Wrestlers Fans Have Forgotten Appeared In Movies (2024)

WWE wrestlers are tasked with delivering enticing and engaging promos to fans every week. Not every wrestler dazzles on the mic, but the ones who do can usually translate their skills into other career ventures. Many wrestlers have tried or transitioned to the big screen to attempt acting. Most notably, The Rock has become one of the world's biggest movie stars after success in the WWE.

But fans may not remember that multiple wrestlers tried acting before and after The Rock. The film industry will always be associated with the WWE, and future wrestlers will likely try acting at some point. So sit down and tune in to that movie because you never know what WWE star will pop up next.

André The Giant Appeared In Several Movies

Larger Than Life In The Ring And On The Big Screen

André The Giant, born André René Roussimoff, transcended the wrestling industry and was an attraction during his time in the WWE. But he didn't limit his talents to just the squared circle as The Eight Wonder of the World also dabbled in some acting. André acted alongside superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger in Conan the Destroyer, playing the role of Dagoth. Ultimately, his character is killed by Schwarzenegger in the end.

But André may be best known in the movie industry for his role as Fezzik in The Princess Bride. The movie, directed by Rob Reiner, has gained cult status to this day. In his role of Fezzik, André played a lovable giant who wasn't afraid to tussle with anyone in his way. André made it known that out of all his roles in movies and television, his favorite was playing the gentle giant Fezzik. He also appeared in movies, including Micki & Maude, I Like to Hurt People, and Trading Mom.

Big Show Tapped Into His Festive Spirit On The Big Screen

Another Giant Acted Alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger

Ironically, a giant from wrestling known as The Big Show would also act alongside Schwarzenegger years later. Big Show, born Paul Wight, tapped into the holiday spirit when he acted in Jingle All The Way in 1996. Big Show had been wrestling for just two years and had not broken into the WWE before landing the role.

Wight played Huge Santa and had a brief altercation with Schwarzenegger during the film. He previously spoke on WWE's The Bump about his interactions with Schwarzenegger while shooting.

"I was hanging in the harness and Arnold walks by with a big [cigar] in one hand, takes a big puff, and says, 'Are you having fun?' 'Yessir, I'm having a good time.' 'Good, pay attention' and he slapped me right in the nads while I was hanging in the harness. So, I'm sitting there spinning from the nad shot and thinking, 'Arnold Schwarzenegger just hit me in the nuts and it's funny."

But Big Show may be best known for his role in Adam Sandler's The Waterboy, where he played the fictional wrestler Captain Insano. He recently appeared at the CMA Awards as Captain Insano. During country star Bailey Zimmerman's performance, Wight appeared dressed in his Captain Insano attire. He picked Zimmerman up and walked around with him on his shoulders while he performed for the crowd.

Rob Van Dam Acted Alongside Fellow Wrestler

RVD Acted in Several Movies And Television Shows During His Career

Rob Van Dam was primarily known for his high-flying acrobatic moves and showmanship while wrestling, but some may not know he acted in an action film with fellow WWE superstar Batista. RVD played Bobby Kalinowski, a former Navy Seal, in the film Wrong Side of Town in 2010. The movie did not have much success and was released directly on DVD.

When Van Dam acted as Bobby Kalinowski, it was the only time he was the main protagonist in a film. Despite not having much fame for acting, he continued to appear in side roles, playing Stanley in 3-Headed Shark Attack and The Henchman in Time Toys. He also voiced Bobby in the video game Saints Row: The Third.

Sable Dabbled In Acting During Her Meteoric Rise

She Brought Her Toughness From The Ring Into The Movies

Sable, known as Rena Lesnar, was cast in multiple films after gaining popularity as a female wrestler in WWE. She made her film debut in 2001, acting as a female bouncer in the comedy Corky Romano. The following year, she played Ariana in Ariana's Quest. In 2003, she acted in two more films, playing Julia Grant in The Final Victim and Shira in Slaves of the Realm. Sable never made it in the film industry and mainly stayed out of the public eye after her wrestling career ended in 2007.

Besides wrestling and acting, Rena dabbled in modeling throughout her career. She got one of her big breaks when she posed for the April and September issues of Playboy. After returning to the WWE in 2003, she was again asked to pose for the prominent magazine alongside fellow female wrestler Torrie Wilson.

The Undertaker Showed Off His Acting Skills Early In His Career

The Deadman Appeared In A Movie With Hulk Hogan

The Undertaker is one of the most popular WWE superstars in the company's history. Still, fans may not know he made his acting debut in the Sci-fi comedy Suburban Commando in 1991. Taker played the character Hutch and acted alongside megastar Hulk Hogan. The film grossed less than its budget and was classified as a flop.

After that, Taker did not appear in any more movies, dedicating his career strictly to the wrestling business. Besides not acting in films, The Deadman rarely appeared in the public spotlight. Since retiring, The Undertaker has started his own podcast and has appeared in many interviews. Who knows? Taker may even return to the film industry in the coming years.

Trish Stratus Brought Stratusfaction To Movies

Stratus Appeared In Three Movies Throughout Her Storied Career

Trish Stratus is regarded as one of the greatest female wrestlers of all time, but she branched out and dabbled in some acting during her career. Stratus made her film debut in 2011 in Bail Enforcers as Jules, a bounty hunter. The movie was released straight to DVD and did not garner much success. She returned to the big screen in 2015, playing the role of Gina in Gridlocked.

After acting in two action films, Stratus changed things up and earned herself a leading role in Christmas in Rockwell. Stratus played Alyssa Stradler, a Hollywood actress who returns home for the holidays and falls in love. Besides acting in movies, Stratus also appeared on television and helped judge on Canada's Got Talent. Additionally, she played a bartender in a music video by former WWE wrestler Mickie James called Somebody's Gonna Pay.

Mick Foley Acted In Several Movies

The Hardcore Legend Made Many Appearances On The Big Screen

Mick Foley is known for his ability to handle pain and hardcore prowess, but many fans may not know that he has starred in over nine movies. Interestingly, Foley acted in a film before stepping into a WWE ring. He made his acting debut in the 1996 film Deadbeats as the character Bird. Foley would go on to act in several more movies, but none of them were very successful.

Foley played himself in four movies, most recently in the documentary You Cannot Kill David Arquette. The hardcore legend also made many appearances on television, including The Daily Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Pawn Stars, Family Feud, and more. Foley has also done some voice acting work on shows, including Squidbillies, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Celebrity Deathmatch, and more.

Stone Cold Steve Austin Brought The Action To The Silver Screen

The Texas Rattlesnake Acted In Multiple Movies

The Rock is the most well-known WWE wrestler who broke into the film industry. But what many fans may not know is that his biggest rival, Stone Cold Steve Austin, also acted in his fair share of movies. After retiring from the ring, Austin took his talents to the film industry. He made his movie debut in The Longest Yard, acting alongside Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, and more. Two years later, Steve Austin appeared in the lead role in The Condemned, playing Jack Conrad.

Unfortunately, The Condemned was unsuccessful, and Steve Austin could never achieve much fame as an actor in the film industry. The majority of Steve Austin's films went straight to DVD. The Texas Rattlesnake most recently appeared in Smosh: The Movie as himself. It has been a while since fans saw Stone Cold on television, as his last appearance was at Wrestlemania 38 when he fought Kevin Owens. Steve Austin was rumored to be at Wrestlemania 40 in the spot where Undertaker appeared, but he was busy and could not make it.

Charlotte Flair Is The Queen In The Ring And On The Silver Screen

Charlotte Flair Made Her Acting Debut Over Five Years Ago

Charlotte Flair has been one of the most successful female wrestlers in the modern era. She has decided to see if she can gain success in the film industry. In 2017, Flair made her film debut in the comedy-drama Psych: The Movie. The Queen played the role of Heather Rockrear.

Funny enough, she wasn't the only wrestler in the film; she acted alongside fellow WWE superstar John Cena. Flair focused solely on the squared circle after acting in Psych: The Movie, but is making her return to the silver screen soon. She is set to appear in the horror movie You Lose You Die, which will be released in late 2024.

Kevin Nash Has Been Acting For Over Two Decades

Diesel Acted In Many Different Movie Genres

Kevin Nash dominated inside the ring for over twenty years and appeared in many movies during that time. Nash has acted in several film genres, including comedy, action, animation, and more. He even acted alongside megastar Stone Cold Steve Austin in The Longest Yard. Nash has appeared in popular movies, including John Wick, Grandma's Boy, and The Punisher.

He may be best known for his recurring role in the Magic Mike franchise, where he stars alongside Channing Tatum, Matthew McConaughey, and others. Nash has shown his range and talents on the silver screen, from making viewers laugh in his comedy films to having them on the edge of their seats in his action movies.