10 Wrestlers With Great Acting Careers

1. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

This is probably the GOAT in the discussion. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has become one of Hollywood's highest-grossing and most sought-after stars. Initially gaining fame in the WWE's Attitude Era, Johnson's magnetic personality and impressive physique made for a natural transition to action films.

His personality was already set in the ring, and audiences flocked to his early movies, which helped establish him for mainstream audiences who didn't come from wrestling.

After an early role as the Scorpion King in The Mummy Returns (2001), he went on to lead his own blockbuster franchises, including Jumanji and the Fast & Furious series, where he debuted as Agent Luke Hobbs in Fast Five (2011).

Johnson has also showcased his comedic timing in films like Central Intelligence (2016) and his voice acting talent as Maui in Disney's Moana (2016).

2. Dave Bautista

If The Rock is the GOAT of blockbusters, Dave Bautista is the GOAT of legit acting. This guy completely shattered expectations. Sure, he got his big break playing the super literal and hilarious Drax the Destroyer in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), and that role alone is iconic.

But instead of just cashing in, Bautista went for serious, character-driven roles. He was incredible as the quiet replicant in Blade Runner 2049 (2017) and absolutely terrifying as Rabban in Dune (2021). He proved he could carry a whole movie with his intense performance in Knock at the Cabin (2023).

Seriously, the man has legit range.

3. John Cena

You can't see him? Now you can see him everywhere. John Cena's jump from WWE champ to Hollywood star has been all about his surprising gift for comedy.

He started out with action flicks like The Marine (2006), but he really found his footing making people laugh. He stole scenes in Trainwreck (2015) and Blockers (2018) by being willing to make fun of himself.

But the real game-changer was Peacemaker.

In that show, he took a character from The Suicide Squad (2021) and turned him into someone you could laugh at one minute and feel for the next. It’s the perfect blend of action, comedy, and heart.

4. "Rowdy" Roddy Piper

For a certain generation, Roddy Piper is a legend, and it's all because of one movie: They Live (1988). As the star of John Carpenter's sci-fi classic, Piper wasn't just a wrestler playing a part; he was the part.

His delivery of the line, "I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum," is one of the most badass moments in movie history.

The film is a cult classic for a reason, and Piper's performance as the everyman hero Nada is what holds it all together. He wasn't just acting; he was creating a pop culture icon.

5. Hulk Hogan

You can't talk about wrestlers in movies without talking about the Hulkster. He's sort of the OG on this list, who made it all possible for the rest of them.

When "Hulkamania" was running wild in the 80s, Hogan was a pop culture phenomenon, and Hollywood came calling. His cameo as Thunderlips against Stallone in Rocky III (1982) was unforgettable.

After that, he became the king of the family-friendly action-comedy. Movies like No Holds Barred (1989), Suburban Commando (1991), and Mr. Nanny (1993) might be a bit cheesy now, but back then, they were essential viewing for any kid of the era.

I do feel bad he never got his iconic role and didn't get to do more adult action movies.

6. Jesse "The Body" Ventura

Before he was the Governor of Minnesota, Jesse "The Body" Ventura was the ultimate cinematic tough guy.

He carved out a perfect niche for himself in 80s action flicks. His role as Blain in Predator (1987) is the stuff of legends. Walking around with a minigun he called "Old Painless" and declaring he "ain't got time to bleed," Ventura was just as memorable as Arnold Schwarzenegger in the movie.

He brought that same energy to other classics like The Running Man (1987) and Demolition Man (1993), proving he was one of the best character actors to ever come out of the ring.

7. André the Giant

Anybody want a peanut? André the Giant's acting career is basically defined by one perfect, lovable role: Fezzik in The Princess Bride (1987).

He is seriously so good in that movie that he kind of invented a trope of the big, dumb, but lovable sidekick. It was brilliant casting.

In the ring, he was the intimidating "Eighth Wonder of the World," but in this movie, he was a gentle giant who loved rhymes. His performance was so full of warmth and charm that he became a hero to a whole new audience. Fezzik is one of the most beloved characters in movie history, and it's all thanks to André's iconic and heartfelt portrayal.

8. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin

And that's the bottom line, 'cause Stone Cold said so! The leader of the Attitude Era brought his signature Texas Rattlesnake persona straight to Hollywood.

After a solid role in The Longest Yard remake (2005), he got his own starring vehicle with the action-packed thriller The Condemned (2007).

Since then, he's been a staple in the direct-to-video action world, just opening up cans of whoop-ass on screen. Plus, he got to mix it up with a bunch of other action legends in The Expendables (2010), which was a perfect fit.

I wouldn't be surprised if he has another resurgence, as he has been crushing it in TV.

9. Kevin Nash

"Big Daddy Cool" Kevin Nash used his massive size and cool-headed demeanor to build a pretty slick acting career. He's popped up in a lot of cool spots, playing the unstoppable Russian assassin in The Punisher (2004) and a prison guard in The Longest Yard (2005).

But his most famous role by far is as Tarzan, the veteran stripper in the Magic Mike movies. It was a role nobody saw coming, but Nash nailed it, proving he had the charisma and comedic chops to hang with Hollywood's A-list.

10. Adam Copeland (Edge)

The "Rated-R Superstar" has been quietly building one of the most impressive TV careers of any wrestler.

As Adam Copeland, he’s shown some serious acting chops. He started getting attention with a major recurring role on the Stephen King series Haven, but his role as the fierce Viking warlord Ketill Flatnose in Vikings showed he could handle heavy historical drama.

Now, he's playing a literal god—Ares, the God of War—in the huge Disney+ hit Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Edge isn't just getting roles; he's getting important ones in big-time shows.

Summing It All Up 

These wrestlers made the big leap to the big screen, and it paid off. Their careers have been pretty awesome, but we'll probably see some new names on this list as more and more of them get vehicles to showcase their talents.

Anyone I missed?