10 WWE Wrestlers Who Went On To Better Things

1. The Rock

Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, The Outsiders
Instagram, @therock

Is it predictable to list Hollywood's highest paid actor at number one here? Perhaps, but Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's is comfortably the grandest post-WWE success story of all-time, and it isn't even close.

The Rock is the biggest mainstream crossover star the sport has ever produced, and it started with a failed babyface run as Rocky Maivia in 1996. Johnson bombed as a bland, vanilla do-gooder, but was reborn in the Nation of Domination, then again as Vince McMahon's corporate champion, and eventually became one of the biggest box office draws the sport has ever seen.

Johnson left for Hollywood at the perfect time. He wasn't an immediate success, but the charisma and star power that defined his wrestling run transferred perfectly to the big screen. Now, Rocky is one of the most sought-after entertainers around. He'll never be the best actor in the world, but he has achieved a level of successful that transcends everyone on our list, and anyone else who's ever laced up a pair of wrestling boots.

The Rock still appears in WWE from time to time, but only on his own terms. He hasn't truly needed the company's spotlight for well over a decade, and never will again, such is his impact on the mainstream

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.