It’s for that reason that many a superstar has dabbled in worlds outside of wrestling. Why? Because Vince McMahon’s company trains individuals to be competent on multiple platforms. However, some wrestlers have taken those skillsets and transferred them to other industries whilst simultaneously dominating the ring.
Here are 10 wrestlers who had interesting part-time jobs at the same time.
#8 Mick Foley – Author
Lovable, crazy, hardcore and iconic, these are all words that could be used to describe legend that is Mick Foley. But I’m sure the phrase ‘best-selling author’ doesn’t come to mind, does it? The 4-time WWE Champion took the time to pursue a career in writing whilst still being a wrestler.
After a gruelling day in the ring, Foley would often go home, pick up a pen & pour out his heart onto a piece of paper. Fast forward a decade, and Foley has several published works to his name that include; children books, fiction novels and memoirs. He did all of this whilst wrestling full-time as a main eventer.
#7 Randy Savage – Musician
The Macho Man won 29 championships in the wrestling business, in the space of close to 30 years. Despite wearing the attire of a rock ‘n’ roll superstar, Randy Savage released several songs in the form of hip-hop.
He used those raps to further his wrestling career, as he once paid tribute to Curt Henning whilst simultaneously dissing Hulk Hogan. If he wasn’t in a ring, he was in a studio spitting the truth. Clearly, the legend was more multi-disciplined than we knew.
#6 Kevin Nash – Actor
Many people seem to forget that although he wasn’t a massive star like Hogan, Nash very much held his own in the acting world too. Nash actually started his acting career just a few months after making his first appearance in WCW.
It’s almost arguable that Nash made more of a name for himself in Hollywood than in the ring. Especially when you consider the calibre of films he’s been involved in, such as; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2, The Longest Yard and Magic Mike.
#5 Chris Jericho – Rockstar
The Ayatollah of rock ‘n’ Rolla didn’t get that nickname by chance, he literally epitomises the head-shaking genre. Although many a wrestler has released a musical single, not many can say they’ve sustained a singing career whilst being a wrestler, released an album and had several hits on the charts.
Chris Jericho has shown the WWE Universe that it is possible to successfully have two careers at the same time. Y2J has released five albums in total, won 27 world titles, now hosts his own podcast alongside appearing in movies. Has there ever been a more versatile personality in wrestling history? I don’t think so.
#4 Andre the Giant – Movie Star
Andre the Giant was the first wrestler with a unique build to become a legit draw. His awe-inspiring presence made people flock to the WWF, quickly establishing himself as the star attraction of the show. His unrivalled physical attributes earned him the right of being the highest paid wrestler in the world, as he took home $400,000 a year.
Such popularity allowed the Giant to form his own niche in the movie industry, as no other actor shared his impressive build. Between 1967 and 1981, Andre made appearances in several Hollywood blockbuster films, whilst still dazzling fans in the ring.
#3 Dolph Ziggler – Comedian
Does Dolph Ziggler strike you as a funny guy? Sometimes, but not enough to be a stand-up comedic. We know the show-off is quick-witted on the mic, agile in the ring and controversial on social media, but now we know he’s joker in cafes too.
But this wasn’t just a dream of Ziggler’s, he took his comedic gift and turned it into a profession outside of the ring. Now the former Intercontinental Champion performs in local cafes in towns the WWE tours through.
#2 Hulk Hogan – Pop Icon
Before there was a Rock, there was a Hogan. Perhaps the most famous wrestler of all time, Hulk Hogan paved the way for the wrestling industry in the mainstream. He took wrestling from its niche market in America to the masses of the world.
Whilst main eventing show after show, Hogan was simultaneously appearing in movies, kid’s animations, TV shows, adverts and on top of that, he even released his own product called the ‘’Thunder Mixer”. Hulk Hogan was the first celebrity to be born from the wrestling industry.
#1 The Undertaker – Real Estate Mogul
The Deadman is one of the most celebrated superstars in WWE history. His once a year appearance at Wrestlemania has become iconic, making him a big deal every time he shows up. Whilst maintaining the most impressive streak in professional wrestling, Mark Calaway was gradually building himself a real estate empire outside the squared circle.
He & his business partner Scott Everhart, have constructed many buildings together, thus managing the finances of the property too. As a senior locker room leader, Taker not only leads by example in the ring, he’s also shown WWE superstars that they should invest their wages into meaningful ventures in the real world.
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