Wrestlers are half actors, since what they do in “sports entertainment” is mostly practiced choreographed routines. These are fine specimens of human physical achievement with campy personalities and flashy costumes. That is what makes it all so exciting.
So when we find out that wrestlers are making a move to action films we really are not that surprised. But the degree of acting that we see in the ring is more on par with a stunt man with about 10 minutes of fan rallying silliness in between.
I write this perspective because there has been a LOT of reaction to a story I wrote about John Cena starring in 12 Rounds. When the plot was revealed it sounded very similar to his last outing The Marine.
The replies were unique in that they were not typical of the comments we get here at TMB. Even to this day I get daily comments on a post I made almost 3 months ago. And they all seem to point to one thing. WWE Fans are rabidly loyal.
The comments sounded a lot more like a pro wrestler would offer and anyone who doubted Cena’s talent was met with rabid fanboys (and girls) informing you of your apparent jealousy for this fine thespian and incredibly talented rapper.
I wouldn’t be stretching to say that movies with Wrestler stars have been less than successful. I think a lot of that had to do with their R rating, when the target demographic for WWE fans is under 18. An effort to curb this was made evident when it was announced that these films would be made to be PG-13 instead.
So as a public service, I would remind you that we don’t doubt John Cena’s talent as a Professional Wrestler. And any photo of him would indicate the lack of doubt anyone could have about his impressive physique.
As an actor, he will have to prove himself just like any other actor. Just as everyone assumes that video game movies will always suck, and no superhero movie will win a best actor Oscar, we also assume the worst of any Wrestler who gets to star in an action movie.
It will be a fun popcorn movie with plenty of bashing and bouncing going on. Lots of attitude. And little girlies will swoon when he takes off his shirt.
So believe me fans. This is not an attack on you when we treat wrestlers as a subculture of actors. We do the same for Music stars who get starring roles as well.
We dont hate John Cena. We just know that John Cena will not be in the remake of Shawshank Redemption. But he can kick my ass.
