From The Rock to John Cena: Ranking WWE’s biggest wrestlers-turned-actors

A major part of being in WWE, and of the job of a professional wrestler, is the ability to act. One of the biggest names of the modern era, John Cena, has built a 25-year career facing opponents who may have been more athletic or had a broader arsenal of moves. What kept him at the top, however, was his ability to cut promos, his commanding mic skills, and, for lack of a better word, his acting. Since acting is such an integral part of their craft, many wrestlers transition comfortably into Hollywood when the opportunity arises. The Hollywood Reporter has now released a list ranking the best wrestlers who made that leap.

‘The Animal’ Dave Bautista perfectly fit the bill when Hollywood needed a towering, larger-than-life figure who could bring both comedic relief and star power. His portrayal of Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy wasn’t just convincing, it was outstanding. While most wrestlers end up typecast in roles that mirror their size and wrestling personas, Bautista had other plans. He distanced himself from WWE appearances and even slimmed down to a leaner physique to break away from his past image. With roles in films like Knock at the Cabin (2023), The Killer’s Game (2024), and The Last Showgirl (2024), Bautista has proven his range and depth as an actor.

2. The Rock

By far the biggest name on this list, both in terms of body of work and global fame, is Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. For over a decade, he has been an almost omnipresent force in Hollywood, headlining blockbusters and starring in one of the most influential franchises of all time, The Fast and the Furious saga. Beyond his countless cameos and TV ventures, Johnson cemented himself as the go-to star when filmmakers needed a larger-than-life figure who could toss villains around and follow it up with a perfectly timed quip. Long before Hollywood, WWE fans knew him as a natural showman with unmatched charisma and mic skills—talents that seamlessly translated to the big screen. Now, Johnson is set to take on what may be his most nuanced and challenging role yet in The Smashing Machine.

3. John Cena

Very few men have dared to go toe-to-toe with John Cena in a verbal battle, and even fewer have walked away unscathed. After establishing himself as the ‘face’ of WWE, the move to Hollywood seemed like the natural next step, though the transition wasn’t seamless. It wasn’t until his scene-stealing role in Amy Schumer’s Trainwreck that audiences began to see Cena’s true acting potential. Since then, despite a few bumps along the way, he has built an impressive filmography by playing to his strengths. Today, John Cena has firmly carved his space in Hollywood, most notably as DC’s Peacemaker, with the hit show’s second season set to premiere on August 28.

4. ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper

One of the biggest names in the wrestling world, Roddy Piper was unapologetically himself in the ring, and he carried that same energy into his acting career. His cult-classic film They Live, directed by John Carpenter, wasn’t just a hit but a cultural moment that showcased Piper’s acting chops. Though he didn’t appear in many projects, ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper still left an indelible mark.

5. Adam Copeland

Equipped with one of the greatest entrances in WWE history, Adam ‘Edge’ Copeland was a superstar from day one. He embodied the ultimate cool, dangerous bad guy—the kind your parents warned you about. The actor’s roles in Vikings and Haven showcased his acting potential. Unlike Dave Bautista, however, Edge chose a different path, making a triumphant return to WWE after a nine-year hiatus

6. Kevin Nash

As part of the NWO (New World Order), Kevin Nash was one of the toughest men to deal with during his WWE days, making several high-profile returns—one of which even brought CM Punk to his knees. Casting Nash in Hollywood poses a unique challenge, and it’s not just about his towering height; assigning serious roles to someone of his stature can be tricky. Yet Nash pulled it off, delivering a memorable performance as Tarzan in the Magic Mike series.

7. Hulk Hogan

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Hulk Hogan deserves credit for paving the way for future wrestlers. He turned wrestling into a global attraction and made it mainstream, which naturally led the WWE’s biggest name to make frequent trips to Hollywood. However, his acting chops didn’t quite translate on screen. Apart from a few notable cameos, none of Hogan’s films achieved critical or commercial success. Still, even if he couldn’t replicate his WWE dominance, Hogan managed to crack open Hollywood’s armor.

8. Paul Wight

Another wrestler who carried both the advantages and challenges of his massive stature is Paul ‘Big Show’ Wight. A celebrated in-ring performer with a storied WWE career, Wight found it difficult to carve out space in Hollywood. Most of his on-screen appearances came in comical roles. Still, credit to Wight for making the effort to explore the world beyond the ring.

9. Jesse Ventura

In this case, the Hollywood career may well rival—or even surpass—the wrestling one. Jesse ‘The Body’ Ventura was never the biggest name in WWE, but he managed to land numerous cameos, guest spots, and voiceover roles. His most notable appearance was in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Predator.

10. Andre the Giant

Even for those unfamiliar with his wrestling legacy, it’s easy to see why casting André the Giant posed challenges. He spoke broken English in real life and stood at an astonishing 7’4″. Yet despite these hurdles, his portrayal of the gentle giant in the iconic The Princess Bride is still loved by audiences all over the world.

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