If the entertainment industry looks for shredded, well-conditioned athletes, for sure, the WWE has some of the best-ripped sportsmen in history. While most WWE superstars remained pro wrestlers, a lot of its greatest stars had transitioned over to becoming movie stars, using their multifaceted talents in big Hollywood franchises.
Many of them have gone to great lengths to secure acting contracts for movie series and superhero flicks such as Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy or the Fast & Furious films. Among the WWE wrestlers who have made the change from WWE superstar to actor, there are the top three legendary names that come to mind: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, John Cena, and Dave Bautista.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
After becoming a world-popular wrestler, today, Dwayne Johnson enjoys the status of the highest-paid actor in history. From major movies like Fast & Furious with his spinoff show Hobbs & Shaw, including the Jumanji films and original action flicks like San Andreas, Rampage, and Skyscraper, Johnson can make any movie he wants, even branching out to other mediums like TV, video games, films, and much more.
John Cena
Despite that, he is not the only one to come out of WWE as John Cena has closely followed his footsteps, even being a part of the Fast & Furious on the ninth film. Moreover, Cena was a star in the Transformers franchise, appearing in Bumblebee and showing off his acting range in films like Trainwreck and Blockers.
Dave Bautista
Dave Bautista has created his own path to success in Hollywood, transitioning from his WWE stardom into one of the greatest roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Drax the Destroyer, even becoming a Bond villain in Spectre. But like Johnson and Cena, Bautista has shown that his talents range beyond just an action star, appearing in sci-fi films such as Dune and Blade Runner 2049, including comedic films such as My Spy and Stuber. Bautista is among the best wrestling athletes in movies to have ever graced cinematic history for his versatile acting chops and comedic style.
Kevin Nash
Also known as “Big Sexy” during his peak in professional wrestling, Kevin Nash was placed into the 2015 WWE Hall of Fame. Nash has been a champion on points in his career, leaving a mark on each of three major wrestling organizations while making appearances in good films such as the Magic Mike series, John Wick, The Longest Yard, and The Punisher.
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin
Throughout his WWE career, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin is known for his bold and brash personality. As a six-time WWE Champion, he also acted in the 2005 film The Longest Yard, with Adam Sandler. However, his most notable work in acting came in 2007 in the form of a WWE-produced film called The Condemned.
Kane
Over 20 years, Kane (also known as Glenn Jacobs) has encountered several makeovers and feuds in the world of wrestling. However, despite the grind on the road, Kane took some time out in 2006 to film a horror movie named See No Evil, playing a psychopath named Jacob Goodnight. In a 2014 sequel, he reprised the role.
Triple H
In his early WWE run, he was known as the Hunter Hearst Helmsley. But now, Triple H plays a crucial role in managing the daily operations of WWE while maintaining his physique as he draws closer to the age of 50. While he spends most of his time in a tie and suit, Hunter makes occasional in-ring appearances at big events.
A few years back, however, it seemed like he had the potential to make a bigger Hollywood presence as he landed roles in movies like Blade: Trinity and The Chaperone.
Jessie Ventura
Jessie “The Body” Ventura’s work speaks a multitude of actions. While he is a former military man, Governor of Minnesota, and tag team champion, he has enjoyed a lot of success throughout his entire life including film. Ventura starred alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in Batman & Robin, The Running Man, and Predator.
Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan inspired generations of wrestling fans across the eras from the days of “Hulkmania to his pairing with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash as the New World Order. Hogan holds the title of 12-time WWE/WCW Champion, and he continues to wrestle even after the age of 50. However, earlier in his wrestling career, he appeared in Rocky III playing Thunderlips.
Andre the Giant
No other wrestler gained the attention of the public quite like Andre the Giant as he is a 500+ pound, 7’4” behemoth. He is most notably known for his feud with Hulk Hogan. However, one of his more known roles on the big screen was playing an outlaw named Fezzik in the movie The Princess Bride.
Conclusion
Despite the years under their belt, these WWE superstars have defied the test of time, with their uncanny and impressive ability to be multifaceted and multi-talented. They have stood in the sands of time as among the best superstars who have, in some capacity, changed into actors and even acted while remaining in WWE. Regardless, these are men who can be admired for their merits.