Top WWE female superstars who have acted in movies

Various WWE stars have worked in films

WWE is one of the biggest household names when it comes to sports entertainment and right now they are enjoying one of the most successful phases in the company’s storied history. WWE is beloved by fans around the world for inspiring a unique blend of athleticism and theatricality that entices viewers to an event in droves.

The company just recently doubled down on its spot at the top, inking a billion-dollar deal with Netflix that will see WWE programming land on the platform eventually.

Partnering with Netflix not only expands WWE’s reach but could delve into a wealth of new storytelling and character development that connects the company to a larger fanbase.

Thriving as a WWE superstar necessitates proficiency in several areas, not just wrestling. In addition to the ability, one needs more than just charisma and a good word on the microphone but also something bold that sets them apart from others outside of their ring presence.

WWE superstars are also all-around performers who can play to a crowd of 15,000 or 20,000 at live events and mature naturally into roles on the big screen in Hollywood. The journey from the wrestling ring to the silver screen has been brilliantly achieved by several WWE entertainers, including Dwayne Johnson, Batista, and John Cena, who have all found remarkable success in cinema.

At the same time, WWE’s female superstars are also making strides in Hollywood, allowing them to craft versatile careers and enhance their appeal among fans. Let’s take a look at some of WWE’s top women wrestlers who have successfully transitioned to the big screen:

Becky Lynch

Becky Lynch is one of the Four Horsewomen of WWE and became the first woman to headline—and win—a match in WrestleMania’s main event. In addition, she became the first woman to simultaneously hold both the Raw Women’s Championship and SmackDown Women’s Championship.

Her success extends beyond the ring; Becky made her acting debut in 2013, performing stunts for the show “Vikings.” In 2017, she appeared in “The Marine 6: Close Quarters” alongside The Miz and Shawn Michaels. Most recently, she voiced the character Axehammer in the 2021 animated movie “Rumble,” which also featured Roman Reigns, further showcasing her versatility.

Sasha Banks

Sasha Banks, another one of WWE’s four horsewomen, has also very naturally taken to Hollywoodisation. Now performing in All Elite Wrestling as Mercedes Moné, she has acted on large-scale projects including a prominent role in the Star Wars series The Mandalorian.

Banks had a major breakout in the show’s second season as Mandalorian character Koska Reeves, who is part of the Bo-Katan squad. The actress has expressed her desire for further exploration of the character and said she hopes to make more work in lead roles.

Eve Torres

Eve Torres was a popular figure during the WWE Divas Era, due to her charisma and role in major storylines. She was integrally featured in an onscreen love triangle with Zack Ryder and John Cena that captivated fans heading into WrestleMania 28.

Torres won the WWE Divas Championship three times before quitting wrestling in 2013 to pursue acting. She went on to feature in various television shows and films, including Queens of the Ring and The Scorpion King IV. She also completed her Hollywood transition by starring in “Skiptrace” with Jackie Chan, which grossed over $100 million and was a box office success.

Lana

Lana, also known as CJ Perry in WWE, began her career as Rusev’s manager in 2013 before becoming an in-ring performer. In addition to her wrestling career, she has worked as a dancer and actor, appearing in films such as “Pitch Perfect” and “American Hustle.”

She had her big break in the sci-fi action film “Cosmic Sin” starring Bruce Willis. She just joined as a wrestler manager with All Elite Wrestling, expanding her creative horizons even more.

Chyna

Chyna, the late wrestling star, was regarded as one of the most dominant and intimidating female wrestlers of her day. She revolutionized the genre by confronting male celebrities, paving the path for current performers Jade Cargill and Rhea Ripley.

In addition to her wrestling career, Chyna performed in television series including “Pacific Blue” and “3rd Rock from the Sun,” as well as episodes of “Sabrina, The Teenage Witch.” Her most prominent film performances were in “Just Another Romantic Wrestling Comedy” and “Illegal Aliens,” which showcased her compelling on-screen personality.

Trish Stratus

Trish Stratus is regarded as one of WWE’s top female performers of the Attitude Era, and she had a significant role in changing the face of women’s wrestling forever. In addition to her several WWE Women’s Championship victories, she was a part of other notable storylines and segments. She last participated in a show when she boosted newbie Zoey Stark and faced Becky Lynch.

Stratus also pursued an acting career, landing multiple television parts and playing the lead in the action thriller “Gridlocked,” which gained critical praise on Netflix and numerous prizes throughout Canada. Her successful shift into acting cemented her reputation as one of Canada’s most decorated performers, demonstrating her flexibility both inside and outside the ring.

Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey, WWE’s top female draw, made history by leading a women’s main event at WrestleMania 35. Her celebrity power was important in bringing women’s wrestling to the main stage at WrestleMania, but her relationship with WWE has been strained since her departure in 2023.

Despite her conflicting sentiments about the company’s internal politics, Rousey has established herself as a global celebrity, appearing in multiple blockbuster films, including parts in action-packed blockbusters such as “The Expendables 3” and “Fast & Furious 7.” Her television appearances, which spanned from reality series to cameos, increased her notoriety in the entertainment sector.

With WWE soon transitioning to Netflix and enjoying unprecedented popularity and success in its history, there’s never been more money being pumped into the company that could translate into successful moves for many young superstars or take them from a good mid-card gig up through the roof of professional wrestling.

The “ground is shifting” in this brand-new battleground, and it’s an intriguing prospect for WWE stalwarts down the line – ones that could see them bring together their wrestling roots with more movie-like roles. This means that as sports and entertainment become closer together, the next generation of WWE female superstars could rule the original ones in Hollywood just like their male colleagues have. This not only allows the athletes to grow professionally and personally but also increases WWE’s global penetration.

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