Many performers have attempted (and failed) the difficult transition from the squared circle to the silver screen but more and more recently wrestlers are infiltrating Hollywood in a massive way. Here are the Top 10 Best Performances from Professional Wrestlers turned Actors:
(Also, gotta mention the runners up: Jeff Jarrett in Spring Breakers, Hulk Hogan in Rocky III, The Rock in Moana and Bautista in Blade Runner 2049)
#10. George "The Animal" Steele as Tor Johnson
Ed Wood
Playing another real life professional wrestler turned actor, George Steele's understated portrayal of Tor Johnson is comedic brilliance. His monotone delivery and stoic goon-like mannerisms make him the perfect circus attraction strongman for Ed Wood's band of sideshow misfits.
#9. Andre the Giant as Fezzik
The Princess Bride
Much like most of his career in the ring, Andre's performance in this Rob Reiner classic is a little clunky at times but overall he's just too charming to really hold it against him. Andre's larger than life persona fits beautifully in the fairy-tale setting of The Princess Bride and holds up as a fitting showcase of the lovable giant with a heart of gold.
#8. John Cena as Steven
Trainwreck
I'm not sure if it was because it took me completely by surprise or I had such low expectations as to what John Cena could bring to a movie, but somehow Lebron James' first legitimate supporting role got completely overshadowed by Cena's comedic chops as Amy Schumer's male bimbo side piece. He was hysterical in every scene and really lead me to believe he could be a legitimate actor. Granted, he hasn't really done much since to prove that but still - when he's on, he's really on.
#7. Jesse "The Body" Ventura as Captain Freedom
The Running Man
Nevermind his conspiracy laden political talk show career; in his heyday, Jesse Ventura was a phenomenal talent for the WWF who followed up his in ring career with an even more successful run as an announcer. Which is incredibly similar to the role he plays in Stephen King's dystopian futuristic game show, The Running Man. He's a phenomenal villain and worthy adversary for Schwarzenegger, coming out of retirement as the last obstacle in Arnold's path for redemption.
#6. Kevin Nash as Tarzan
Magic Mike
Even though his booking choices in the late 90's may have been a primary factor in the eventual demise of WCW, Kevin Nash has always had a great deal of charisma in the ring. So of course a dude with enough confidence to nickname himself "Big Sexy" is perfect in a movie about male strippers. Surprisingly natural and funny, Nash fits in here really well and shows promise of legitimate acting chops beyond cameos as a punching bag henchman.
#5. Jesse "The Body" Ventura as Blain
Predator
Yep, another Jesse Ventura entry. Sorry. But look, his role as Blain in the meathead action extravaganza that is Predator is probably the most quotable entry on this list. He's a goddamned sexual tyrannosaurus, okay. A chew swilling military hardass that rounds out an extraordinary ensemble of bulked out 80's beefcakes, Ventura stands out as a man even among the manliest of men.
#4. Dave Bautista as Drax
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Another guy that got pigeon holed early on as a mute henchman, Dave Bautista finally got to flex his comedic timing in his role as Drax in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, especially so in Volume 2. Every member of the Guardians is bursting with personality and yet somehow, Drax absolutely steals the show in the sequel. Which is saying something considering the talent he's cast alongside.
#3. "Rowdy" Roddy Piper as Nada
They Live
The mind control b-movie bliss of John Carpenter's They Live is absolutely legendary and you couldn't ask for a better anti-hero every man to lead the way through the chaos than smart ass Roddy Piper. It's not John Carpenter's best movie by any means, but it's social-political themes may be the most resonate work the storied filmmaker has ever produced and Piper's manic presence elevates the paranoia exceptionally well.
#2. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Hobbs
Fast Five
With the onslaught of sequels that have since followed, it's easy to forget that back in 2010 The Fast and The Furious franchise had all but Tokyo Drifted into obscurity. But with Vin Diesel revoking his anti-sequel stance and the introduction of Dwayne Johnson finally giving the series a formidable antagonist the Furious series, as well as Johnson's acting career, launched into a whole new stratosphere with F5. The role not only solidified Johnson as a bonafide action star but it also gave him the ability to lean into his wrestling heel roots as a trash talking villain.
#1. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Paul Doyle
Pain and Gain
I understand how most people would overlook a Michael Bay film starring Mark Wahlberg and "The Rock" as just another testosterone fueled parade of overt masculinity - but Pain and Gain is a criminally underrated satire of the American Dream and the kind of risk that all three of the aforementioned headliners should be taking more often. Especially Dwayne Johnson, who exhibits an impressive range of abilities in his best role to date. A vulnerable, tortured soul - overcompensating to a hilarious degree, while still looking like he could beat you within an inch of your life at any moment. Funny, dark, emotional, intimidating - Pain and Gain allows The Rock to be all of those things and he does so magnificently.
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