Wrestlers have been slam-dunking their way into Hollywood from the WWE ring. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, John Cena, and Dave Bautista, alias Batista, are among the significant hitters in this game. But who is the genuine king of the big screen? Fans can’t seem to agree on anything.
A WWE legend recently chimed in with his thoughts on the finest wrestler turned actor. While some argue that Batista and Cena have outperformed The Rock, the legend isn’t convinced. He claims that “The Rock is still king.”
These wrestlers have taken various routes to their film choices. The Rock set foot in Tinseltown preceding his rivals, jumping from wrestling to acting in the early 2000s. His first movie was “The Mummy Returns” in 2001. It was followed by “The Scorpion King” a year later. The Rock has been applying his strength and charisma in action flicks such as the “Fast & Furious” franchise, “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” and other such action adventure movies with great success.
Batista’s first movie was in 2006. He did a cameo in “Relative Strangers”. Batista has branched out, gaining critical acclaim for his spectacular film performances in “Avengers: Infinity War”, “LA Slasher”, “Blade Runner 2049”, and “Guardians of the Galaxy,” among other hits.
In an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” WWE commentator Michael Cole weighed on the debate of whom he sees as the best wrestler-turned-actor. Cole stated- “So if you’re talking all time, I think no doubt it’s The Rock.”
He further added, “Yeah, Batista’s doing great, and John Cena is doing unbelievable, but The Rock is still the king.” While some fans and even filmmakers compliment Batista for his acting abilities and unconventional film choices, Cena has a slew of followers who like his variety and comic timing.
Longevity of Dwayne Johnson, and Hollywood Dominance.
With his years of expertise and a streak of blockbuster films, Dwayne Johnson is the highest-paid actor in Hollywood, cementing his place as a genuine heavyweight in showbiz and a box office draw. The Rock’s presence is the closest thing to a sure-fire box office success which has led to many filmmakers vying for his signature. Even though his recent setback with DC’s Black Adam may have affected his all conquering persona, he remains a big name in the industry.
Even though The Rock may be doing movies that have a certain audience right now and it works for him, his early filmography is filled with a number of different genres and choices. Thus his longevity at the top does arguably make him a prime candidate for the best wrestler-turned-actor.
The legacies and accomplishments of Dwayne Johnson, John Cena, and Batista continue to change as wrestling fans debate the finest wrestler-turned-actor, each forging their extraordinary journey in the unpredictable world of Hollywood.