The crossover between pro wrestling and Hollywood is arguably at its peak. The Rock, John Cena and Dave Bautista have all achieved individual success, and even wrestlers such as Roman Reigns and The Miz have ventured into the world of movies, demonstrating that more wrestlers are achieving success on the silver screen outside of the wrestling ring.
As the latest one to do so, MJF has taken a role in the upcoming A24 movie, “The Iron Claw,” and is also serving as an executive producer for the film. Despite being only 27 years old, he is making an early jump and finding success on his own terms.
However, not everyone has achieved the same level of success. In a recent interview with Dr. Beau Hightower ahead of Full Gear, the AEW World Champion pointed a finger directly at Hulk Hogan for being a bad example of a wrestler trying to act (h/t Fightful for transcription).
I think a lot of the time, when people look at wrestlers going into acting, because Hulk Hogan did such a shit job. He did, let’s be honest, probably one of the worst actors of all time. People were so hesitant of letting pro wrestlers into acting. Thanks to trailblazers like Cena, Rock and Batista, absolutely massacring it every single time they are on screen, and killing it. It’s pretty cool and unique now because when they look at wrestlers, they understand now that what we do is really difficult and it takes a lot of charisma, charm, and athleticism. So does being the top draw in Hollywood. I think it’s a pretty easy transition, I shouldn’t say that. It’s an easy transition if you’re capable of being a top guy in my sport. It’s easier. If you’re somebody that struggles in front of the red light and you’re just a really good grappler (it’s harder).
That’s, well, a very direct statement made by MJF.
Hogan infamously featured in the box office flop “Mr. Nanny” and received negative criticism across the board. From 1996-98, he made appearances in six more movies; however, his Hollywood career stalled afterward, only appearing in “Little Hercules” and “Gnomeo & Juliet” since the turn of the century. So while he’s considered one of the greatest sports entertainers, he can’t say the same for this other venture.
Most importantly, MJF notes the respect that pro wrestlers are earning because of their charisma, charm, and athleticism. As a movie actor, having charisma is a trait that allows one to shine on the big screen. If you haven’t been watching AEW programming, the Plainview, Long Island native has plenty of it. He receives chances because of those who have successfully transitioned, and if his acting career takes off, others will benefit.