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With Wrestlemania 30 happening this weekend, here’s a list of 10 worth-checking-out movies that feature professional wrestlers.
Night and the City (1950) – Mike Mazurki
One of the best noirs, and it revolves around wrestling! Mazurki was also in Murder, My Sweet (1944), Nightmare Alley (1947) and a slew of other great old films.
You Only Live Twice (1967) – “High Chief” Peter Maivia
Sean Connery’s almost last James Bond film. Featuring The Rock’s grandfather.
Escape from New York (1981) – Ox Baker
One of the greatest post-apocalyptic movies ever…wait, change that. One of the greatest MOVIES ever made!
Predator (1987) – Jesse “The Body” Ventura
After the wrestling, before the Governorship, there was Arnold.
The Princess Bride (1987) – Andre the Giant
Gotta love that sword fight.
They Live (1988) – Rowdy Roddy Piper
A John Carpenter movie starring a wrestler? Wake me up, I must be dreaming!
Ed Wood (1994) – George “The Animal” Steele
Martin Landau won an Oscar for this film, but George was overlooked. I demand a recount!
The Punisher (2004) – Kevin Nash
The high point of this mediocre motion picture is Diesel’s character and his film-stealing fight scene. (Disclaimer – this movie isn’t really worth-checking-out, but I’m a mark for Nash and had to include him. And his is a great scene.)
Pain & Gain (2013) – The Rock
Michael Bay makes a lot of dreck, but this movie is a masterpiece. The Rock is the only wrestler to really make the transition from the ring to the screen (except, of course, for Mike Mazurki).
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) – Batista
I’m making a prediction that this is going to be the best film of Summer 2014, even with a goof like Dave Bautista in it.
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