Casting can often make or break a biopic, especially when it comes to portraying larger-than-life figures. Audiences tend to hold their breath, waiting to see if the actor can truly inhabit the persona. In The Smashing Machine, Dwayne Johnson steps into the role of Mark Kerr, the troubled yet iconic MMA fighter. Fans have largely applauded the casting choice, believing Johnson's physicality and intensity make him a perfect fit. Little did they expect he would start resembling another WWE legend in the process.

With the release of new stills from The Smashing Machine, fans have noticed something entirely unexpected: Dwayne Johnson appears to bear an uncanny resemblance to fellow wrestling icon John Cena. Styled for the role of Mark Kerr, Johnson’s look has sparked a wave of reactions online. Viewers were stunned by the striking similarities, joking that it was impossible to see whether it was Kerr, Johnson, or Cena on screen. The overlap in their wrestling personas only adds to the confusion.

Directed by Benny Safdie, The Smashing Machine chronicles the intense life and career of Mark Kerr, a dominant force in the world of mixed martial arts during the late 1990s. The film explores Kerr’s struggles with addiction, fame, and the brutal toll of combat sports. Dwayne Johnson leads the cast in a role that demands both physical strength and emotional vulnerability. With Safdie’s signature raw style and Johnson’s dramatic transformation, the film promises to be a gripping and deeply human sports biopic.

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But despite the film’s focus on Mark Kerr’s life, it is an unexpected resemblance between John Cena and Dwayne Johnson that has left the internet wide-eyed.

As the newly released stills began circulating online, fans were quick to share their disbelief. Many claimed that the person in the frame did not look like Dwayne Johnson at all, but rather bore an uncanny resemblance to John Cena. Timelines filled with comparisons and confusion, as viewers remarked that the transformation was so intense it felt like Cena himself had stepped into the role. Fans claim they lost an hour of their lives zooming in and out, trying to confirm who they were actually looking at.

Alongside the unexpected resemblance, another detail took fans by surprise, Dwayne Johnson appeared on screen with a full head of hair. Known for his bald look for most of his career, Johnson’s new appearance drew just as much attention as the Cena comparisons. Viewers reacted to the change with amazement, saying that they could never get used to him with a full set of hair. 

Whether it is the hairstyle or the uncanny resemblance to another wrestling icon, Dwayne Johnson’s transformation for The Smashing Machine has clearly struck a chord. While the film itself aims to deliver a powerful portrayal of Mark Kerr’s turbulent journey, the conversation has already begun, well before its October 2025 release. After his historic record for Red One, The Smashing Machine could be his next hit. And If the reaction to a single look is any indication, audiences are in for a performance that is bound to leave a lasting impression.

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Were you stunned by Dwayne Johnson and John Cena's resemblance as well? Le