5 former WWE Superstars who are thriving outside the pro wrestling industry

The Rock is one of the highest-paid actors in the world.
The Rock is one of the highest-paid actors in the world.

WWE is the dream destination for many young talents starting in the professional wrestling industry. Everyone wants to play a part in the big leagues, wrestling the top stars and headline events like Wrestlemania.

WWE's worldwide popularity has been solidified due to a lack of competition. The company also uses celebrity involvement from time to time to keep its mainstream appeal alive. Bad Bunny's time in the company leading to a Wrestlemania match is a recent instance of the company's capability to involve celebs.

However, not everyone succeeds in the competitive atmosphere of WWE. They may try to find greener pastures in other professional wrestling promotions. In some cases, they may discard the industry entirely, choosing to try their luck in some other profession.

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Many popular stars are currently thriving outside the professional wrestling industry. Here is a list of five such former WWE superstars.


#5 WWE Hall of Famer Tito Santana: Teacher

Tito Santana was a star performer for WWE throughout the '80s. Although he never won a world championship, he was a two-time Intercontinental Champion and one-time King of the Ring winner.

Santana was a rarity in wrestling as he remained a babyface throughout his WWE career. In the early '90s, he wrestled as El Matador and was reportedly considered for a major main event push that eventually went to Bret Hart.

Apart from the Intercontinental Championship, he held the Tag Team Championship twice, with Rick Martel and Ivan Putski. Santana was an integral part of the first nine Wrestlemania events and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004.

The WWE Hall of Famer has reduced his independent appearances to concentrate on his work as a middle school Spanish teacher. While the students are too young to remember his stardom, their parents certainly recall.

#4 Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Spike Dudley: Financial Planner

Spike Dudley was an entertaining WWE talent and an integral part of The Dudley Boyz. He was a member of the extended Dudley Brothers faction of ECW, standing alongside Bubba Ray and D-Von.

He won the Cruiserweight and Tag titles, entered a storyline relationship with Molly Holly, and even followed his kayfabe family to TNA (now IMPACT). However, he slowly drifted out of the professional wrestling industry.

The former WWE Superstar currently works as a financial planner for MassMutual. He enjoys his current profession and is a family man, doting on his wife and daughter.


#3 WWE Hall of Famer Jesse Ventura: Politician

Jesse 'The Body' Ventura never won a championship in WWE but attained great success as a commentator. Even as a commentator, Ventura continued his villainous wrestling persona.

After leaving WWE, Ventura tried his luck in acting, but he achieved greater success in the political world. He became the Governor of Minnesota in 1998.

Since leaving office, he has remained active in politics and has consistently entertained the idea of running for the President of the United States.

#2 WWE Hall of Famer Diamond Dallas Page: Fitness Expert

Diamond Dallas Page might not thrive in WWE, but his incredible WCW run solidified him as a legend. He appears in AEW from time to time, but his days as an active wrestler are certainly over.

Page's greatest impact on the professional wrestling industry lies outside his in-ring achievements. His success as a physical fitness trainer saw him develop DDP Yoga.

The likes of Jake 'The Snake' Roberts and Scott Hall have repeatedly acknowledged DDP for saving them. The latter invited them to his facility to help them conquer their demons.


#1 Former WWE Champion The Rock: Actor

The Rock is rumored for a WWE showdown against fellow Anoa'i family member Roman Reigns, but the viability of the match is uncertain. In that case, the People's Champion will have to remain satisfied with Erick Rowan as his final opponent.

However, he is immensely successful as an actor. One of the highest-paid actors in the world today, The Rock is the star of several franchises and is about to star in a DCEU movie.

Like Ventura, he has also floated the idea of running for President, but at the moment, he continues to be a globally popular actor without much involvement in politics.

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Edited by Angana Roy
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