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As John Cena prepares to step away from the ring for good, he continues to leave fans with not just memories of his epic bouts, but also with candid takes on his peers—particularly those who’ve transitioned from the squared circle to the silver screen. In a recent sit-down for Complex alongside co-star Idris Elba to promote their movie Heads of State, Cena was asked a pointed question: who’s the greatest wrestler-turned-actor?
While many would expect Cena to nominate himself or fellow household names like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the 17-time World Champion surprised viewers by giving high praise to one of his fiercest WWE rivals—Dave Bautista.
A riveting response with real respect
John Cena, never one to shy away from humility, initially dropped the names of legends like Roddy Piper and Hulk Hogan, acknowledging their contributions to both wrestling and film. However, when it came down to choosing the most versatile of them all, Cena didn’t hesitate to point toward Bautista.
“I do enjoy No Holds Barred and They Live, so Roddy Piper, maybe, Hulk Hogan. I’m going to give respect where respect is earned. Dave Bautista. The dude has range and now has transformed his whole body. So, look out for Dave Bautista.”
It’s a powerful endorsement coming from a contemporary who knows the grind of Hollywood firsthand. Cena’s admiration extended beyond just physical transformation. He emphasized that Bautista’s versatility as an actor has set him apart from most other wrestlers who’ve taken the same route.
From WWE ring to Hollywood recognition
Once known as “The Animal” in WWE, Bautista’s journey into acting has been nothing short of transformative. From portraying the stoic Drax the Destroyer in Guardians of the Galaxy to emotionally layered roles in films like Blade Runner 2049 and Knock at the Cabin, Bautista has proven that he's more than just muscle—he’s an actor with true range.
John Cena humorously downplayed his own talents in comparison, saying,
“You know me, I’m just d*ck change. That’s it. Dave’s got range.”
The quote, self-deprecating yet sincere, paints a clear picture of the immense respect Cena holds for his former rival.
John Cena Dave Bautista's mutual evolution beyond the ring
Both John Cena and Dave Bautista started their journeys in WWE during the Ruthless Aggression Era and quickly became fan favorites for their charisma and in-ring storytelling. While their paths have diverged into different cinematic directions, both have defied the stereotype of wrestlers-turned-actors by bringing depth, discipline, and dedication to their craft.
As Cena’s retirement from wrestling nears, his words stand as a heartfelt salute to another performer who’s taken the hard road from wrestling stardom to critical acclaim in Hollywood.
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