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Believe it or not, wrestling and cinema are no longer at arm’s distance anymore. Care to disagree? Then take a closer look at some of the biggest WWE icons who made the transit from the fight ring to the Hollywood red carpet– the jump has been epic.
Well, films do require an action sequence, which is totally different from what one usually sees inside the wrestling ring. The ruthless punches, deadly slams, and knockouts are replaced with VFX and more gentle hits.
Moreover, these wrestler-turned-actors have also undergone significant physical changes to fit the requirements of the characters.
WWE Icons Who Transformed For The Hollywood Edit
From Dwayne Johnson to John Cena, these WWE icons have successfully transitioned from wrestling rings to movies. More than just a professional change, it has also led them to undergo significant physical changes that would create a more family-friendly image on-screen.
And no, we’re not, of course, complaining about Hulk Hogan’s physique that floored generations of fans across the globe. And of course, no one doubted the buzz that John Cena’s pumped-up physique created.
So without any further ado, let’s check out these 5 WWE legends who actually transformed their bodies for Hollywood.
#5. Steve Austin
Steve Austin a.k.a. Stone Cold ruled the WWE arena during its Attitude Era with his on-point game in the ring. However, his working-man build and rebellious personality became a constant topic of buzz among fans.
He went ahead with a Hollywood debut with the 2005 film The Longest Yard. Thereafter, he became a part of movies like The Expendables and The Condemned.
All of these films saw Stone Cold build up a military, gritty physical build while ridding his bulked-up physique from the ring. It helped him prep for the more grounded, character-based roles on-screen.
#4. Dave Bautista
Talk about one of the smoothest wrestling-to-acting transitions, we’re instantly reminded of Dave Bautista. The Guardians Of The Galaxy star did a pretty good job on-camera, and his huge fan base is just proof!
Emerging as a breakout star, Bautista slimmed down and adopted a more athletic body for the Marvel superhero film. More recently, the actor has shed pounds in his 50s by ‘working smarter and not harder’, maintaining his lean yet strong body.
In an interview with TODAY, he addressed the change and said “I started trimming down for a particular reason: one, I started slimming down because I…was uncomfortably big. Now looking back at it, I probably overdid it.’”
#3. Dwayne Johnson
You didn’t think this list would go without the mention of The Rock? The WWE legend remained flexible when it came to his physique and varied from bulky to lean depending on the roles he bagged.
And so, superhero films like Hercules, Fast & Furious, and Black Adam left fans gaping wide over his massive, bulky physique, even more than what he took up during the WWE days.
More lately, Dwayne reportedly lost about 60lbs for his next film biography film The Smashing Machine, based on the life of veteran MMA fighter Mark Kerr.
#2. John Cena
With 16 world titles to his name, globe-storming fans, and super successful movies in the pipeline, John Cena is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable athletes-turned-actors today.
The year 2006 saw him set foot in Hollywood with his debut film The Marine. And the reason why this film worked?– No points for guessing why fans drooled over John’s perfectly chiseled body.
In recent years, the former wrestler switched to a more leaner physique, shedding about 20 pounds through a mixed schedule of strength training and yoga. Currently he’s starring in HBO’s Peacemaker Season 2.
#1. Hulk Hogan
The late wrestling icon and legend to the truest sense, Hulk Hogan commanded a fanbase across millions. Beyond the wrestling ring, the athlete’s charisma on-screen paved the way for greater recognition and fame.
Other than his iconic handlebar moustache, he locked horns with Sylvester Stallone in Rocky III, his debut film.
Changing over to cinema, Hulk maintained a regular and leaner physique, shedding off his bulky build. He adapted to a fitter yet leaner look that looked more appropriate and family-friendly on-screen.
Which WWE wrestler amazed you with their physical transformation for films? Let us know!