10 Greatest Fake Pro Wrestlers In Movies

Professional wrestling is at least partially fictional with the genre of wrestling and the workers themselves deciding just how much. As dangerous as any competitive sport, it places a great deal of emphasis on acting as much as it does athleticism. It’s hardly surprising then that so many wrestlers have turned up in movies over the years. On top of wrestlers becoming actors, cinema has often required actors to become wrestlers.

Whether the individual behind the fictional pro wrestler is experienced in the ring or not, it is often fun to watch an exaggerated film rendition of a character type known for being exaggerated to begin with. While often brought in for laughs, pro wrestling based characters have also been used in serious, often gritty cinematic fare also.

From award winning actors to actual title winning wrestlers, many have brought ‘sports entertainers’ to the big screen. Respectful or parodic, plenty of these characters have left a memorable impression on audiences over the years. Let’s take a look at 10 pf the greatest pro wrestling character in cinematic history.

Ever so slightly inspired by a real life Catholic priest turned luchador Fray Tormenta, director Jared Hess’ sophomore effort introduces us to Ignacio and his Nacho wrestling alter ego.

Working as a cook for a Mexican monastery, Jack Black’s Ignacio finally pulls the trigger on his lucha libre dreams. Using the money to support the orphanage and afford better ingredients for his meals, Ignacio gradually rises through the lucha ranks as the film progresses.

Something of a one-joke concept, Nacho Libre relies heavily on the humorous performance of Jack Black. Releasing 2 years after Hess’ popular debut, Napoleon Dynamite, the film provides a similar style of off-beat, often juvenile humour.

Not exactly the most respectful rendition of lucha libre or its rich culture and history, Nacho Libre was a modest success with audiences at the time. In the years since, it has become something of a cult favourite as is often the case with Hess’ films. Despite predominantly being a parody, Black’s Ignacio proves to be a likeable and endearing lead. With a noble cause behind his desire to compete and a good deal of physical comedy to deal out, the unlikely champion is a good showcase of its actor’s knack for goofy humour.