Dave Bautista Tops The Rock in Hollywood Reporter’s Best Wrestler-Turned-Actor Rankings

The Hollywood Reporter recently ranked stars like The Rock, Dave Bautista and John Cena in a list of best wrestler-turned actors.

Dave Bautista Tops The Rock in Hollywood Reporter’s Best Wrestler-Turned-Actor Rankings

The Rock and Dave Bautista (via Sky Sports and Variety)

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Wrestling and Hollywood have always shared a natural connection. Back in the 1980s, WWE broke into the mainstream thanks to Vince McMahon’s famous ‘Rock and Wrestling’ partnership with pop icon Cyndi Lauper at the very first WrestleMania. Over the years, the squared circle has welcomed celebrities from all walks of fame, from Hugh Jackman to the legendary Muhammad Ali, cementing the bond between pro wrestling and show business.

That link only deepened in the 2000s when Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson left WWE to pursue acting full-time, becoming one of the biggest box office attractions on the planet. But as The Hollywood Reporter recently highlighted in its list of the 10 best wrestlers-turned-actors, success at the box office doesn’t always mean an actor is the most talented.

Surprisingly, the number one spot didn’t go to Johnson. Instead, it was claimed by former six-time WWE Champion Dave Bautista, who has earned critical praise for his versatility in films like Guardians of the Galaxy, Blade Runner 2049, and Dune. Johnson followed at number two, with the report acknowledging that while he remains the most financially successful wrestler-turned-actor, Bautista has gained recognition for taking on more complex and challenging roles.

Rounding out the top five were John Cena at number three, thanks in large part to his breakout role in HBO’s Peacemaker and his appearance in the Fast & Furious franchise. The late “Rowdy” Roddy Piper took the fourth spot for his cult-classic performance in They Live, while current AEW star Adam Copeland (Edge) ranked fifth for his acclaimed work in Vikings and the Percy Jackson TV series. 

Cena, who is set to retire from wrestling later this year, looks poised to be the next major WWE name to fully transition to Hollywood. The rest of the list featured a mix of legends and fan favorites: Kevin Nash at number six for his standout role in the Magic Mike films, Hulk Hogan at number seven, Paul Wight (The Big Show) at number eight, former Minnesota Governor Jesse “The Body” Ventura at number nine, and the beloved Andre the Giant at number ten for his unforgettable role in The Princess Bride.

Cody Rhodes follows The Rock and John Cena into Hollywood mainstream with latest Street Fighter acting role

When it comes to stepping into Hollywood, today’s WWE superstars are making their mark, and Cody Rhodes is the latest to take center stage. The reigning WWE Champion is heading back to the big screen, this time sporting his signature blonde look.

For those who missed the news, ‘The American Nightmare’ has been cast as Guile in the upcoming Street Fighter live-action reboot. The character, who first appeared in Street Fighter II, was famously portrayed by Jean-Claude Van Damme in the 1994 film.

The Rock, Cody Rhodes, John Cena, Roman Reigns
The Rock, Cody Rhodes, John Cena, Roman Reigns (via WWE)

Known for his military fatigues and trademark flat-top haircut, Guile has been a fan favorite since 1991. In the games, he’s a U.S. Air Force pilot on a mission to avenge the death of his friend Charlie, who was killed by series villain M. Bison.

Comedian Andrew Shulz, who plays Dan Hibiki in the film, teased the champ’s casting this past Sunday with an Instagram story. He posted an image featuring Rhodes’ Kingdom entrance theme along with the caption: “A NEW WARRIOR HAS ENTERED…” 

While Rhodes’ face wasn’t revealed, his shadow, camouflage gear, and Guile’s iconic pointed hairstyle were visible, a detail sure to excite fans of the franchise. Adding to the hype, Rhodes won’t be the only WWE star in the film. His on-screen rival, Roman Reigns, has been cast as Akuma, giving the reboot even more star power.

Meanwhile, in WWE storylines, Rhodes was recently taken out on SmackDown after a brutal Claymore from Drew McIntyre sent him crashing into the commentator’s table. The feud is expected to culminate in a championship clash at Clash in Paris PLE later this month.

Outside the ring, Rhodes continues to build his Hollywood résumé. Now a two-time WWE Champion after defeating Cena in a critically acclaimed five-star Street Fight at SummerSlam, he also made a cameo earlier this year as a bartender in the new Naked Gun reboot alongside Liam Neeson.

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