The Undertaker and Other WWE Stars Who Played Villains in Hollywood Films

Professional wrestling and Hollywood have a long-standing relationship, with many WWE superstars transitioning from the squared circle to the silver screen. While some wrestlers have gone on to become action heroes, others have embraced their dark side, bringing larger-than-life villainous characters to life in blockbuster movies. Here’s a look at some WWE stars who have excelled in portraying villains in Hollywood films.

1. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson – The Scorpion King (The Mummy Returns, 2001)

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is perhaps the most successful WWE star to transition into Hollywood, but before he became a household name as a leading man, he made his film debut as a villain. In The Mummy Returns (2001), Johnson played the Scorpion King, an ancient warrior who is resurrected as a monstrous half-man, half-scorpion creature. Although his screen time was brief, Johnson's menacing presence and charisma helped establish him as a formidable villain. His performance was so well-received that it led to a spin-off film, The Scorpion King (2002), where he played the character's origin story as a hero.

2. Triple H – Jarko Grimwood (Blade: Trinity, 2004)

Triple H, a cornerstone of WWE's "Attitude Era," took his imposing physicality to the big screen as Jarko Grimwood in Blade: Trinity (2004). As one of the vampire enforcers, Triple H’s character is a formidable adversary to Wesley Snipes' Blade. With his towering frame and intense persona, Triple H brought a blend of menace and dark humor to the role, making Grimwood one of the more memorable villains in the Blade trilogy.

3. Dave Bautista – Mr. Hinx (Spectre, 2015)

Dave Bautista, known to WWE fans as Batista, has carved out a successful film career, often portraying characters with a complex moral compass. However, his role as Mr. Hinx in the James Bond film Spectre (2015) showcased his ability to play a pure, physically imposing villain. As a silent, relentless assassin, Bautista's Mr. Hinx became a memorable adversary for Daniel Craig's James Bond. The character’s brute strength and ruthless efficiency made him a standout villain in the long-running spy franchise.

4. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin – James "Jim" Conrad (The Condemned, 2007)

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin, one of WWE's most iconic superstars, took his tough-guy persona to Hollywood in The Condemned (2007). In this action thriller, Austin plays James "Jim" Conrad, a death row inmate forced to compete in a deadly game of survival. While not a traditional villain, Conrad is a morally ambiguous character who must rely on his ruthless instincts to survive. Austin's portrayal of a hardened, anti-heroic figure brought his wrestling persona to the big screen in a brutal, unrelenting fashion.

5. The Undertaker – Suburban Commando (1991)

The Undertaker, one of WWE's most iconic and enduring characters, made an early foray into Hollywood with a role in Suburban Commando (1991). In this sci-fi comedy, The Undertaker played one of the intergalactic bounty hunters sent to capture Hulk Hogan’s character. While his role was small and more humorous than villainous, his imposing presence and signature stoicism added a layer of menace to his character.

6. Kevin Nash – The Russian (The Punisher, 2004)

Kevin Nash, known in WWE as Diesel and later as "Big Sexy," took on the role of The Russian in The Punisher (2004). The Russian is a towering, silent assassin sent to kill Frank Castle, played by Thomas Jane. Nash's performance as the unstoppable, brutish villain is one of the highlights of the film, particularly during a brutal, no-holds-barred fight scene that showcases his physical dominance.