Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s new film, The Smashing Machine, has opened to a disappointing $6 million domestically, marking the lowest debut in the WWE star’s Hollywood career. Released by A24, the movie features Johnson portraying Kerr, a mixed martial arts fighter, in a hard-hitting biographical drama.
Despite strong critical praise for Johnson’s performance and his commitment to the role, which involved gaining around 30 pounds, the film fell short of expectations. With a production budget near $50 million, the movie also stars Emily Blunt and was well received when it premiered at the Venice Film Festival. Competing against Taylor Swift’s concert film, Taylor Swift: The Official Release Party of a Showgirl, The Smashing Machine was initially projected to earn approximately $20 million during its opening weekend.
Industry insiders and Variety have noted Johnson, now 53, as a serious contender for an Oscar nomination due to his portrayal of Kerr. This project marks his second collaboration with Blunt, following their previous pairing in Jungle Cruise.
Comparing WWE Legends: The Rock Versus John Cena
The Rock stands among the few WWE superstars who successfully transitioned to Hollywood stardom, with past hits like The Scorpion King (2002), Fast Five (2011), Moana (2016), Black Adam (2022), and Red Notice (2021). However, some fans and critics argue that Johnson often repeats a similar character type across his roles, though his work in The Smashing Machine demonstrated more range, echoing the variety shown in earlier films such as Gridiron Gang (2006).
John Cena, another WWE icon, has gained recognition as a rising actor with leading roles in projects like James Gunn’s Peacemaker series. Cena’s filmography includes WWE’s The Marine (2006), Blockers (2018), Barbie (2023), and the upcoming Heads of State (2025).
Following the news about The Smashing Machine underperforming, some fans quickly drew comparisons to Cena’s film career. One enthusiast remarked,
“John Cena could never flop at the box office.”
— fan response
According to box office data from The Numbers, Cena’s poorest opening was Freelance (2023), which earned $2.86 million and also received negative reviews. Nevertheless, some supporters feel that Cena holds an edge over Johnson, especially in terms of recent performances. Another fan noted,
“It’s still funny to me that John Cena as Peacemaker became everything that The Rock wanted to be as Black Adam.”
— wrestling fan
Cena’s role as Peacemaker began in early 2022, with HBO Max greenlighting a second season of the show. In contrast, Johnson’s portrayal of Black Adam in the October 2022 film garnered criticism, with some headlines stating,
Rock can’t save terrible DLC movie
One individual offered a pointed observation on the current debate, saying,
You can tell The Smashing Machine is flopping cause it came out the same day as this episode yet like 3 posts of this clip have gone viral saying Cena a better actor when The Rock JUST dropped a movie giving one of the best performances of the year.
— online commentator
Broader Context for WWE Stars Transitioning to Film
The acting abilities of both Johnson and Cena have drawn comparison due to their shared background in professional wrestling and their efforts to establish themselves as credible actors. Yet, some critics suggest that the most successful transition may belong to Dave Bautista. After retiring from pro wrestling in April 2019, Bautista has concentrated exclusively on acting, appearing in major films like Spectre (2015), Blade Runner 2049 (2017), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), and Avengers: Infinity War (2018).
At 56 years old, Bautista’s film career contrasts with Johnson and Cena’s, who continue to balance entertainment commitments between WWE and Hollywood projects.
The Impact and Future of John Cena Acting Comparison Conversations
The underwhelming box office debut of The Smashing Machine has reignited debates over the acting talents of WWE veterans turned Hollywood stars. While Johnson’s recent role has revived discussions about his dramatic range and potential awards recognition, fans remain divided on who holds the upper hand between him and Cena.
As WWE legends continue to seek success on screen, these conversations highlight ongoing challenges and achievements in their acting careers. The reception of their future projects will likely influence how their legacies as entertainers and actors evolve, with audiences watching closely how they balance wrestling personas with new cinematic roles.
