WWE has never been just about wrestling. It’s part sport, part spectacle, and part showbiz. And when celebrities enter the world of body slams and steel cages, the results are unforgettable. From pop icons to pro athletes, these stars didn’t just show up, they showed out. Here are the most legendary celebrity appearances in WWE history.
Over the years, WWE has brought stars from all corners, Hollywood actors, pro athletes, chart-topping musicians, and even political figures. Some appearances stole the show, others brought laughs, and a few made history. Here’s a look at the celebrity moments that shook up the WWE and got everyone talking.
1. Mr. T — WrestleMania I (1985)
Launched a Legacy
Teaming with Hulk Hogan against Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff, the A-Team star became the linchpin of WrestleMania I’s success. His raw intensity (and willingness to brawl) silenced skeptics and drew mainstream eyes to pro wrestling.
One year later, he boxed Piper at WrestleMania 2, proving celebrities could headline WWE’s flagship event.
Without Mr. T, WrestleMania might not have become the cultural institution it is today.
“Who can underestimate Mr. T’s impact on WrestleMania?”
2. Mike Tyson — WrestleMania XIV (1998)
Attitude Era Accelerator
“Iron Mike” was the Attitude Era’s atomic accelerator. As the “special enforcer” for Steve Austin vs. Shawn Michaels, Tyson’s heel turn, revealing a DX shirt before KO’ing HBK post-match, catapulted Austin to superstardom.
The moment fused WWE’s edgy new era with Tyson’s global notoriety, spiking buy rates, and cementing Tyson as WWE’s most valuable celebrity weapon.
Mike Tyson didn’t just show up; he flipped the script and made history.
3. Donald Trump — WrestleMania 23 (2007)
Battle of the Billionaires
Trump was brought in as a rival businessman to Vince McMahon. In the story, what started as friendly competition got out of hand when McMahon took things too seriously. Their feud grew, and it all led to a match at WrestleMania 23, fought by wrestlers on their behalf.
Before his political rise, Trump shaved Vince McMahon’s head. Literally. His rep, Bobby Lashley, defeated Umaga in front of a packed stadium with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin as guest ref. Wild? Yes. Iconic? Definitely.
Trump’s appearance in WWE history was truly remarkable.
The Founding Celebrity Moments:
| Celebrity | Event | Role | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. T | WrestleMania I | Tag team partner w/Hogan | Made WrestleMania a mainstream success |
| Muhammad Ali | WrestleMania I | Guest referee | Lended boxing’s legitimacy to WWE |
| Cyndi Lauper | The War to Settle the Score (1985) | Manager of Wendi Richter | Launched Rock ’n’ Wrestling Connection |
| Mike Tyson | WrestleMania XIV | Special enforcer for Austin vs. Michaels | Cemented Austin as face of Attitude Era |
4. Bad Bunny — WrestleMania 37 (2021), Backlash (2023)
Pop Star Turned Pro
The Puerto Rican superstar didn’t just perform his hit “Booker T”; he became a wrestler. At WrestleMania 37, he hit a Canadian Destroyer on John Morrison and won alongside Damian Priest.
Bad Bunny earned the ring, not the spotlight.
At Backlash 2023, he wrestled a 25-minute classic against Priest, proving his dedication to the craft. His respect for WWE history (and willingness to take bumps) made him the new gold standard for celebrity involvement.
“Bad Bunny raised the bar for every celebrity to step foot in WWE.”
5. Johnny Knoxville — WrestleMania 38 (2022)
The Jackass star weaponized his brand of chaos in an “Anything Goes” match. From giant mousetraps to a bowling ball shot to Zayn’s groin, Knoxville turned the bout into a hilarious, stunt-filled circus.
Sami Zayn later called it “one of the best matches of my career,” praising Knoxville’s fearlessness at age 50.
6. Stephen Amell — SummerSlam 2015
Arrow Shoots Straight
The Arrow star teamed up with Neville at SummerSlam 2015 against Stardust & King Barrett. The Arrow actor wasn’t just a fan, he trained for months.
His daredevil dive from the top rope onto Barrett and Cody Rhodes stunned audiences. Amell’s athleticism and passion blurred the line between celebrity and wrestler, earning locker-room respect.
Later appearances in AEW solidified him as more than just a guest star.
Evolution of Celebrity Matches:
| Era | Celebrity | Role | Fan Reaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980s–1990s | Mr. T | Novice fighter | Novelty attraction |
| 2000s | Floyd Mayweather | Strategic stunt performer | Spectacle-focused |
| 2010s–2020s | Bad Bunny | Trained in-ring competitor | Respected as “one of them” |
7. “LT” Lawrence Taylor — WrestleMania XI (1995)
The NFL legend headlined WrestleMania against one of WWE’s most agile big men, Bam Bam Bigelow.
Against expectations, LT delivered a shockingly competent match, hitting dropkicks, selling injuries, and winning with a diving forearm.
It drew criticism from wrestling purists but attracted millions of sports fans, proving celebrities could carry WWE’s biggest stage.
8. Floyd Mayweather — WrestleMania 24 (2008)
Money Meets Muscle
Floyd Mayweather is an American promoter and former professional boxer. He is one of the best boxers in the history of the sport, having competed between 1996 and 2017.
“The Money vs. The Giant” was a masterclass in spectacle. Mayweather used his boxing prowess (and brass knuckles) to overcome a 400-pound opponent, even breaking Big Show’s nose.
The match’s no-DQ structure hid Mayweather’s wrestling limitations, emphasizing drama over technique, and it worked brilliantly.
9. Rob Gronkowski — WrestleMania 33 & 36
Athletes in the Squared Circle: When Real Meets Reel
The NFL star leaped from the crowd during the 2017 André Battle Royal, helping Mojo Rawley win. Later, as WrestleMania 36 host, he won the 24/7 Title in a backstage brawl. His athleticism and charisma made him a natural fit, bridging NFL and WWE fandoms.
10. Drew Carey — Royal Rumble (2001)
Comedy Gold: When WWE Embraced the Absurd
The comedian entered the Rumble, panicked when facing Kane, and tried to bribe him with cash. When Kane swatted the money away, Carey scrambled over the top rope to eliminate himself. The moment was pure improv comedy, and Kane inducted Carey into the WWE Hall of Fame.
11. Bob Barker — Raw Guest Host (2009)
The Price Is Right legend hosted a “Plinko” challenge with Santino Marella, then scolded Chris Jericho like a misbehaving contestant (“The rules are the rules, Chris!”). Jericho admitted it was the closest he ever came to breaking character on live TV.
There were a bunch of wrestlers involved, but the funniest part was his moment with Chris Jericho. Jericho was playing his usual arrogant bad guy, but Barker wasn’t fazed at all. He talked to Jericho like he was a misbehaving kid, and the way he stood up to him without flinching was hilarious.
12. The Muppets — Raw (2011)
Miss Piggy slapped Dolph Ziggler. Beaker “meeped” at Sheamus. Statler and Waldorf heckled Hornswoggle. The surreal segment celebrated WWE’s willingness to laugh at itself.
13. Logan Paul — From Influencer to In-Ring Natural
Modern Game-Changers: Celebrities as Authentic Performers
From a viral Royal Rumble 2023 face-off with Ricochet to his current US Title reign, Paul’s athleticism (springboard splashes, buckshot lariats) forced skeptics to acknowledge his skill. Triple H declared, “He has no right to be as good as he is this early”.
Love or hate him, Logan Paul’s matches against The Miz, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns proved he’s more than a gimmick. His athleticism, timing, and villain persona fit perfectly in WWE’s world.
He may be a YouTuber, but in the ring, he’s all business.
14. Snoop Dogg (WrestleMania Host, Rapper, Ropesman) — WrestleMania 39 (2023)
Always in the Mix
When Shane McMahon got injured mid-match, Snoop improvised, dodging Miz’s attacks, hitting a People’s Elbow, and saving the segment. His deep WWE fandom (he’s a Hall of Famer) made it feel organic, not staged.
Snoop has done it all: performed live, hosted, supported his cousin Sasha Banks, and even jumped off the top rope at WrestleMania 39. His laid-back charisma always clicks with WWE’s high-energy world.
15. Ronda Rousey — From UFC to WrestleMania Main Event
WrestleMania 31 Debut & Full Run (2018–Present)
Rousey’s first WWE moment alongside The Rock teased what was to come. When she finally entered the ring full-time, she brought legitimacy and helped push the women’s division into new territory, historically headlining WrestleMania 35.
Why Celebrity Appearances Belong in WWE
From Mr. T to Bad Bunny, celebrities’ appearances have shaped WWE’s history, creating moments that live forever. These are not just cameos. These are the cultural crossovers that enhance what WWE does best: entertaining the world on a grand stage.
Tyson brought boxing fans; Gronkowski captivates NFL audiences; Bad Bunny connected WWE to the global fan base of Latin music, expanding the audience.
Knoxville’s Jackass antics made Sami Zayn’s frustration palpable; Mayweather made Big Show’s size feel like a true obstacle, elevating the stories.
When stars like LT or Stephen Amell treat wrestling seriously, the world does too.
The best celebrity appearances aren’t just ratings grabs, they’re collisions of passion, performance, and pop culture that remind us why WWE is more than just wrestling. It’s where giants, legends, and underdogs write stories together.
“I want to put my life at risk in the ring. I felt like I didn’t risk it enough… and I want to scare my mother.”
— Bad Bunny on his WWE ambitions