WWE: 10 Male WWE Superstars Who Have Movie Star Potential

Wrestling and Hollywood have been in bed together for longer than most people realize. The legends of yesteryear—Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper and Terry Funk to name a few—began regaling the public outside of the wrestling organizations that made them famous long before the WWF became the WWE.

Today, the WWE has several superstars who have entered the sphere of the movie business. Of the more notable, one has enjoyed unparalleled success (The Rock), another has made a steady career out of it (Austin) and currently the biggest star in the company has been designated as the WWE Films' go-to-guy since its inception—John Cena.

Besides the above three, Triple H, Ted Dibiase, Edge (starring in Breaking the Rules), Kane, The Big Show, Kevin Nash, Randy Orton, The Great Khali and Batista have also made headway onto the silver screen—or straight to DVD—which would disqualify them from this article.

Not too many, though, are getting work and, as of this moment, only three WWE stars—one of them recently departed—are active on the Hollywood scene:

The Rock is filming G.I. Joe: Retaliation in between his WWE commitments, Dave Batista was just offered a role in the new Riddick film with Vin Diesel and Steve Austin is about to film The Package with Dolph Lundgren.

Which current WWE stars have the chops, charisma, comedic timing and/or overall look to make it on their own in Hollywood or via WWE Studios?

Alberto Del Rio

Who has a better grin than Alberto Del Rio, the WWE Champion?

He has inhabited the Mexican aristocrat character in such a way that most really do believe he owns hundreds of exotic, vintage automobiles (unless John Cena breaks his facade).

He saunters to the ring with an aplomb that demonstrates a confidence that would appeal to any director. Del Rio's facial expressions are always on point, knowing exactly when to furrow his brow or smirk when it's time for his close-up.

This bad guy is always disarming and cheerful, compelling even those who abhor him to smile a little bit on the inside.

His handsome, rugged looks would complement Antonio Banderas, for instance, in "Desperado 3."

If the former "Dos Caras" has his sights set on more, he could try competing with Javier Bardem for similar roles.

Zack Ryder

"Woo" "Woo" "Woo"

No, that's not in reference to the "Nature Boy" Ric Flair, but the Long Island "goodfella" Zack Ryder!

He has already shown a propensity for amazing entertainment value with his web series "Z! True Long Island Story," endearing himself to a plethora of WWE "broskies."

His catchphrases, upbeat charm and self-proclaimed Internet championship have made him a rising star.

The next step for Ryder would be to make the transition from YouTube to the big screen as a more modern John Turrturo-esque character actor.

"You know it!"

The Miz

If he doesn't get snatched up as the spokesperson for Subway, The Miz, who has already conquered reality television and risen to the top of the WWE, has only one thing left to prove.

He has film star potential written all over him. He commands the attention of fans when he's whispering, or shouting into the microphone and plays the cocky heel with great gusto.

He purses his lips when he's annoyed, walks with a waddle that impresses observers and blows out his vocal chords—screaming "Awesome"—with such believability that the next step would be to see how well he can visually arrest a Panavision camera.

In all honesty, he would thrive as a Matt Damon-type, playing in dramas and action flicks.

R-Truth

Who follows The Miz except his running buddy R-Truth?

Ron Killings is one-half of "Awesome Truth"—although known as "Team Jabroni" in other circles—set to face The Rock and John Cena at Survivor Series.

Despite the foregone conclusion at Survivor Series, Ron is one of the funniest and scariest people on the roster.

His "little Jimmy" rants elicit guffaws from the audience, who minutes later wince in fear when Truth's schizophrenic act beautifully comes to the surface.

Any man who can make you laugh and provoke incontinence in your pants has the makings of a versatile performer, who would flourish in wrestling or in Hollywood.

R-Truth could be a top comedic draw alongside the current Hollywood pantheon of Jim Carrey, Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen.

Santino Marella

The Italian charmer and master of absurd comedy, Santino Marella, has floundered in WWE for far too long.

It's time for a change in scenery for the master of the "Cobra," the most asinine finishing move in history.

Yet, what separates Santino from forgettable characters like The Goon, Bastion Booger and The Pug, is that he's able to reconcile his personality with whatever crappy material given to him by WWE writers in order to create something that resonates with the fans.

His ability to polish nonsense with a touch of gold makes him an ideal candidate for movies.

It's not just an act, either, as the real-life man is known to be the funniest person on the opposite side of the curtain when the WWE cameras are not rolling (just ask Randy Orton).

With that kind of talent, Santino's attributes need to be harnessed in comedies, but mostly in small doses early on so as to avoid overexposure.

For example, he should work his way up by doing recurring cameos a la Rob Schneider in every Adam Sandler film before taking it one step further as a sidekick in the "Pineapple Express 2."

Christian

You didn't think I'd forget about "Captain Charisma," did you?

Christian can do it all; he can be silly, serious and arrogant.

As a tag team, he often engaged in hilarious banter with fellow wrestlers, most notably Mick Foley.

His 5-second pose was a model of impeccable posture, revealing to fans he knows how to communicate via body language.

And in the movies, one has to impart emotions to the audience with the body as much as the mouth.

In addition, he walks with a swagger that makes one laugh, yet captures one's solemn attention when he's struggling for breath at the top of a ladder.

Christian can make you cheer for him to get his tail punted and, the next day, get you to laugh with him in a rap battle with John Cena.

He has action-comedy star emblazoned on his forehead.

Wade Barrett

The former Nexus leader has a way with words, underscored by a regal accent, that makes a listener out of anyone.

He is the most eloquent and articulate superstar in the WWE. He has a firm grasp of tonality, pausing in between words for added effect and knows precisely when to complement his phrases with matching facial expressions.

Combined with his stout nose and concrete jaw, Barrett would excel as a villain-type in Hollywood.

There's nothing nondescript about a man whose every vowel not only impresses on an intellectual level, but intimidates on a visceral plain.

If Bruce Willis needs to cast a villain in "Die Hard 5," he should give Barrett a call immediately.

Cody Rhodes

With the possible exception of Randy Orton, female fans would likely agree that Cody Rhodes is the most gorgeous man in the WWE.

His dainty nose, beaming blue eyes and elegant chin make women swoon so much he's had no choice but to put a paper bag over his "dashing" visage.

His ability to bring out his inner turmoil, frustration, anxiety and angst is reminiscent of another Hollywood idol fifty years ago—James Dean. Rhodes' style of presentation is also comparable to France's Alain Delon.

He's a boy in a man's body, ruled by his emotions and driven by the pursuit to discover himself amidst the insensitive members of the "WWE Universe."

He is, quite frankly, a shoo-in to reach the stars as a film heartthrob.

He should begin his Hollywood career—if he goes that route—by doing a coming-of-age story in the vein of A River Runs Through It.

Booker T

The six-time, former World Heavyweight Champion might be inactive as of now—comfortable behind the announcing booth—but he still has a lot to contribute.

He brings a unique dimension to the company that hasn't been heard before or since.

Booker offers a street-side perspective on the world's events, whether they transpire in the ring or not.

His flair for comedy is one of a kind, too. Just look up any video on YouTube highlighting his escapades with Goldust seven to eight years ago.

The man is a comic genius—he can swirl his hips at a moment's notice to do a "Spinaroonie," get hilariously pounded into an oblivion at a supermarket courtesy of Steve Austin and open his eyes wide and incredulous at the sight of his freaky friend Goldust.

The man is as cool as ice, belied by his mischievous sayings and actions that run hot on the comedic scale!

If Chris Tucker is demanding too much money to do "Rush Hour 4," replace him with Booker T and watch the tandem of he and Jackie Chan reignite and reinvent the buddy comedy franchise.

CM Punk

Last but not least is the charismatic rebel with a cult of personality that has lured millions of disciples.

His brash way with the microphone, inquisitive demeanor and proclivity for hammering down a witty end to any repartee, has catapulted the "Straight Edge" Superstar into the stratosphere.

Moreover, it has many taking notice of his ability to weave the English language in such a way that is engrossing at the highest level.

He does it without rushing, always in a state of equanimity, yet calculated as to how he arrives at the culmination of his speech.

He never meanders, is infused by the power of the live audience and knows exactly when to use the fans as part of his act—a challenge that not even wily veterans of Hollywood would be capable of.

An expert on the stage, it would behoove CM Punk to try his luck at acting on location or in front of a green screen. His mannerisms and athletic frame would fit the action-thriller genre very well.

Specifically, films with conspiratorial elements—like The Marathon Man or Enemy of the State—would be perfect Punk vehicles.

Furthermore, his symmetrical looks and uniquely clean lifestyle would be easy to market in a town that is swimming in cocaine.