Top 20 Wrestler Acting Performances in Movies

“Road House” (1989)

This hardcore legend possessed numerous contacts within the entertainment industry, resulting in some surprising Terry Funk sightings. Funk made memorable appearances in testosterone-fueled films like “Road House” and “Over the Top,” alongside real-life friend Sylvester Stallone. The former, meanwhile, saw Funk portraying one of the Double Deuce’s tough guy bouncers, which admittedly wasn’t much of a stretch. Funk, after all, was one of professional wrestling’s legitimate stalwarts, an unbreakable force of nature that kept his career going until the literal wheels fell off.

“Blade: Trinity” (2004)

This third entry in the “Blade” franchise admittedly wasn’t the best vampire-hunting story Marvel had to offer their fans. It did, however, at least feature one Hunter Hearst Helmsley alongside a very tiny (and very cute) dog. Triple H’s character of Jarko Grimwood was a brooding bodyguard with plenty of muscles and metallic fangs, to boot. Most fans of “Blade: Trinity” remember Trips’ little pomeranian companion more than anything else, but this isn’t really a bad thing. It gave what could’ve been a very single-note character a little color, while also making Triple H’s time in the Marvel spotlight shine just a little bit brighter.

“Furious 7” (2015)


The toughness of Ronda Rousey has never been in question, which sort of makes her inclusion within the cast of ‘Furious 7” feel like a perfect fit. She portrayed the character of Kara, a security leader whose job title made great use of Rousey’s martial arts training. Granted, both of Rousey’s performances around this time (the other being “The Expendables 3” predated her tenure as a WWE wrestler, but we feel that all things are equal in hindsight. The fight choreography in “Furious 7” likely made her transition to the WWE methods of athleticism feel like the next natural step.

“Magic Mike XXL” (2015)

The acting careers of some wrestlers have been shorter than others. “Big Sexy” Kevin Nash is not one of those wrestlers, since his silver screen career can be traced all the way back to the first live-action “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” sequel. Other films such as “The Punisher” and “The Longest Yard” would follow. Nash would eventually graduate to roles that offered the former Diesel more substance, however, specifically the “Magic Mike” franchise. The second film in the series, “Magic Mike XXL,” might feature the best Kevin Nash performance, but if we’re being honest, the camera just loves the guy.

“Halloween” (2007)

The wrestling career of Tyler Mane saw this Canadian native journey all across the world for various promotions. Mane’s movie career has been equally eclectic, acquiring roles in films like “X-Men” and “The Devil’s Rejects.” It was this latter film that eventually led to Mane collaborating further with director Rob Zombie in his “Halloween” franchise. The wrestler’s formidable height and strength made his portrayal of Michael Myers one that just feels frightening and visceral. There’s a weight and malevolence to how Mane’s Myers slaughters his victims that feels ripped from a death match.

“Warrior” (2011)


The amateur wrestling and Olympic experience of Kurt Angle likely went a long way into his preparation for the 2011 film “Warrior.” Angle appeared alongside other combat sports professionals in a minor role, but one that definitely didn’t go unnoticed by wrestling fans. Co-star Joel Edgerton faces off against Angle’s character of Koba, and the Olympic hero looks like he’s in tremendous physical shape. “Warrior” was filmed during Angle’s tenure with Total Nonstop Action, serving as a great bit of extra promotion for the wrestler’s career… not that it needed much!

“Spider-Man” (2002)


The character of Bonesaw McGaw may have been created for the 2002 “Spider-Man” film, but it also possessed real-life comic roots. Although the name was changed, the “Macho Man” Randy Savage was able to be a part of what’s almost certainly the turning point in Peter Parker’s life. Savage’s scenes with co-star Tobey McGuire are largely played up for comedy, yet it’s Parker’s laissez-faire attitude towards capturing a petty criminal that ultimately leads to his Uncle Ben’s death. Meanwhile, Savage’s larger-than-life persona updated the wrestling stereotype formerly embodied by Joseph “Crusher’ Hogan for a whole new, knowing audience.

“Ed Wood” (1994)

Has there ever been a case of casting kismet quite like George “The Animal” Steele portraying the equally animalistic Tor Johnson? Steele’s unhinged, wildman persona not only made him a great fit for Johnson, but the former WWE star actually looked great in the role, too. Johnson’s big, hulking physique was said to have contrasted with his gentle demeanor. This also applies to The Animal’s legacy as a loveable character. Steele was great on screen as Johnson, reminding many wrestling fans how the man behind “The Animal” gimmick was much more than grunts and groans.

“Rocky III” (1982)


Being the most recognizable professional wrestler in the world and an unlikely thespian, Hulk Hogan had to make an appearance somewhere on this list. Among his various film roles, we’re going with his debut performance as Thunderlips in “Rocky III.” Towering over the Italian Stallion, Thunderlips throws Sylvester Stallone around the ring as if he were a ragdoll. Even the referee and security guards can’t restrain the wrestling machine. As always, though, good old Rocky never backs down and gives the diaper-wearing monster a run for his money.

“The Waterboy” (1998)


When 31-year-old Bobby Boucher loses his job as a water boy, he offers his services to his wrestling idol, Captain Insano. Big Show portrays Insano as a commanding titan with a mighty build and an even mightier mouth. After learning Bobby’s age, he opens up a can of whoop ass on the poor water boy’s feelings live on TV. Gee, Captain Insano shows no mercy whether he’s breaking your legs or your heart. In all fairness, though, we’d probably be laughing at Bobby too.

“The Suicide Squad” (2021)


2015 was a very good year for John Cena the actor, since films like “Trainwreck” and “Sisters” proved that this WWE legend possessed legit performance chops. Cena’s run on the silver screen would only improve from here, particularly when it came time for him to appear in “The Suicide Squad.” The Face That Runs the Place brought his A game for his portrayal of Peacemaker, a hyper-nationalist with blood on his hands. The worst villains often feel as if they’re the hero of the story. Cena’s performance underlines Peacemaker’s delusional ideas of peace, and what he’ll do to achieve these ideas.

“The Longest Yard” (2005)

The 2005 remake of “The Longest Yard” was a bit more comedic and definitely sillier than its 1974 source material, but it did admittedly feature some fun faces in its cast. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin appeared in this film only a couple years before starring in his own vehicle, “The Condemned.” Austin’s character of Dunham is one of the guards in the film, a provocative role, yet admittedly of a lower profile compared to “The Condemned.” Despite this, Austin’s work on “The Longest Yard” served as a nice warm-up to a career that would see The Texas Rattlesnake explore meatier tough guy roles within the subsequent years.

“Man on the Moon” (1999)


Professional wrestler Jerry Lawler allegedly shared an infamous rivalry with comedian Andy Kaufman in real life. “Man on the Moon” depicts their relationship with Jim Carrey portraying Kaufman and Jerry Lawler portraying himself. The film touches on many actual events, most notably Lawler punching Kaufman out on “David Letterman” and Kaufman throwing a cup of coffee in his face. Although it looked like they hated each other, “Man on the Moon” clarified once and for all that the entire feud was staged. Behind the scenes, the two enemies were really good friends.

“Goldfinger” (1964)


Has there ever been a more iconic movie henchman than Oddjob? Hell-bent on destroying his target and poised with class without ever totally upstaging “Goldfinger’s” main antagonist, Oddjob’s everything a good right-hand man should be. A professional wrestler like Harold Sakata, who went under the name Tosh Togo in the mid-20th century, was born to play this role, bringing both an intimidating physical presence and a certain degree of humor to a mostly silent part. And let’s not forget his deadly bowler cap, which could decapitate you in three seconds flat. Honestly, though, who throws a hat?

“See No Evil” (2006)


Professional wrestlers are tailor-made to play action stars. They’re also the ideal vessel to bring raging psychopaths to life – at least according to this slasher flick. It shouldn’t come as a major shock that “See No Evil” was the first feature produced by WWE Films. The movie stars Kane as Jacob Goodnight, who can whip a chain, wield an axe, and hook a human being unlike any other. In a way, the film is an allegory for being stuck in a cage match with a disgruntled wrestler who isn’t afraid to fight dirty.

“Predator” (1987)


Arnold might have kicked the most ass and delivered the best one-liners in “Predator.” If any of his teammates could have given him a run for his money, however, it would be Jesse Ventura as Blain Cooper, a machine gun-loving, sexual tyrannosaurus who has no time to bleed. It’s a shame this awesome character didn’t get more screen time, but at least Ventura got to star alongside Arnold again a few months later in “The Running Man”.

“Fast Five” (2011)


Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has had such a successful acting career that he’s been able to sell a movie without always using his ring name. While he demonstrated solid comedic range in “The Rundown”, his most memorable action role has got to be as Luke Hobbs in the “Fast & Furious” movies. Making his first appearance in “Fast Five,” Johnson fit in perfectly as an ex-bounty hunter determined to take in Dominic Toretto’s crew. Given their mutual love for everything macho, however, it isn’t long until Hobbs and Toretto become bros.

“Guardians of the Galaxy” (2014)

We very often see our tough guys and gals from professional wrestling take on movie roles that mirror their strenuous daily careers. This is why Dave Bautista’s filmography is so interesting. The former WWE star has chosen some unique films and delivered some impressive performances. Bautista’s work in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise surprised just about everyone with how funny it could be. Meanwhile, other films like “Blade Runner 2049” and “Knock at the Cabin” explored Bautista’s range, while also demonstrating how the wrestler could change his physical appearance to reflect each new role.

“The Princess Bride” (1987)


Although André the Giant was king of the ring in the world of wrestling, he was a mere peasant in “The Princess Bride.” Often described as a gentle giant, André couldn’t have been better suited to play the thickheaded, yet also resourceful, Fezzik. While he starts off working for the bad guys, this larger-than-life character eventually sees the light thanks to his innocence, sportsmanship, and oversized heart. Wherever you are now André, we hope you’re dreaming of large women.

“They Live” (1988)


In “They Live,” Roddy Piper’s John Nada looks like a wrestler, talks like a wrestler, and fights like a wrestler. Despite all of this, Piper manages to do the unthinkable: convince the audience that John Nada is not a pro wrestler, but an average nobody who becomes humanity’s last hope. Charismatic, funny, comfortable, and down-to-earth, it’s actually sort of surprising that Piper didn’t have a more prominent film career as an action star. “They Live” is proof that few performers can “kick ass and chew bubblegum” better than him.


Do you think we live in an era where it’s easier for professional wrestlers to transition into acting? Let us know in the comments!