Ex-WWE superstar Dave Bautista is Drax in 'Guardians of the Galaxy'

When people think of WWE superstars who have made the transition as Hollywood actors, the conversation usually turns to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, or "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. For good reason, as all three have had some measure of success in the move, and Johnson in particular is one of today's biggest stars. But there is one who is leaps and bounds ahead of the other two on that list, and it's ex-WWE Champion Dave Bautista. Last seen in RZA's The Man with the Iron Fists, Bautista has just landed the biggest role of his career.

Rumored weeks ago for a role in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, THR now confirms that Bautista will play Drax the Destroyer in the intergalactic superhero film. Beating out Isaiah Mustafa, Patrick Wade, and Jason Momoa, Bautista joins Chris Pratt as the only two actors officially on board the film. It's the perfect role for a muscle-bound tank like Bautista, as Drax is the most powerful member of the quirky team with a personal grudge against the mad villain, Thanos.

This is just the latest in a string of major projects for Bautista, as he'll be seen later this year battling Vin Diesel in Riddick.  Guardians of the Galaxy hits theaters on August 1st 2014.