Dave Bautista IMAGO / Xinhua

Comparing The Grind: Dave Bautista Reveals Whether He Thinks Wrestling Or Acting Is Harder

Originally posted on Wrestling on SI | By Rick Ucchino | Last updated May 18, 2025 3:15 PM ET

Dave Bautista is really enjoying his life post professional wrestling.

The future WWE Hall of Famer has carved out a very respectable and successful career in Hollywood and recently compared the two fields during an interview with Film Inside.

While the film industry can be tedious and demanding, Bautista was built to withstand the incredibly long hours and extreme working conditions that actors often endure on the set of a full length feature production. The former World Heavyweight Champion credits his strong work ethic, which was forged during his days in the squared circle.

"My work ethic really came from the WWE... it's just the hardest grind that I could ever imagine. Being in Hollywood and being on a film set, it's long hours, but compared to the grind of being a professional wrestler, it's just a cakewalk." Bautista said. "I'm in this business, and I find it hard to relate to people who are just always unhappy on set and always complaining about something. I don't relate to that at all."

Bautista continued.

"I grew up and with not much, and I'm always grateful for everything I have, and I really didn't make a dime till I was in my mid-30s, so I remember what it's like to not have anything. So I'm grateful for what I have, but also with my work ethic, I don't feel like this is a constant grind. I'm happy to be here. I'm happy to have opportunities. I'm grateful to be in this business, you know? I'm grateful to be able to do what I love. I was a very developed adult before I ever got into this industry."Dave Bautista h/t Fightful

The interview with Film Inside was done ahead of the release of Bautista's latest movie, In the Lost Lands, back in March. The post apocalyptic fantasy feature received mixed reviews and did not do well at the box office. It's now available for at home digital rental.

This article first appeared on Wrestling on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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