Mark Shapiro Says The Rock’s Smashing Machine Will Spark New Era of Wrestling Films

Mark Shapiro is betting big on The Rock’s upcoming film The Smashing Machine, saying it will open the doors for more high-profile wrestling stories to hit Hollywood.

In an interview with Variety, the TKO president explained how the project can elevate WWE’s global image and attract new audiences. Shapiro revealed that interest from filmmakers has never been higher.

“We have a treasure trove of stories that are just waiting to be mined, and we’re bringing them more to the forefront and taking them to directors and writers that might have an interest. It is no longer a call-out business, and over the last two years, we now have more folks knocking on the door.”

He explained that The Smashing Machine will not only grow WWE’s fanbase but also give wrestling credibility beyond the ring.

“For years, we’ve looked at it as scripted drama. It’s fun, it’s family and it’s made-up characters. But the truth is, these are real big-time athletes who suffer alone right from the same struggles and physical challenges as everyday athletes, and at the same time prevail and conquer and win as often as everyday athletes.”

Shapiro stressed that the goal goes beyond catering to die-hard wrestling fans.

“Our goal isn’t just to serve sports audiences. It’s to broaden our audiences into casual fans and into viewers who have an interest in emotional, moving, humanistic stories. So you’re getting someone who walks away from that film emotionally moved, who then maybe pauses and says, ‘I want to go to a WWE event,’ or ‘I want to watch a WWE event.’ Without that film, they may never have been triggered to do that.”

With The Rock leading the charge, Shapiro sees The Smashing Machine as the start of a new era where wrestling-based stories can break into mainstream entertainment in ways fans haven’t seen before.