The intersection of Hollywood and professional wrestling has frequently enough been a rocky one. While celebrity cameos and one-off appearances are generally accepted, actors attempting to genuinely integrate into the wrestling world frequently face resistance from fans. This resistance stems from a complex mix of perceived motives, respect for the craft, and a deep-seated protectiveness over a sport often misunderstood.

The Kaufman Experiment: A Pioneer of Controversy

In the early 1980s, Andy Kaufman, the actor and comedian known for his quirky persona, approached wrestling promoter Jerry Jarrett with a proposition: he wanted to wrestle, specifically women, and was willing to offer his own money as a prize. Jarrett, a seasoned promoter, was initially skeptical.

Jarrett questioned why Kaufman chose him, considering other prominent promoters like Vince McMahon Sr. in New York or Verne Gagne in Minnesota. He soon discovered that Kaufman had approached them, but they dismissed the idea of a “scrawny actor” entering their world. However,Jarrett found Kaufman’s genuine love and understanding of wrestling surprising.

I talked to literally hundreds of wrestlers a month that wanted to come to Memphis. People who had never been in a ring and people who had headlined in other promotions. I got to where I could get a feel in a conversation if the guy or lady was serious or wasn’t serious or if they had a passion for the business. Andy scored high in every category.
Jerry Jarrett, booking Memphis wrestling podcast

Despite Jarrett’s eventual decision to bring Kaufman into the fold, it was met with widespread disapproval from fellow promoters. They feared that Kaufman’s “intergender” wrestling angle would damage the sport. While now remembered with a degree of nostalgia,Kaufman’s work in Memphis was deeply controversial at the time.

The Arquette Anomaly: A Championship Reign of Disdain

The potential for damage to the sport remains a persistent concern when actors venture into professional wrestling. Some fans argue that world Championship Wrestling (WCW) began its decline when actor david Arquette won the heavyweight title in 2000.

Arquette’s involvement was part of a promotional campaign for the film “Ready to Rumble.” His character, portrayed as a privileged and unskilled actor, won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, a move that was widely criticized.

Arquette later claimed he was informed of the title win at the last minute and initially resisted the idea.Diamond Dallas Page convinced him that refusing would jeopardize the film’s promotion.

I was like, ‘That’s crazy, you can’t do that.’ I don’t recall him saying, ‘You don’t have to do it.’ But I think he said, ‘If you don’t do it, then it’s all over. ‘Ready to Rumble’ is all over. The promotion of it is indeed over. But if you do it, then you stay [until] the pay-per-view.’
David Arquette, interview with Chris Van Vliet

The hauser approach: Earnest Effort and Fan Resistance

Paul Walter Hauser, an award-winning actor and lifelong wrestling fan, has also grappled with this dynamic. after gaining recognition in Hollywood, he pursued opportunities in the wrestling world, including appearances with Major League Wrestling (MLW).

Hauser aimed to be more than just a celebrity cameo, engaging in ongoing storylines and matches, despite knowing that some fans would resist his presence.

I’m aiming to do the best I can and have fun and be safe. Ultimately, I know acting is my first job. But I’m diving through tables and doing butterfly suplexes off the top rope and I’m bleeding all over the place in the 2300 Arena.So if that isn’t good enough for some wrestling fan who lives with their parents and their keyboard is stained in sweat and chocolate and urine, too bad for them. I don’t care. Deal with it, would be my real sentiment.
paul Walter hauser, Uncrowned

Hauser acknowledges the potential for fan criticism but emphasizes his commitment to the craft.

You know, there are actors who I don’t love them, don’t love their work, but they star in movies. Do I go around complaining about them on the internet 24 hours a day? No, I have a wife and kids and a job. So that’s just the reality. I respect the fan’s opinion to a certain degree with boundaries,but I think some fans are smarter than others.
paul Walter Hauser,Uncrowned

The Underlying Question: Motives and Respect

A central issue appears to be the question of motives.Wrestling fans often scrutinize actors entering their world, wondering about their intentions. This scrutiny is fueled by a sensitivity to mockery and a desire for respect for the demanding nature of professional wrestling.

While brief appearances are tolerated, sustained involvement raises concerns about whether actors truly appreciate the training and discipline required. The underlying question becomes: Is this person making fun of us?

Ultimately, actors seeking acceptance in professional wrestling must demonstrate a genuine passion for the sport, a willingness to learn and respect the craft, and a commitment to earning the respect of both their peers and the fans.

Drew Carey made an appearance in the 2001 WWE royal Rumble.