WWE Superstars in big-budget movies is a Hollywood winning formula

Dwayne Johnson —photos by REUTERS

More often than not, those from WWE make a smooth transition into acting (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Batista, and John Cena), and soon to follow in their footsteps are Liv Morgan and Roman Reigns.

Who is not a fan of the WWE, even when it was called the WWF back in the day? I have watched WWE since I was a child; it’s clear why these former and current WWE Superstars are now being embraced by Hollywood: they possess the training, personality, work ethic, discipline, and, most importantly, the acting skills necessary for the film industry to thrive if given the opportunity.

It’s well-known that WWE is scripted, which means the finishes, key spots, and dramatic moments are pre-planned, and the wrestlers rehearse their matches before they are aired. Their profession mixes all the elements of acting and being an athlete; sometimes, they are even more believable than the actors themselves we see on the big screen. There is something there, something intangible; could it be an “It Factor”? Whatever it may be, you cannot produce it, you can’t learn it, and certainly, you can’t fake it.

WWE Superstars are now allowed to explore opportunities existing outside of the sports entertainment company they work for. WWE Superstars can now star in movies, as this enhances the brand and boosts their name recognition, even among non-WWE fans.

Most typically, those from WWE transition into acting seamlessly (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Batista, and John Cena), with Liv Morgan and Roman Reigns set to follow.

The prime example of a professional wrestler turned actor is “The Rock.”

The truth of the matter is, one can say, that “The Rock” got his advanced training to be an actor as a pro wrestler for the WWE. That was the road he took, and it paid off in the end for him because it fully prepared him for the demands of Hollywood.

If you are in my age group and younger, you would remember “The Attitude Era” of the WWE, and here was “The Rock,” who had some of the best catchphrases, who had some of the best wrestling movesets, and certainly was an electrifying personality in the WWE. Hollywood noticed him because, regardless of whether he was portraying a babyface or a heel. The fans still cheered for him no matter what.

Before “The Rock” became the force he has become in Hollywood, for me, the first movie that highlighted pro wrestlers’ credibility as actors was ‘They Live,’ featuring the late WWE Superstar Rowdy Roddy Piper. This classic John Carpenter action-sci-fi film demonstrated that pro wrestlers can thrive in quality films if given the chance and opportunity to audition for the starring role.

While pro wrestlers from the “Rock N’ Wrestling” era of the WWF, like Hulk Hogan, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Ox Baker, Andre the Giant, and Terry Funk, appeared in films during the ’80s, out of all of them from the past and present that have appeared in movies, it’s evident that “The Rock” shines brightest. It is because of all of his qualities that have made him a household name beyond the world of professional wrestling that even Hollywood could not ignore or overlook.

That’s because in past decades, there’s no doubt that pro wrestlers, both active and retired, faced significant challenges breaking into acting, especially from the ’60s into the early ’80s. Yet, when Hulk Hogan appeared in a Rocky movie, especially alongside Sylvester Stallone, it captured a lot of people’s attention. It was a small step back then; casting someone like Hulk Hogan, who was riding the wave of Hulkamania, made total sense because wrestling and boxing both take place in a squared ring.

The rationale behind having a pro wrestler and boxer face off in an exhibition match was a solid fit for ‘Rocky 3.’ In a way, it was an MMA fight, and the premise at the very least was interesting to see what would happen if Hulk Hogan and Sylvester Stallone appeared in the same movie together, and what more if it was a Rocky sequel.

Clearly, it was in the early 80s that Hollywood was experimenting more with incorporating pro wrestlers into their select movies and that would be inside moves that would show much more decades later. Looking back, historically, in terms of cinema, this marked the start of the gradual acceptance of pro wrestlers in Hollywood. It was a slow and steady progression, establishing pro wrestlers as viable casting choices for big-budget movies, although it always depended on the said pro wrestler’s crossover appeal.

Nowadays, the door to Hollywood is wide open to pro wrestlers, especially those from WWE, because, as the old saying goes, all it takes is one person to open doors to new professions, ultimately leading to new opportunities to be seized upon.

Speaking of “The Rock,” I remember the first time I saw him in theaters—it was ‘The Rundown’ in 2003. That feels like a lifetime ago because it certainly was, as all my white hair indicates it to be, and it was his first featured prominent role that showcased his potential, charisma, and acting ability.

His predominant CGI role in ‘The Mummy Returns’ a few years earlier didn’t highlight him as effectively; rather, it was ‘The Rundown’ that allowed him to truly shine as a leading man. In many ways, it was a passing of the torch, as the cameo of Arnold Schwarzenegger proved to be in ‘The Rundown,’ and since then, “The Rock” has never looked back, only kept moving forward by adding more and more movies to his filmography, which in turn will be his legacy. For me, a legacy captured on film can forever be looked back on by his fans and even non-fans alike.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Mark Kerr in “The Smashing Machine”. Image courtesy of A24 and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

And Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson became that torchbearer, inspiration, and motivator for all modern-day pro wrestlers to get their foot in Hollywood. Better yet, he is their role model to try their luck in showbiz, to break into the entertainment industry, and to become an actor in a land that only a few from their world can dream of being a part of. But “The Rock” proved that dreams can become a reality, and he has been living that dream since the early 2000s.

Since that decade, “The Rock” has continuously appeared in big-budget films produced by the most recognized movie studios, most of which have been commercially successful. No one can deny “The Rock’s” global fame; he is among the highest-paid actors in Hollywood, if not the highest paid per film, an A-list star of the highest order, exemplifying that when a pro wrestler gets the chance to showcase their talent, producers and directors become more receptive. It ultimately revolves around profit and box office success. And “The Rock” brings in eyes, attention, and moviegoers to everything he is cast in.

Simply put, the guy is a megastar in every sense of the word. Who knew that a former WWE world heavyweight champion could accomplish all of these cinematic feats one day? Well, from the looks of it, based on the majority of his earlier interviews when his journey into Hollywood began, “The Rock” knew it was possible for him.

On another note, but related to the main topic, when you talk about “The Rock,” you must include his bloodline because the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. If others can do it, then for sure, someone who belongs in the extended family tree of “The Rock” can. I’m not surprised by the confirmed reports of Roman Reigns potentially joining his cousin “The Rock” in Hollywood; it was only a matter of time before he transitioned into films.

This is where, because of “The Rock,” the professional lines began to blur, prejudices faded, and the stigma that pro wrestlers cannot act diminished. Lending credence to that statement is that “The Rock” has been acting for more than twenty years, with no signs of slowing down as the offers keep on coming. At this point, only the most stubborn would refuse to accept these facts. In the end, all the credit goes back to “The Rock” for opening everyone’s eyes.

More and more pro wrestlers have proven they can defy stereotypes, showing that old beliefs no longer hold true and that they have carved a place in Hollywood thanks to those who paved the way. One could argue this success was meant to be or stems from their training, in-ring skills, and athletic backgrounds; whatever the reason, the reality is clear: they can act, which is the most critical requirement for any film role.

Interestingly, as I was writing this, editing it, and finishing things up, the awesome news popped up that “Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson now has his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The man has earned it, and now this is one big step towards cementing his legacy in Hollywood.

Indeed, WWE Superstars in big-budget movies is a winning formula that Hollywood has embraced.