Jace Lamonica
Only a few wrestlers can translate stage charisma onto the big screen, which is something these ten stars can vouch for. Groundbreaking debuts, unforgettable one-liners, and more went into these roles that brought wrestling legends to the box office. Expect heart and action-packed performances that demonstrate what it means to go from the ring to the big screen.
Dwayne Johnson’s Meteoric Rise with The Scorpion King
A paycheck of $5.5 million for his first lead role made Dwayne Johnson a record-breaker even before “The Scorpion King” hit theaters in 2002. His magnetic performance as a rogue-turned-hero catapulted him into Hollywood royalty. Despite the film’s lukewarm performance, fans loved to see their favorite motor mouth on the big screen.
Dave Bautista’s Transformation as Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy
Marvel really hit the jackpot with Dave Bautista’s Drax in “Guardians of the Galaxy.” This 2014 space adventure let Bautista show off his surprising talent for delivering deadpan humor without compromising emotional depth. Who knew a wrestler could make audiences laugh, cry, and cheer all in one movie?
John Cena’s Comic Brilliance in Trainwreck
In “Trainwreck” (2015), John Cena swapped wrestling rings for relatable relationship troubles, and the result was comedy gold. Playing a hilariously over-earnest boyfriend to a slacker Amy Schumer, Cena flexed comedic muscles nobody expected. Critics raved about his surprising comedic timing, while fans finally saw a new side of their ring-dominating wrestling hero.
Roddy Piper’s Legendary Turn in They Live
1988’s “They Live” made Roddy Piper a cult film sensation among both wrestling and sci-fi fans. Piper left audiences dazzled with his action-man style and delivered one of the most memorable one-liners in the history of action films. He may indeed have been “all out of gum,” but he never ran out of swagger in the film.
Randy Savage’s Explosive Cameo in Spider-Man
The wrestling legend transformed a brief wrestling match in Sam Raimi’s 2002 “Spider-Man” as Bonesaw McGraw into a show-stealing moment. He faced off against Tobey Maguire’s Peter Parker in an electrifying clash of strength and hilarious quips. Savage’s trademark trash-talking and larger-than-life personality made the character unforgettable.
André the Giant’s Wholesome Role in The Princess Bride
As Fezzik in 1987’s “The Princess Bride,” André the Giant proved that size isn’t a big enough hurdle to keep warmth and humor from showing. His lines were as memorable as his gentle delivery and the warmth his character radiated. Fun fact: his co-stars loved him so much that they often referred to him as a “real-life fairy tale.”
Sasha Banks’ Fierce Debut in The Mandalorian
Stepping out of the squared circle and into a galaxy far, far away, she wowed audiences as Koska Reeves in 2020’s “The Mandalorian.” The wrestling superstar’s agility and precision translated flawlessly to a Mandalorian warrior’s physicality. Banks also held her own in scenes alongside fan-favorite characters, as she brought depth and intensity to the role.
Kevin Nash’s Scene-Stealing Performance in Magic Mike
Think wrestlers and dance don’t mix? Kevin Nash’s 2012 turn as Tarzan in “Magic Mike” proves otherwise — calling it “bold” barely scratches the surface. It was jaw-dropping in its unexpected hilarity. Audiences were treated to a side of Nash no one saw coming, and his effortless charm proved he could shine on any stage.
Kurt Angle’s Gritty Role in Warrior
Kurt Angle stepped into the cage in 2011 “Warrior” as Koba, an MMA fighter as fierce as they come. Angle was determined to demonstrate his unrelenting grit on screen. He made his scenes pulse with authenticity as he drew from his Olympic wrestling pedigree to deliver an outstanding performance.
Jesse Ventura’s Quippy Role in Predator
In the 1987 action sci-fi flick, “Predator,” Jesse Ventura and his mustache owned the role of Blain. Ventura’s screen debut as an M134 Minigun-wielding commando “with no time to bleed” is the stuff stardom dreams are made of. What’s even more impressive was that Ventura stood out from the cast of that film.
