The wrestling industry’s place in Hollywood has come a long way since Hulk Hogan tossed Rocky Balboa into the crowd. FromThe Rock’s epic riseon the silver screen to Dave Batista’scareer-defining role as Drax, wrestling’s role in moves seems pre-destined. The showmanship of the sports entertainment genre is what made it one of television’s first major programs upon its introduction. For decades after, it remains a vital piece of pop culture fabric.
It all raises an interesting question: who are the next generation of grappling greats turned Hollywood stars? With the business becoming more and more about star-power and self-promotion, those with the “It Factor” tend to stand out more. Whether it’s AEW, WWE, or NXT, tomorrow’s biggest celebrities might already be on our screens today.
8Ricky Starks
As his theme song says, the revolution is televised. So, who better to put in the next summer blockbuster thanRicky Starkshimself? The charismatic young performer with a huge future in AEW has all the earmarks of a future crossover sensation.
In a back-and-forth exchange with AEW Champion Maxwell Jacob Freedman on AEW Dynamite, Starks was mocked for his Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson similarities. MJF called Starks “The Pebble.” In reality, it might not be too big of an insult. A rocky future for Ricky is just what the breakout performer should want.
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Banger after banger after banger after banger, the Brawling Brute has been turning and smashing heads in WWE. Since arriving in 2010 and immediately capturing the top title in the company through a shocking table match victory over John Cena, the Irish superstar has grown by leaps and bounds. Today’sSheamusis a different character than he was even just a few years ago.
Finally coming into his own and establishing one of Smackdown’s favorite characters, Sheamus could accomplish a lot. His appearance in the 2016Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadowsmovie showedhe has potential. With the right role and solid marketing, the former multiple-time WWE Champion could easily unleash the Irish Curse on Hollywood.
6Becky Lynch
It almost feels as though “The Man” is already a pop culture star. As one of the first women performers to a WrestleMania main event,Big Time Becksis a trailblazer in so many ways. Her rise to the top of the industry, the birth of her daughter, and immediate return to form show that she has a work ethic like no other. For Lynch, few opponents or obstacles can hold her back. Fans would love to see the Women’s Champion disarm Hollywood.
5Cody Rhodes
This one might not be fair asCody Rhodesis already on his way to being a major star in a number of areas. As a former reality star, the son of a son of a plumber seems to already be running across the channels.
For a star like Cody, though, there’s never time to rest. Always looking for his next major moment, Rhodes has caused headlines with every move he’s made. From his part in the launch of AEW to his surprising WWE Return, Rhodes always knows how to find a waiting spotlight. It feels as though it’s only a matter of time.
4Grayson Waller
NXT’s most hated Australian star,Grayson Waller, has made a huge impact in a short period of time. With the ability to crawl under your skin and dance there, Waller has shown the type of star power in a short period of time that some performers go a career without discovering. Imagining him as a top star of TV and movies isn’t that much of a stretch. It’s almost a definite…just ask him.
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3Maxwell Jacob Friedman
The AEW Champion knows he rubs people the wrong way, but he doesn’t care. ForMaxwell Jacob Friedman, his abilities are just facts. There’s nothing he can’t do. Since the age of five, when he appeared onThe Rosie O’Donnell Showto sing “You Are My Sunshine,” MJF’s place on TV was solidified. The moment is mocked by many of his foes, but it’s just added to his comfort in front of the camera.
The sweet moment on O’Donnell’s show meant a lot to the Champ. Actually, that’s a joke. Anyone who knows MJF knows that this, which he said to theGame Markspodcast, fits more with his personality: “We tried to reach out to her several times. I would be giving her the rub by the way, not the other way around. She desperately needs the limelight right now. I’m on top of the world. We thought it would be interesting if we could have another interview while I’m on top of the world. To my knowledge, her people declined, probably out of fear for me showing the world that she still owes me money from the last time I did an interview with her. I was never compensated. She stole money from a five-year-old, who does that? Sickening. I got Shrek ears and a $25 coupon to Dunkin Donuts.”
So, can the Salt of the Earth proves his worth in Tinsel Town? We are almost definitely going to find out. Friedman has laid out his long-term plans for months and Hollywood certainly seems to be on his things-to-do list. It might just be another thing that he’s better at than you…and you know it.
2Jade Cargill
As soon as you seeJade Cargill, you know she’s a star. The TBS Champion has a presence about her that few can replicate. With the Baddies by her side and everyone on notice, there’s nothing “that bitch” can’t do.
Cargill’s AEW debut came with a celebrity crossover. Alongside Shaqille O’Neill, the duo antagonized the Rhodes family and vowed to rise up the ranks. To that end, Jade was successful. Today, she has one of the best winning percentages in all wrestling and her stock is only rising. A run in Hollywood seems more than likely.
1Sami Zayn
Despite being one of wrestling’s most beloved stars for years, it wasn’t until he joined the Bloodline thatSami Zaynshowed his true dramatic and comedic capabilities. The story, which features Zayn attempting to be a part of Roman Reigns’s Samoan Family team, seems insane on the surface. In reality, it produced some of the most compelling wrestling television in a long time. In an interview with Peter Roseburg ofCheap Heat, Zayn explained, “I wasn’t originally envisioning being a full member of the Bloodline or anything like that, just something to where Roman and I can occasionally get on screen together in a light-hearted way and I’m giving him these reports of what’s going on and what he needs to be careful for. Every once in a while, I get things kicked my way too. That was sort of the idea.”
Zayn’s facial expressions during brief moments of acceptance, his dramatic interactions with the group, and his ability to make his fellow stars break character with laughter during the segments are all testaments to his ability. The gasps and cheers from the emotionally invested audience is all any wrestler could hope for. Playing comedic effects is nothing new to the former El Generico as hisWrestleMania match with Johnny Knoxvilletook theJackassidea and put it in the ring. When it comes to physical comedy, few can match Zayn’s strengths.
