miz

His Acting Career Never Took Off

Most people would think The Miz would find a successful acting career due to the fact that he arrived into pro wrestling large in part due to reality TV. However, most of his acting projects, like “The Marine” series, were action-centric and closely aligned with his wrestling persona. This lack of variety limited his ability to break into mainstream Hollywood and demonstrate versatility beyond the tough-guy image.

The Miz often participated in films that did not offer depth or complexity. Many of his films also had critical reception that left directors hesitant to grant further opportunities. His wrestling fame often overshadowed his acting pursuits, making it difficult for him to be taken seriously as an actor and achieve the same level of acclaim outside the WWE ring.

Succeeded: Batista

A Larger Than Life Personality

Dave Bautista, known as Batista in WWE, has garnered significant acclaim in the acting industry due to his unique blend of physical presence and emotional depth. He has been willing to take on a wide range of roles and has excelled in nearly all of them.

Unlike many other wrestlers who pursue acting, Batista is always open to accepting roles that challenge him and push his boundaries as an actor. His journey from the wrestling ring to the big screen is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication to becoming a credible and compelling actor.

Bombed: Goldberg

His Roles Were Often Criticized

Goldberg’s wrestling persona, characterized by brute strength and a lack of subtlety, didn’t translate well to acting. The roles he was given suffered from a lack of strong scripts and production quality.

Many fans thought the roles he played lacked storylines. In his defense, these movies often had low budgets and did not receive the amount of support that other wrestlers such as The Rock and John Cena had in Hollywood. Typecasting, which is when an actor is repeatedly put into similar roles based on their character/looks, was a problem that Goldberg had in acting.

Succeeded: Jesse Ventura

A Natural In And Out Of The Ring

Jesse Ventura starred in the Sci-Fi film ‘Predator’ alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in what was considered a high-profile film at the time. His wrestling background provided him with a strong foundation in performing under pressure and connecting with audiences.

He had a strong ability to reinvent himself to stay relevant in the entertainment industry. Ventura’s journey from wrestler to actor and eventually even to a political figure is a testament to his versatility and determination to do what he wanted to do.

Bombed: Kane

Appeared In Numerous Roles But Never Got A Big Break

Kane’s transition from wrestling to acting faced challenges in terms of audience perception and critical reception. While his wrestling fans appreciated his on-screen presence, the broader audience and critics were less receptive to his performances and were not sure what exactly he was trying to accomplish.

The projects he starred in were low quality and often had negative reviews. Since these films did not meet the expectations of Hollywood, Kane was not given larger roles as time went by.

Succeeded: Roddy Piper

His Charisma Was A Charm For Hollywood

Roddy Piper had a breakout performance in the 1988 cult classic “They Live” as John Nada, which showcased his natural screen presence and ability to deliver iconic lines with conviction. The performance resonated well with those that did not follow professional wrestling.

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Piper’s work ethic and dedication earned him respect in the entertainment industry. He had an ability to adapt and deliver compelling performances in different contexts which made him a beloved figure among fans and helped solidify his legacy.

Bombed: Stone Cold Steve Austin

Acting Did Not Come Natural For Austin

Stone Cold Steve Austin’s acting career didn’t quite reach the heights of his wrestling fame due to several factors. Movies like “The Condemned” and “Damage” were high on action but low on character development, which didn’t help Austin break out as a versatile actor.

While Austin excelled at live performances and physical stunts, acting on screen required different techniques, including emoting subtly and delivering lines convincingly in various contexts. This proved difficult for Austin, who struggled to breakthrough with large-scale roles.