<img src="https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/p?c1=2&amp;c2=36750692&amp;cv=3.6.0&amp;cj=1"> 'I think we should talk about that': Dave Bautista's disdain for Dwayne Johnson comparisons reemerges as 'Red One' fights for bloated budget recoup – We Got This Covered
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‘I think we should talk about that’: Dave Bautista’s disdain for Dwayne Johnson comparisons reemerges as ‘Red One’ fights for bloated budget recoup

Time to put an end to the post-WWE comparisons.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

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While both wrestlers-turned-actors have successfully transitioned to the big screen, “the next Rock.” It underscores his commitment to acting as an art form, setting him apart from the path often associated with action stars like Johnson.

Carving his own path

Bautista has always made it clear he’s not interested in chasing box-office success for the sake of it. Instead, he’s focused on building a filmography he’s proud of. He doesn’t want to settle for mindless but lucrative action flicks. Bautista’s journey into acting has been marked by an emphasis on versatility and collaboration with top-tier directors. Over the years, he’s worked with renowned filmmakers such as Denis Villeneuve in (Dune), Rian Johnson (Glass Onion), and Sam Mendes (Spectre). His roles in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Dune: Part Two further cement his reputation as a serious actor. 

Bautista has deliberately avoided the formulaic action-hero roles often linked to Johnson, instead opting for nuanced, character-driven performances. Even social media has weighed in on the debate, with many praising Bautista for his range. Beyond his acting chops, his rugged charm, humor, and genuine humility have won over fans everywhere. He’s proof that you can be both a tough action star and a relatable human being. The internet isn’t shy about calling him out as a “zaddy,” either, and honestly, he seems to take the title in stride.

It’s time to retire the comparison game

Over the years, fans on social media haven’t hesitated to given their shared origins in the WWE, that’s pretty much where the similarities end for all of them. Many praise Bautista for his range, noting his ability to step into diverse roles that challenge stereotypes of former wrestlers. In contrast, Johnson’s filmography — ranging from Jumanji to Jungle Cruise — has faced criticism for its reliance on predictable action tropes, with Johnson often portraying a larger-than-life savior figure. Thirdly, John Cena has also won significant charm for blending comedy and action rather flawlessly. 

Dwayne Johnson built his movie career on high-octane blockbusters like Fast & Furious, Jumanji, and Black Adam. While these roles have been lucrative, they’ve also sparked debates about his versatility as an actor. reports about Johnson’s alleged on-set behavior — ranging from lateness to disruptive workout breaks — have further clouded his reputation.

Seemingly, unlike Johnson, Bautista is evidently eager to expand his horizons. He has even expressed interest in starring in a romantic comedy — a genre few would associate with his tough-guy image. Altogether, he’s proven that a former wrestler can handle roles with depth and complexity. Fans are optimistic about this potential pivot, as it reflects Bautista’s willingness to break boundaries and explore new facets of his craft. 


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Demi Phillips
Demilade Phillips covers entertainment news and other exciting topics for We Got This Covered. When he's not writing, he's walking endlessly through Lisbon's narrow roads, discovering new rave spots, watching anime, and streaming every Mariah Carey song out there.