5 Wrestling traits that transfer to Hollywood Action Movies

#2: Choreography

Wrestling is highly choreographed!

Professional wrestling is highly choreographed. Before a match, a coordinator works with the wrestlers to plan an outline, focusing on signature moves, high points and important moments. From there, the participants can improvise within the framework, playing off of each other to add drama and excitement. Often, they communicate with each other during the fight using hand signals or verbal cues.

The ability to follow choreography and work with other wrestlers translates directly to movies. Acting requires both memorization and improvisation; actors must follow the instructions from a director and add their own touch to the scene. Since wrestlers are comfortable following directions and rehearsing a set of moves, they are often successful in the transition to movies.

A typical wrestling match is just like any other song and dance sequence in a movie. It is well rehearsed, there is ample coordination and there is a timeline set for each move to be executed.

It's not too different when you see both industries from a performance perspective.

#1: Stunt Work

The Rock and Jason Statham!

Stunts are integral to the production of an action movie. Many actors opt out of stunts because they are not trained to execute them safely. Instead, the director brings in look-alike stunt people to perform the more dangerous moves and action sequences. The stunt actors are able to perform complex, dangerous scene work in a way that looks realistic but poses minimal bodily harm.

When a wrestler works on an action movie, they come with existing knowledge of stunt work. Before they step into a performance ring, wrestlers undergo extensive training in stunt safety. They learn how to execute a hold without causing harm, how to hit the mat after a fall, and how to take a punch. In an action movie, many wrestlers-turned-actors are able to handle their own stunts, lending a feeling of realism to the film.

Imagine Kofi Kingston doing a movie. He can take a cue out of his Royal Rumble exploits or his Money in the bank experience and deliver real action-packed sequences that would put even the best of Hollywood to shame.