The success story of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in Hollywood has undoubtedly had a profound impact on the career paths of WWE wrestlers, forever changing the landscape of professional wrestling and entertainment. From his humble beginnings as a WWE superstar, The Rock transitioned into one of the biggest movie stars in the world, paving the way for other wrestling icons to follow in his footsteps.
The Rock Forged A Path For Other WWE Wrestlers
When The Rock left the wrestling ring for the bright lights of Hollywood, many wondered if he could replicate his success outside the squared circle. However, he shattered all expectations, becoming a global sensation with blockbuster hits like the Fast & Furious franchise, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, and Moana. His charisma, on-screen presence, and unmatched work ethic propelled him to the top of the film industry, opening doors for his fellow WWE colleagues. Following in The Rock’s footsteps, other notable WWE superstars have ventured into Hollywood and achieved remarkable success. John Cena, known for his larger-than-life persona and incredible athleticism in the ring, has emerged as a rising star in the movie industry. With roles in films such as Trainwreck, Bumblebee, as well as Suicide Squad, and The Fast and Furious franchise, Cena has showcased his acting versatility.
Similarly, Batista, who captivated WWE audiences with his imposing presence and exceptional wrestling skills, has made a name for himself in Hollywood. His breakout role as Drax the Destroyer in the Guardians of the Galaxy series propelled him into the realm of A-list actors.
The Hollywood Gate Is Open For Current WWE Stars As Well
The influence of The Rock’s success is not limited to superstars of the past. The current crop is hungry for that Hollywood success as well. One prominent example is Becky Lynch, who is probably the most famous female wrestler in history. Recently, Lynch starred in NBC’s show Young Rock, a series created by none other than The Rock himself, depicting his early life. This exposure to a mainstream television series has undoubtedly heightened her visibility and potential for future acting ventures. Becky has been very open about wanting a future in Hollywood and is looking actively for her big break. Moreover, Becky Lynch’s husband, Seth Rollins, has recently been in the headlines. He was recently cast as a villain in Marvel’s upcoming Captain America movie, a testament to the industry’s recognition of the talent within WWE. Lynch herself was once said to be involved in the MCU, but it never came to fruition.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley has expressed her interest in being in movies after WWE, wanting to do horror and action films. Alongside her, the current Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns is rumored to be looking for breaks in the movie business too, which might not be hard since he’s The Rock’s cousin. Other stars like Alexa Bliss have constantly shared their desire to star in movies, suggesting that this trend is picking up fast.
Will WWE Lose Its Top Talent To Hollywood?
The growing trend of Wwe Wrestlers pursuing careers in Hollywood raises concerns about the potential loss of top talent from the wrestling industry. The examples set by The Rock, John Cena, and Batista, who were notably absent from WWE programming after achieving success in Hollywood, raise questions about the loyalty and commitment of these superstars to the wrestling brand that helped launch their careers. Regular viewers who have invested time and emotional attachment to these wrestlers may feel let down when their favorite stars prioritize their Hollywood aspirations over their wrestling careers.
While stars like Becky Lynch are trying to make it in Hollywood, they are still active in WWE, but many fans wonder for how long. There’s a growing discomfort that stars like Alexa Bliss, Becky Lynch, and Roman Reigns who are appearing selectively in WWE might just be treating it as a consolation prize as they haven’t made a big break in Hollywood yet. Not that anything is guaranteed in showbiz, as not all top wrestlers will become movie stars. However, it’s important that Becky and fellow WWE talent trying for Hollywood don’t necessarily follow the precedent set by The Rock and stop appearing in WWE altogether. And to their credit, they haven’t yet. WWE might not have a problem with this as they will continue to bring eyes to the product no matter what, but one has to wonder what it would do to the trust of loyal wrestling fans.
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