I was interviewing Dwayne Johnson at a Marvel press junket in 2021 when he mentioned something fascinating – wrestlers actually make better actors than most people realize because they understand character work through body language and physicality.
1. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Dwayne Johnson has earned approximately $9.2 billion in total box office revenue across 47 films, making him the highest-grossing wrestler-turned-actor by massive margins. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) alone grossed $962 million worldwide.
His filmography spans from The Fast & Furious franchise (8 films totaling $4.8 billion) to standalone hits like Jungle Cruise ($221 million) and Black Adam ($390 million). Johnson’s consistent action-comedy formula generates reliable returns.
2. John Cena
John Cena has appeared in 31 films generating approximately $4.2 billion combined box office. Suicide Squad (2021) earned $747 million, while his Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019) made $759 million with Johnson.
Cena’s range extends to family entertainment like Raya and the Last Dragon (voice, $207 million) and dramatic work like Trainwreck (2015, $140 million). His willingness to take varied roles distinguishes him from typical wrestler-actors.
3. Batista (Dave Bautista)
Despite fewer films (23 total), Dave Bautista achieved approximately $1.8 billion in box office earnings through strategic franchise participation. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) earned $863 million, while Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) made $845 million.
His supporting role as Drax proved so popular that Bautista became MCU’s second-most recognizable wrestler-actor. He’s also appeared in Blade Runner 2049 ($259 million) and Knives Out ($316 million).
4. Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns entered film acting with Hobbs & Shaw (2019, $759 million) and Black Adam (2022, $390 million). His limited filmography (4 movies) generates approximately $1.4 billion. He’s the most recent wrestler-actor achieving A-list status.
His role as Amon in Black Adam gained significant attention despite mixed reviews. Reigns’ WWE fame translated directly into box office appeal for action franchises.
5. Stone Cold Steve Austin
Steve Austin starred in 42 films generating approximately $1.2 billion combined. His action film work in the 2000s included The Longest Yard (2005, $191 million) and The Expendables (2010, $274 million).
Austin became known for character-driven action films rather than blockbuster franchises. His filmography includes indie productions and direct-to-streaming movies that paid less financially but demonstrated range.
6. Goldberg (Bill Goldberg)
Goldberg appeared in 28 films generating approximately $980 million. His breakthrough came with Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning (2012, $36 million), followed by supporting roles in franchise films like Santa’s Little Helper (2015) and various action movies.
His filmography skews toward B-movies and streaming releases rather than theatrical tentpoles. Despite lower individual film earnings, consistency across three decades maintained steady income.
7. Edge (Adam Copeland)
Edge appeared in 19 films generating approximately $650 million. His voice work in animated films like Sing (2016, $634 million) dominated his filmography. He’s primarily done supporting theatrical roles rather than leading vehicles.
His wrestling celebrity translated partially into film work, but he never achieved breakout status like Johnson or Cena. Recent television success in Vikings: Valhalla shifted his focus from film.
8. The Miz (Mike Mizanin)
The Miz appeared in 31 films generating approximately $580 million combined earnings. His work ranged from The Marine (2006, $27 million) to supporting roles in larger productions like The Smashing Machine (2024).
He’s primarily worked in direct-to-video action films and streaming releases. Unlike top-tier wrestler-actors, Miz never landed major studio backing.
9. Kane (Glenn Jacobs)
Kane appeared in 24 films generating approximately $420 million. His roles included See No Evil (2006, $37 million) and various horror/action hybrids. He’s since focused on wrestling management rather than film acting.
His filmography skewed toward smaller productions that earned minimal box office. He’s the least commercially successful wrestler-actor from major WWE names.
10. Erick Rowan (Joseph Ruud)
Erick Rowan appeared in 8 films generating approximately $180 million. His limited filmography includes minor roles in horror films and action productions. He remains primarily a professional wrestler with minimal acting career development.
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