During a recent interview promoting his movie Heads of State, John Cena declared Dave Bautista the best wrestler-turned-actor, highlighting his impressive achievements on screen. Addressing the ongoing conversation around who has best transitioned from the wrestling ring to Hollywood, Cena offered his genuine opinion and chose not to nominate himself, despite his own successful film career.
Cena Praises Bautista’s Versatility and Growth
Cena, who has starred in blockbuster films such as F9, Blockers, and Peacemaker, showed humility when discussing the debate on Complex’s GOAT Talk. He emphasized that Bautista’s evolution as an actor stood out, even more so than his own journey or that of other wrestling icons.
“I’m gonna give respect where respect is earned,”
—John Cena, WWE World Champion
“Dave Bautista — the dude has range and has transformed his whole body. The stuff he’s about to do — look out for Dave Bautista. The stuff he’s already done is incredible.”
—John Cena, WWE World Champion
In particular, Cena highlighted Bautista’s performances in major films such as Blade Runner 2049, Dune, and Knock at the Cabin. According to Cena, Bautista possesses a dramatic depth and acting ability that distinguishes him in the entertainment industry.
“As far as, like, wrestler-turned-actor with, like, the range… you know me, I’m just d**k jokes, that’s it. Dave’s got range,”
—John Cena, WWE World Champion
The Changing Spotlight in Wrestler-Led Films
The Rock has long been known as the most prominent WWE star in Hollywood, but Cena’s remarks spotlight a shift in perception toward Dave Bautista. There is a growing acknowledgement of Bautista’s powerful and diverse acting skills, which have garnered critical praise and expanded his reputation far beyond wrestling.
Dave Bautista’s Continued Impact in Film
With Heads of State now available on Prime Video and co-starring Idris Elba, the discussion about Dave Bautista as the best wrestler turned actor continues to gain momentum. As he takes on new projects and challenging roles, Bautista’s standing among his peers and with audiences is expected to climb even higher, reinforcing the view endorsed by Cena, and changing the narrative about the transition from WWE star to Hollywood actor.
