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There have been several elite names who have established themselves as some of the most prestigious and recognizable talents to ever step between the ropes of the squared circle, with these names in particular becoming worldwide stars and cornerstones of the wrestling industry.
The Rock - Dwanye ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s transition from WWE superstar to Hollywood megastar has been almost flawless as the former world champion grew to major stardom after his legendary feuds with the likes of ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, Mankind and Triple H during the Attitude Era as well as his later returning rivalries with both Brock Lesnar and John Cena.
The Rock’s near endless list of credentials in both Professional Wresting and acting shows why he has become one of the most beloved faces on the planet and a later stalwart for other WWE stars who have attempted to branch out into acting. In short, the Rock was the perfect WWE star built for the acting life with his magnificent mic skills and physical attributes being tailor made for the big screen.
Hulk Hogan - Even decades after his first appearances in a wrestling ring, the Hulkster remains as one of the most illustrious and decorated stars to ever compete in professional wrestling. While Hogan maybe more so known for his real American gimmick in the WWE, his time as a detestable heel in WCW as the leader of the New World Order still stands with fans today.
Whether you prefer the heroic, unstoppable patriot or the air guitar, villainous tyrant of WCW, Hogan’s name has been carved out in the wrestling landscape for years and was a major draw towards the sport back in the 80s and 90s with actor Chris Hemsworth also playing the Hulkster in a future rendition centered around the character.
Brock Lesnar - Lesnar is primarily known for his two major stints with the WWE and after sending fans into a frenzy with his return to close out SummerSlam this year, Lesnar looks set for a climactic showdown with Universal Champion Roman Reigns with the oddset live predictions likely in Brock’s favor. Lesnar himself is WWEs biggest attraction during the Modern Era but is also a familiar face to fans of Mixed Martial Arts.
After leaving WWE in 2004, and a short run in NJPW, Lesnar arrived in the UFC and won the Heavyweight Championship in his fourth bout, defeating MMA legend Randy Couture in just two rounds. Lesnar would later lose the title to Cain Velasquez, who also competed in a WWE ring against Lesnar at Crown Jewel 2019 for the WWE Championship. After returning to the WWE in 2012, the Beast Incarnate has since continued his array of dominance defeating the likes of John Cena, the Undertaker and Roman Reigns in main event caliber matches.
John Cena - Much like the Rock, Cena has become a mainstay in Hollywood after a long tenure with the WWE where he was company’s biggest star for nearly 20 years. While Cena does make the occasional appearance at WWE events, he is now more so known for his roles in Bumblebee and recently The Suicide Squad amongst others.
While fans may still miss the ‘Doctor of Thuganomics’ character that Cena played in his earlier WWE years, no one can deny the success that the ‘Never Give Up’ persona has brought to both Cena and the wrestling world. Although, it is a shame that his old theme and character does not make as many frequent appearances as his long withstanding gimmick, mainly due to the explicit nature that came with the character back in 2003, but after that special appearance at WrestleMania 35 in 2019, it was well worth the wait.
Batista - Dave Bautista is another WWE legend who has since carved a tremendous reputation as an actor in major Hollywood performances. Bautista is best known to many as Drax the Destroyer from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but has also played roles in the James Bond franchise and will feature in 2022s Knives Out 2.
In WWE Batista was always one of the company’s biggest names with him frequently being involved in the World Championship scene as well as having one of the most exhilarating entrances in WWE history as the Animal would be met with an extraordinary pyro display and the legendary ‘I Walk Alone’ theme song to boot.
The Undertaker - Speaking of legends with impeccable entrances, the Deadman’s slow, methodical walk to the ring surrounded by fire and smoke remains one of the greatest sights in the history of sports entertainment. The Undertaker is known primarily for his near four-decade dedication to the WWE, providing fans with an abundance of sublime matches and intimidating mind-games in between.
The Undertaker has long since been the most secretive and well-protected character that Vince McMahon has ever produced, with only the Undertaker’s recent ‘retirement’ opening fans up to who the man behind the coat really is. Even if you’re not a fan of professional wrestling, the Undertaker is a name that many have come to know and look back on with the greatest of fondness for his incredible work-rate and commitment to the industry.
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