WWE and Hollywood have enjoyed a fruitful relationship over the years, sharing talent and superstars who are often featured across the two respective industries. Many Hollywood A-Listers have featured on multiple WWE programmes whilst WWE stars have gone on to exert their versatility on the grandest acting stage.
The WWE have produced superstars whose following in the WWE Universe propelled them into global thespians who could portray and produce movies that become fan favourites at the box office.
As the winter temperatures continue to drop, spending time indoors, cuddled by a warm blanket, or slumbering in front of the fireplace on a beanbag seems more comfortable than the outdoors. One thing to do on cold winter's day is binge on some great content and a good movie always helps keep the room a little warmer than it is.
Here’s a look at the five leading WWE Superstars who have made it big in Hollywood:
RONDA ROUSEY
Ronda Rousey has enjoyed an illustrious career, earning herself the title of being the most impactful women wrestler ever to feature in WWE. Rousey has also enthralled fans on the big screen, appearing in big movies like Fast & Furious 7, The Entourage, and The Expandable 3. She has also had prominent roles in Mile 22 alongside Mark Wahlberg and 2019’s Charlie's Angels, which she co-starred alongside Kristen Stewart and Naomi Scott. Rousey has also featured in drama series, 9-1-1; expanding her television horizons.
STONE COLD
The Texas Rattlesnake has amassed a huge online following which makes him one of the most followed WWE Superstars. Stone Cold made the transition from ring to box office without losing support from the millions of fans. Stone Cold made his movie debut with a role in iconic movie, “The Longest Yard”, playing the role of a guard who ironically raised hell for inmates. Austin has a good collection of great productions to his name, including action films The Package, Damage, Recoil, Born to fight, Deadly target, and Tactical.
He has also featured in Expendables the movie and Grownups, but his biggest performance to date came in the movie “The Condemned” where Austin’s performance received global appreciation.
BATISTA
Dave Bautista effortlessly made the switch from being s champion to being a blockbuster leading star. His on-screen versatility has seen him land major roles in productions such as playing Brass Body in The Man with the Iron Fists and Drax the Destroyer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Batista has featured in 11 television series, including the likes of ‘See’ and the ‘Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas’, this is over and above the 31 films that Batista has been involved with. The Animal currently has four films awaiting release, which include Thor: Love and Thunderdagger, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mysterydagger, Knock at the Cabin and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, The Avengers, and James Bond (Spectre).
Batista has shown that he is a man of many talents, taking roles in sci-fi movies, comedic films, action as well as animation.
JOHN CENA
John Cena is a man of many talents, making appearances in multiple blockbuster films including the likes of The Marine, The Suicide Squad, Sisters, F9: The Fast Saga, Trainwreck, Legendary, and 12 Rounds. Cena has also enjoyed appearances on prominent television series including Peacemaker, American Grit, Parks & Recreation, and Psych.
The former WWE Champion has also guest-hosted live show, SNL as well as hosting the ESPYS.
THE ROCK
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson enjoyed a really fruitful career in the WWE and that seems to be the case with his career in Hollywood too. The Rock has appeared in multiple films like Jumanji, the Fast & Furious series, Pain & Gain, and Hercules. His impressive filmography goes on to include The Scorpion King, The Rundown, Walking Tall, Gridiron Gang, The Game Plan, Fast Five, Fast & Furious 6, Furious 7, Hercules, San Andreas, and Central Intelligence.
Johnson also produced and starred in the popular HBO series “Ballers” which flighted for five seasons. Currently, he has several films awaiting release, including DC League of Super-Pets, Black Adam, Red One, and Fast X.