Since the boom of the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Connection in the 1980s, WWE has been tightly linked to pop culture. Both wrestling and entertainment thrive on charisma, spectacle, and the ability to connect with an audience — so the crossover felt inevitable. From those early days, celebrities have stepped into the ring, and wrestlers have stepped in front of the camera. WWE even launched its own studio, WWE Films.
Not every crossover has been a hit. Some celebrities have misunderstood wrestling’s unique blend of performance and athleticism, while some wrestlers have discovered the leap to acting is far harder than it looks. For every disaster, though, there’s a breakout role where a wrestler proved they could hang with Hollywood’s best.
Below are twelve of the best wrestler performances in movies and TV — none of which came from WWE Films.
Batista – Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
During his WWE career, Batista was one of the company’s most popular champions. His promo skills weren’t his strongest point, but his presence and intensity kept him at the top. When his wrestling career wound down, Batista aimed for Hollywood.
Initially, he played generic muscle roles with little depth. That all changed when he landed Drax the Destroyer in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Batista’s deadpan delivery and surprising comedic timing stole scenes, often outshining Chris Pratt.
Career Impact: Drax launched Batista into high-profile roles in Blade Runner 2049, Dune, and Knock at the Cabin, proving his range far exceeded wrestling stereotypes.
Jesse Ventura – Predator (1987)
Jesse “The Body” Ventura was one of wrestling’s most charismatic heels in the ’70s and ’80s. Retirement brought him success as a commentator — and opened the door to acting.
In Predator, Ventura was perfect as the brash, one-liner-spouting Blain. His mix of over-the-top bravado and comic relief fit seamlessly into the macho action ensemble.
Career Impact: The role boosted Ventura’s public profile, paving the way for more acting jobs, political commentary, and eventually a run as Governor of Minnesota.
Steve Austin – The Condemned (2007)
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin dominated WWE’s Attitude Era, becoming the most popular wrestler of his generation. When he slowed his in-ring schedule, Hollywood beckoned.
After a string of supporting roles, he landed the lead in The Condemned. The gritty, violent action film played to Austin’s strengths — portraying a no-nonsense anti-hero who felt authentic because it was so close to his wrestling persona.
Career Impact: While Austin never became a full-time movie star, the film cemented him as a reliable action presence and led to work in The Expendables franchise.
Hulk Hogan – Rocky III (1982)
Hulk Hogan’s charisma and presence were key to WWE’s national expansion in the ’80s. His brief but memorable role as Thunderlips in Rocky III showcased those same traits on the big screen.
The role wasn’t a stretch, but it was a big, brash introduction to movie audiences — exactly what Vince McMahon needed to prove Hogan could lead WWE into the mainstream.
Career Impact: Hogan’s popularity exploded after Rocky III, helping fuel wrestling’s boom period and landing him roles in family-friendly films like Suburban Commando.
John Cena – Trainwreck (2015)
John Cena was WWE’s squeaky-clean poster boy for over a decade, a role that made him both beloved and resented. His early WWE Films projects did little to change his limited-range perception. Then came Trainwreck, where he played Steven, a hilariously intense, insecure gym rat. Cena embraced self-parody, surprising audiences and critics with sharp comedic instincts. Better than some of the WWE Films projects.
Career Impact: Trainwreck led directly to bigger roles in Blockers, The Suicide Squad, and his hit HBO Max series Peacemaker.
Roddy Piper – They Live (1988)
Roddy Piper was wrestling’s ultimate ’80s villain, but his Hollywood career peaked with John Carpenter’s cult classic They Live.
As drifter-turned-hero Nada, Piper nailed the film’s mix of camp, satire, and action. His delivery of “I have come here to chew bubble gum and kick ass…” remains one of cinema’s most quoted lines.
Career Impact: While Piper never fully left wrestling, They Live secured him a permanent place in pop culture outside the ring.
Ernest Miller – The Wrestler (2008)
Ernest “The Cat” Miller was a decorated martial artist before wrestling, but WCW and WWE never maximised his potential. Hollywood offered a fresh start.
In The Wrestler, Miller played The Ayatollah, nemesis to Mickey Rourke’s Randy “The Ram” Robinson. Instead of playing a flat villain, Miller added warmth and respect to the rivalry, making the climactic match emotionally powerful.
Career Impact: While Miller didn’t pursue acting heavily afterward, The Wrestler proved he could hold his own opposite Oscar nominees.
The Rock – The Rundown (2003)
During the Attitude Era, The Rock was already one of the most charismatic figures in entertainment. His first major lead role as bounty hunter Beck in The Rundown proved he could carry a film.
Balancing straight-man toughness with sharp comedic timing opposite Seann William Scott, The Rock earned critical praise even if the film underperformed commercially.
Career Impact: The Rundown was the turning point that led to The Rock becoming Hollywood’s highest-paid actor.
Kevin Nash – Magic Mike XXL (2015)
Kevin Nash’s wrestling career was built on his size and swagger, not acting range. His role as Tarzan in Magic Mike was initially background work, but the sequel gave him depth. In Magic Mike XXL, Nash revealed a more introspective side to the character, hinting at regret beneath the bravado. It’s not the first time Big Sexy has been involved in the movies either, with parts in The Punisher, Longest Yard & TMNT II.
Career Impact: While Nash stayed in supporting roles, Magic Mike XXL earned him critical praise and proved he could deliver more than just muscle.
Andre the Giant – The Princess Bride (1987)
Andre the Giant was one of wrestling’s earliest global attractions, known as much for his size as his gentle nature. As Fezzik in The Princess Bride, Andre brought warmth, humour, and perfect timing. His playful banter with Mandy Patinkin’s Inigo Montoya remains one of the film’s most beloved elements.
Career Impact: The role cemented Andre’s mainstream legacy, introducing him to generations who never saw him wrestle.
Sasha Banks – The Mandalorian (2020)
As Mercedes Moné (formerly Sasha Banks in WWE), she was one of the company’s most charismatic female stars. Her leap into acting came with Disney’s The Mandalorian. Playing Koska Reeves, a Mandalorian warrior allied with Bo-Katan, Banks proved she could hold her own in a big-budget sci-fi setting alongside established stars.
Career Impact: The role opened doors beyond wrestling, expanding her fanbase in the worlds of Star Wars and mainstream TV.
Roman Reigns – Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019)
As WWE’s current top star, Roman Reigns had the look and presence for action films. His first taste came in Hobbs & Shaw, playing Mateo Hobbs, brother to Dwayne Johnson’s Luke Hobbs.
Though his role was small, Reigns brought energy and authenticity to the film’s family-driven storyline, connecting with audiences outside the ring.
Career Impact: The cameo hinted at future Hollywood potential once his wrestling career winds down.
Legacy & Final Thoughts
From cult classics to billion-dollar franchises, these performances prove that wrestling charisma can translate to the big screen — but only when the performer adapts to the role, embraces the character, and surprises the audience.
For every forgettable flop, there’s a wrestler who leaves a lasting mark on cinema. Whether it’s Andre’s gentle giant, Batista’s deadpan destroyer, or Cena’s self-aware comedy, these roles show the worlds of wrestling and entertainment are destined to collide — and when it works, it’s magic.
