Top Most Famous Professional Wrestlers

The Rock Vs. Hulk Hogan — George Pimentel/Getty Images

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By

Updated on 05/24/19

There are some wrestlers that have garnered mainstream popularity. This is a list of the performers that have taken their wrestling fame and become part of popular culture.

01

of 10

Hulk Hogan

When people think of wrestling they automatically think of Hulk Hogan. He was responsible for the wrestling booms of the '80s and '90s. He has had mainstream success as a movie and television star. Amazingly, he might have become more famous since retiring due to his family. First for their reality show Hogan Knows Best and then for their problems which have included a nasty divorce and his son going to jail.

02

of 10

The Rock

Premiere Of Warner Bros. Pictures' 'Central Intelligence' - Arrivals — WireImage / Getty Images

In his relatively short career, the Rock quickly became an icon of the industry and his wrestling success has translated into a very successful movie career. Unlike every other wrestler that tried to transition to Hollywood, the Rock has garnered both critical and commercial success that has led him to become a legitimate leading man that can open both action and family movies.

03

of 10

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin

Pro Wrestling Hall Of Famer Steve Austin — Moses Robinson / Getty Images

Steve Austin's blue-collar wrestling persona captivated the wrestling fans and the world. His Austin 3:16 shirt is the best selling shirt in wrestling history. Steve used his fame in the world of wrestling to appear in both movies and guest star on several television shows.

04

of 10

Vince McMahon

Vince McMahon is the face of the WWE for non-wrestling fans. Just as Don King's popularity has far surpassed that of most of his fighters, the same can be said for Vince McMahon. Some of his promotional stunts have brought him to the forefront of popular culture. In addition, ever since his interview with Bob Costas, whenever he appears in a televised interview it is must-see TV.

05

of 10

Andre the Giant

Andre the Giant was known as the 8th World Wonder due to both the size of his body and his charisma. His role in The Princess Bride was the first time a wrestler captivated a movie audience.

06

of 10

Jesse Ventura

Wrestlers Hulk Hogan and Jesse 'The Body' Ventura — LGI Stock/Gett Images

While he had a decent wrestling career, it is his post-wrestling work that puts him in this category. His announcing work is legendary and led to his acting career. Jesse shocked the world by becoming the Governor of Minnesota as an independent candidate.

07

of 10

John Cena

John has become the most famous wrestler to start in the WWE after the turn of the century. In just his first decade in the business, he has starred in several movies, been a part of a network reality TV show, has done commercials for Gillette, and even made a rap album.

08

of 10

Roddy Piper

WWE's SummerSlam Kickoff Party 2009 — WireImage / Getty Images

Roddy Piper was the bad guy everyone paid to see get beaten up by Hulk Hogan. Piper retired at the top of his game and starred in the classic sci-fi thriller They Live.

09

of 10

Ric Flair

Unlike the other people on this list, Flair never sought his fame from anywhere else but the wrestling ring. As a main eventer for over a quarter of a century, anyone that has any knowledge of wrestling has come across his name.

10

of 10

Stacy Keibler

Stacy Keibler became a household name when she appeared on Dancing With the Stars. Since then, she has appeared in a variety of TV shows and movies for ABC studios which signed her to a contract after her WWE contract expired.