The world of Hollywood has been taken by storm by a trio of extraordinary wrestlers-turned-actors: John Cena, Dave Bautista, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. These men have not only made a successful transition from the wrestling ring to the big screen but have also achieved mainstream success, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. But how did they do it? What sets them apart from other wrestlers who have attempted the same journey? And what can aspiring wrestlers learn from their remarkable careers?
Imagine you're a dedicated pro-wrestler, tired of the grueling schedule and eager to trade the ring for the red carpet. The first lesson is to not rush into retirement. Hollywood is a playground for the elite, and in wrestling, being "The Man" is a significant advantage.
Lesson 1: Embrace Your Inner "The Man"
The Rock, Batista, and Cena were all at the pinnacle of their wrestling careers before making the leap to Hollywood. With numerous world championships, main event pay-per-views, and a plethora of unique merchandise, each had achieved immense popularity in the world of pro wrestling. It's unlikely that a mere "jobber" would find themselves hosting a prestigious award show or playing a pivotal role in a major franchise. The star power and recognition gained from wrestling provide a massive head start in Hollywood.
While name recognition is crucial, it's not the sole factor. These individuals possess an intangible quality, a certain "it" factor that sets them apart. Whether it's wrestling, acting, or any other field, success in one medium can significantly boost your chances in another.
Before wrestling became a corporate entity, a wrestler's worth was measured by their ability to "draw money," which meant filling arenas and selling tickets. This concept is not too dissimilar from the movie industry, where a star's presence can guarantee a successful box office run. Take, for instance, the legendary El Santo and his fellow luchadores, who starred in numerous Mexican action films in the '60s and '70s. Their fame in the ring, coupled with their unique style, transformed them into cinematic superheroes.
Hollywood, with its obsession with status and prestige, took some time to embrace the unique heritage of pro wrestlers. However, times have changed. In an era where the monoculture has lost its appeal, studios are now seeking established talents with large followings.
While having a pre-existing fan base is a significant advantage, it's not a guarantee of success. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, arguably the most popular and lucrative pro wrestler ever, saw his film career fizzle out after a few lackluster attempts. His acting ambitions were ill-suited, but he eventually found his true calling in encouraging young people through obstacle courses.
Austin's story leads us to our next lesson: don't be afraid to take risks and venture into uncharted territories.
Lesson 2: Embrace the Wild Side
The rise of Hulkamania was a pivotal moment in wrestling history, and Hollywood played a significant role. Hulk Hogan's ascent began with his pre-WWE role as "Thunderlips" in Rocky III, which inspired WWE owner Vince McMahon to bring him on board, leading to a Rock N' Wrestling revolution. Hogan soon found himself rubbing shoulders with '80s icons like Cyndi Lauper and Mr. T. It seemed inevitable that he would dominate the movie business, leaving WWE in his wake.
Fearing the loss of his biggest draw, McMahon took matters into his own hands. Instead of risking Hogan's departure, McMahon funded a blockbuster movie with Hogan as the star, offering him an executive producer credit. The result? A film called No Holds Barred, which turned out to be a cinematic disaster. It was relentlessly promoted on WWF programming, but to no avail. The film's failure put an end to Hogan's Hollywood dreams and left him struggling to find his footing in low-budget fare.
Hogan's story teaches us that while having a pre-existing fan base is an advantage, it's crucial to take calculated risks and embrace new opportunities.
Lesson 3: Find the Right Tag-Team Partner
Dwayne Johnson's success in Hollywood was largely due to his foresight and the right partnerships. Born into a wrestling dynasty, Johnson had the talent and the lineage to succeed. But it was his decision to hire Brian Gewirtz, a young writer, that set him on the path to stardom.
In an industry where wrestlers were responsible for their own "promos," The Rock saw the value in having a dedicated writer. Gewirtz helped Johnson hone his skills, preparing him for the transition to Hollywood. Johnson's acting career began with guest appearances on TV shows, and his big-screen debut in The Mummy Returns showcased his potential.
Johnson's journey teaches us the importance of finding the right collaborators and mentors. By surrounding himself with industry talent, he was able to thrive in Hollywood.
Lesson 4: Pick Your Battles Wisely
In wrestling, a "spot" is a pre-planned move or highlight in a match. Similarly, actors must carefully select their roles and projects. Some artists choose to emerge from hibernation only for specific, challenging roles. Bautista, for instance, realized that the most beloved movie stars are those who seek interesting and engaging roles.
Bautista's career post-WWE began with direct-to-video action movies, but his big break came with the role of Drax the Destroyer. Instead of using his fame to shape Hollywood, Bautista focused on growing as an actor, taking on unique and atypical characters. His performance in Blade Runner 2049 showcased his range, and he continued to push boundaries with roles in Glass Onion and Knock at the Cabin.
Bautista's story emphasizes the importance of selecting roles wisely and continuously challenging oneself.
Lesson 5: Never Give Up
John Cena's acting career began with WWE Studios, but he put his movie ambitions on hold to focus on his wrestling career. Cena's dedication to WWE is unparalleled, and his commitment to self-promotion is remarkable. He has appeared in numerous press tours as his character, Peacemaker, showcasing his unwavering dedication.
Cena's story is a testament to the power of perseverance. Despite not having a breakout role akin to The Rock or Bautista, Cena's stellar performance in Peacemaker has made him a household name. His long-awaited heel turn failed to garner boos from fans, a testament to his likability.
Cena's journey inspires us to never give up and to always strive for excellence, no matter the challenges.
As the world of wrestling and Hollywood continues to intertwine, these lessons from the past can guide aspiring wrestlers looking to make their mark on the silver screen. The path to success is not linear, but with hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck, anyone can dominate Hollywood.
