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Dwayne Johnson’s ‘Smashing Machine’ Should Ignite New Era of High-Profile Wrestling Films, Says TKO President Mark Shapiro: ‘We Have a Treasure Trove of Stories Waiting to Be Mined’

Variety•Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 2:30:00 PM
PositiveEntertainment
Dwayne Johnson’s ‘Smashing Machine’ Should Ignite New Era of High-Profile Wrestling Films, Says TKO President Mark Shapiro: ‘We Have a Treasure Trove of Stories Waiting to Be Mined’
Dwayne Johnson's latest film, 'The Smashing Machine,' directed by Benny Safdie, has received a warm reception, including a 15-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival. This wrestling drama is generating significant awards buzz, positioning Johnson as a potential Oscar contender for Best Actor. The film's success could mark a new era for high-profile wrestling films, with TKO President Mark Shapiro highlighting the wealth of untold stories in the wrestling world. This development is exciting for fans and the industry alike, as it could lead to more compelling narratives in the genre.
— Curated by the World Pulse Now AI Editorial System
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