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At first glance, professional wrestling and acting might seem worlds apart, but when you begin looking a little bit closer, you will notice that these two crafts are really just two sides of the same coin.
Wrestling is, at its core, physical storytelling. Every match is a carefully choreographed drama, and every monologue is delivered with a degree of emotional range. In fact, you could even go as far as to say wrestlers are already actors - just with more body slams.
That's why it comes as no surprise that some of wrestling's biggest names have successfully made the seamless leap into Hollywood. Whether playing action heroes, comedic leads, or even the odd dramatic role, these wrestlers have proven that they can thrive outside of the ropes.
The team at ProfitDuel, an industry leader in sportsbook promos and matched betting, have highlighted five of the most successful wrestlers who transitioned into acting careers and built legacies outside of the squared circle.
Ronda Rousey first rose to fame during her tenure as a Bantamweight MMA fighter in the UFC before making waves in the WWE. With the moniker "The Baddest Woman in the World," she headlined Wrestlemania, captured the RAW Women's Championship, and helped to shift women's wrestling into the main event spotlight.
Rousey has landed her fair share of action-packed roles in major Hollywood franchises. She has appeared in The Expendables 3, Furious 7, and Mile 22, often playing tough, no-nonsense characters. Her time in front of the camera has shown that her intensity and athleticism translate naturally to the big screen. Though her roles have been more supporting than leading, Rousey has become a go-to star for action films needing a jolt of adrenaline.
Roddy Piper was one of the most iconic figures of WWE’s golden era. Known for his rowdy personality, sharp wit, and unforgettable “Piper’s Pit” segments, he was both loved and hated - often in the same promo. Piper’s ability to connect with audiences through drama and energy made him one of wrestling’s earliest examples of a truly versatile performer.
Piper’s performance in They Live (1988), directed by John Carpenter, became an instant cult classic. As a drifter who uncovers an alien conspiracy, Piper delivered the now-legendary line: “I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass - and I’m all out of bubblegum.” The film proved that a wrestler could anchor a Hollywood feature. Piper opened the door for many of the wrestlers-turned-actors who followed.
John Cena was the face of WWE for over a decade. With his clean-cut image, work ethic, and connection with younger fans, he was the ultimate company man - winning 16 world championships and main-eventing WrestleMania.
Cena started with action films like The Marine, but it wasn’t until he leaned into comedy that he truly found his voice in Hollywood. Roles in Trainwreck, Blockers, and Vacation Friends showed off his comedic timing and willingness to poke fun at his image. His portrayal of Peacemaker in The Suicide Squad and the HBO Max spin-off series solidified his status as a genuine Hollywood leading man. Cena’s career continues to expand, and like The Rock before him, he’s showing he’s more than just muscle - he’s marketable, funny, and compelling. And on top of this, he has a heel personality which has been perfectly resembled by returning to WWE and winning a record-breaking 17th world championship during his ‘Farewell Tour.’
Dave Bautista was a cornerstone of WWE’s ruthless aggression era. His powerhouse style and imposing presence made him a multi-time World Champion and a consistent main-event draw. He walked away from wrestling at the peak of his popularity to pursue acting - an ambitious move that paid off.
Bautista's role as Drax the Destroyer in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy franchise made him a household name. But unlike many wrestlers who stay in the action lane, Bautista has sought out diverse and challenging roles. He earned critical praise for performances in Blade Runner 2049, Knock at the Cabin, and Dune.
Bautista has made it clear that he doesn't want to be "the next Rock" - he wants to be taken seriously as an actor. And judging by his filmography, he's well on his way to building a legacy that transcends both wrestling and action films.
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is arguably the most well-known professional wrestler of all time. A third-generation talent, Johnson’s ability to light up the microphone and control the crowd made him an instant legend in WWE. From “laying the smackdown” to being “The Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment,” he transcended wrestling long before he left it.
Dwayne Johnson is not only the most successful wrestler-turned-actor - he’s one of the biggest movie stars in the world. Starting with The Mummy Returns and The Scorpion King, Johnson built a career that spans action (Fast & Furious, San Andreas), comedy (Jumanji, Central Intelligence), and children's movies (Moana). With his production company and global reach, he’s the gold standard for crossover success.
Professional wrestling isn’t just a sport - it’s a performance. Every promo, every match, every dramatic heel turn is an act, and the best wrestlers know how to play their roles with total commitment. So it’s no surprise that many of them have successfully moved to film and television.
From Roddy Piper’s cult classic legacy to Dwayne Johnson’s global stardom, these five superstars have proven that the ring is just one stage among many. Their success has helped open doors for others and bridge the gap between athletic entertainment and cinematic storytelling.
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