Dave Bautista, a former WWE Champion, has unexpectedly been ranked above John Cena and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in a recent actor ranking. The Hollywood Reporter placed Bautista at the top spot among wrestlers-turned-actors, with The Rock in second place and Cena in third. This ranking highlights Bautista’s successful transition from wrestling to acting and his expanding influence in Hollywood.
Bautista’s transformation from WWE’s “The Animal” to a versatile Hollywood star is marked by intentional career choices and physical reinvention. Standing 6’4” and weighing a lean 240 pounds—down from his billed 290—he has demonstrated range through roles that combine humor and heartfelt emotion. His portrayal of Drax in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy solidified his reputation beyond action roles.
The Hollywood Career Trajectory of Dave Bautista
Since breaking into acting in 2014, Bautista has featured in major franchises ranging from Marvel movies to thrillers, often delivering performances that defy expectations. His career momentum now rivals the frequency of his WWE appearances at the height of his wrestling fame. Bautista’s willingness to experiment with different genres and characters has earned him this acclaim, setting him apart from his wrestling peers.
Meanwhile, Dwayne Johnson, standing 6’5” and weighing 260 pounds, has become one of Hollywood’s highest-grossing actors with hits like Jumanji and Fast & Furious spin-offs. Known for his charismatic presence and tireless work ethic, Johnson tends to follow a familiar formula in his roles. John Cena, also a top WWE star, has carved out a niche in comedic and action roles, notably as Peacemaker on HBO Max, where his self-deprecating humor stands out. Despite this, Cena’s acting roles often feel like extensions of his wrestling persona.
Both Johnson and Cena remain powerful box office draws, yet Bautista’s choice to slim down and diversify his roles with subtle acting nuances has given him an edge in this ranking.
Highlights from Dave Bautista’s Wrestling Career
Batista’s WWE career began in 2002, where he quickly became a dominant force. Early on, he was part of Evolution alongside Triple H, Ric Flair, and Randy Orton. His career took a defining turn in 2005 when he betrayed Triple H, leading to his first World Heavyweight Championship victory at WrestleMania 21, marking the longest reign for that title at the time. He engaged in memorable rivalries with The Undertaker, John Cena, and Randy Orton.
Throughout his wrestling career, Bautista was a six-time World Champion, three-time World Tag Team Champion (twice with Ric Flair and once with John Cena), and won the WWE Tag Team Championship with Rey Mysterio. He also won the Royal Rumble in both 2005 and 2014, headlining WrestleMania twice. Bautista concluded his in-ring career at WrestleMania 35, losing to Triple H in a No Holds Barred Match before officially retiring.
