10 Wrestlers Turned Actors Who Made It Big in Hollywood

Discover 10 wrestlers who successfully transitioned to acting. From The Rock to Dave Bautista, learn how these wrestling stars conquered Hollywood

Sunny

8/20/20252 min read

Wrestling is more than athleticism; it’s about charisma, storytelling, and showmanship. Many wrestlers have parlayed these skills into successful acting careers. Here’s a look at 10 wrestlers who made the leap from the ring to the big screen

1. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

Dwayne Johnson transitioned from WWE to Hollywood stardom with films like Fast & Furious and Jumanji. His ring charisma translated into box office success, making him one of the highest-paid actors.

2. Dave Bautista

Dave Bautista, known as Batista in WWE, became famous as Drax the Destroyer in Guardians of the Galaxy. His action and comedic abilities make him a versatile actor.

er3. John Cena

John Cena appeared in films like The Suicide Squad and Fast & Furious 9. His experience with live performance helps him excel in both comedy and action roles.

4. Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan starred in Rocky III and TV series like Thunder in Paradise, using his wrestling fame to bring his larger-than-life persona to the screen.

5. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin

Known for his tough persona, Steve Austin acted in films such as The Expendables and The Condemned, translating his wrestling intensity into action roles.

6. Goldberg

Bill Goldberg appeared in movies like The Longest Yard and Universal Soldier: The Return. His physical presence made him a natural fit for action films.

7. Rowdy Roddy Piper

Roddy Piper starred in the cult classic They Live, proving wrestlers could also take on serious acting roles beyond the action genre.

8. Kevin Nash

Kevin Nash appeared in films like Magic Mike and John Wick, leveraging his size and presence to deliver memorable performances

9. Mick Foley

Mick Foley, also known as Mankind, appeared in family films like The Wild and did voice work for animated shows, showing his range as an actor.

10. Ken Shamrock

Ken Shamrock, a former wrestling and MMA star, appeared in several action movies. His combat experience made him a natural fit for fight scenes.

a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp

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