Top 10 Wrestlers Who Became Hollywood Stars: Ranked!

The sport of wrestling requires charm, athleticism, and a flair for performance, talents that can be effectively utilized in Hollywood films. Over time, numerous wrestling icons have ventured into acting, demonstrating their versatility across various genres, from intense action movies to side-splitting comedies.

These entertainers have traded wrestling moves for scripted lines, crafting notable acting careers within cinema. Here’s a list of the top 10 wrestlers who transitioned into acting, arranged from the least to the most significant influence.

In this version, I aimed to make it more engaging and easier to read by using simpler sentence structures, conversational tone, and avoiding jargon.

Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan played a significant part in bringing wrestlers into the spotlight within Hollywood. He appeared in the movies ‘No Holds Barred’ (1989) and ‘Suburban Commando’ (1991). The character of Thunderlips that he portrayed in ‘Rocky III’ (1982) was instrumental in introducing his larger-than-life image to cinema audiences. However, it should be noted that his films heavily capitalized on his wrestling reputation.

In my perspective, though his films resonated greatly with viewers, they seemed to fall short when it came to critically acclaimed depth. Hogan’s charm was undeniably captivating, but in comparison to the versatile contemporary actors, his acting range appeared somewhat restrained.

Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey showcased the fierce energy from her MMA and WWE backgrounds in ‘The Expendables 3’ (2014) and ‘Furious 7’ (2015), making her action sequences particularly noteworthy. Additionally, she made an appearance on ‘Entourage’ (2015), portraying a character based on herself.

In a more conversational style, one could say: Rousey’s action-packed roles capitalize on her physical prowess, yet her acting sometimes comes off as rigid. However, in the 2018 film ‘Mile 22’, she demonstrates potential, even though she’s still refining her acting skills.

Steve Austin

‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin proved his mettle in action movies such as ‘The Condemned’ (2007) and ‘The Expendables’ (2010), where his rugged persona truly stood out. His rough-around-the-edges allure was ideal for roles in ‘Tactical Force’ (2011) and ‘Hunt to Kill’ (2010).

Austin’s acting style frequently aligned with his WWE persona, which somewhat restricted his versatility. Nevertheless, his genuine charm propelled him to be a beloved figure among audiences in direct-to-DVD action movies.

Kevin Nash

In an unexpected turn, the legendary wrestler Kevin Nash, known for his time with WCW and WWE, captivated fans with his humorous portrayal of Tarzan in ‘Magic Mike’ (2012) and ‘Magic Mike XXL’ (2015). Additionally, he donned the role of Super Shredder in ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze’ (1991).

Nash’s wit and on-screen charm leave a lasting impression, yet his movie appearances are limited. In the 2005 film ‘The Longest Yard’, he demonstrates an ability to command the spotlight and outshine others.

Jesse Ventura

Jesse Ventura, with his powerful voice and rugged persona, earned roles in the movies ‘Predator’ (1987) starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as ‘The Running Man’ (1987). Later, he continued to embrace his action-hero image in the film ‘Demolition Man’ (1993).

Ventura’s charm propelled him from the world of wrestling into films and politics, yet his acting career eventually slowed down. Despite this, his memorable phrases in ‘Predator’ continue to echo among fans.

Andre the Giant

Andre the Giant’s portrayal of Fezzik in ‘The Princess Bride’ (1987) was nothing short of enchanting, seamlessly weaving warmth and humor that captivated audiences. Even his brief stints in ‘Conan the Destroyer’ (1984) significantly contributed to his enduring legacy.

Despite having limited roles, mainly due to his health and stature, Andre’s influence was immense. The memory of his larger-than-life presence as the gentle giant in ‘The Princess Bride’ continues to linger fondly.

Roddy Piper

Roddy Piper’s leading role as Nada in the 1988 film ‘They Live’ solidified his status as a cult figure, with memorable quotes that made Carpenter’s sci-fi masterpiece even more iconic. He also graced the screen in lesser-known films, such as ‘Hell Comes to Frogtown’ (1988).

Piper’s captivating charm and determination paved the way for wrestlers in cinema, as he demonstrated his ability to lead a film with an appropriate character in ‘They Live’.

Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne Johnson, famously known as ‘The Rock’, is a dominant force at the box office, with movies like “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” (2017) and “Fast Five” (2011) raking in massive amounts of money. His versatile talent is evident in his voice acting role in “Moana” (2016) and TV series “Ballers” (2015-2019), though critics mention that he tends to portray similar types of characters.

Johnson’s charm and dedication have made him a worldwide sensation, even though movies like ‘Black Adam’ (2022) didn’t quite hit the mark. Yet, his appeal keeps him in the limelight.

John Cena

In the movies ‘Blockers’ (2018), ‘Trainwreck’ (2015), and ‘The Suicide Squad’ (2021), John Cena’s wit and compassion have endeared him to viewers. His starring role in ‘Peacemaker’ (2022-2025) seamlessly combines action and humor.

John Cena’s knack for taking on both humorous and intense characters makes him unique, yet he frequently finds himself confined within similar roles. However, his performance in the 2018 film ‘Bumblebee’ suggests a hidden depth of dramatic talent that remains unexplored.

Dave Bautista

Dave Bautista, formerly known as Batista in WWE, takes the lead with his remarkable versatility. In the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ series from 2014 to 2023, he delivers both humor and emotion convincingly. His roles in ‘Blade Runner 2049’ (2017) and ‘Knock at the Cabin’ (2023) demonstrate his impressive dramatic capabilities.

As a cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but admire Bautista’s performances in both ‘Dune’ (2021) and ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ (2022). These roles solidify his status as a go-to actor for visionary directors. His unwavering commitment to tackling complex, multidimensional characters sets him apart as the ultimate wrestler-turned-actor.

2025-07-05 21:18