10 Ways Wrestlers Got Out Of WWE Contracts
7. Utilising A Hollywood Safety Net
Many wrestlers make the migration to cinema. Much fewer find true success in that avenue.
The Hollywood legacies of icons such as Hulk Hogan, John Cena and The Rock speak for themselves, and took place with a relatively clean and legal break from the world of WWE. Far more turbulent however, was that of Batista, and as we all know, this story eventually acquired a happy ending.
Championships, accolades, and household fame were all things that Dave had earned during his WWE run. Yet, after numerous creative differences, Batista finally put his foot down with WWE in 2010, and walked out prematurely. Alongside a brief MMA pit stop, his prime destination was Hollywood to pursue a career in acting. Given everything he'd gained in his career thus far, the foot was already in said door, so there was no problem finding work.
It's present day, and The Animal has racked up appearances in no less than the Blade Runner, Bond and Marvel franchises. He plays everybody's favourite invisible alien beefcake, Drax with amazing credibility, and has been widely accepted by fans. It may never have happened had he not stood his ground and broken the rules.