Wrestler turned Hollywood star John Cena is hitting his stride since focusing more on his acting career. He has shown flashes of his acting ability but caught fans’ attention with his role in James Gunn’s DC film Suicide Squad in 2021 as Peacemaker. Cena’s performance as the morally gray character led to his show on MAX(FKA HBO Max) reprising his role, which was highly successful. 

Cena’s star power has continued to grow as he’s been featured in more movies recently, including Fast X, Barbie, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. Film and WWE fans have been enjoying his work but were taken aback by the promotion of his latest film, Ricky Stanicky. 

The new film, currently streaming on Amazon Prime, has been getting some added attention due to Cena’s unique promotion. Ricky Stanicky is being advertised as an “X-rated comedy,” so the former WWE superstar created an Onlyfans account to help garner interest. Although it may sound risque, the videos of Cena Onlyfans were in good taste. That said, fans have wondered if the movie is worth watching. 

After watching the nearly two-hour film, I can share this review of Ricky Stanicky and will rate it between 1 and 10 at the end. 

What Is Ricky Stanicky About? 

The movie follows Dean (Zac Efron), JT (Andrew Santino), and Wes (Jermaine Fowler), who created a fake person, Stanicky, to help them escape their problems and responsibilities. Their lies continue from their childhood to being adults. However, the three friends’ latest lies finally cause their romantic partners to become suspicious.

 On the verge of getting exposed, the three friends call upon failed actor and celebrity impersonator Rod (Cena) to act as Ricky Stanicky to remove their partner’s doubt. This led to many shenanigans in the film as Dean, JT, Wes, and Rod try to keep up the Stanicky persona. 

Mixed Bag Of A Film

Ricky Stanicky may feel like two different movies for fans. It starts out being very raunchy, and that’s when it can be the least funny. In the first 30 seconds of the film, we get our first d*ck joke, and it’s neither creative nor funny. Unfortunately, this was the tone for the first half of the movie. 

After Cena is introduced to the family and friends of Efron, Santino, and Fowler, the film takes a turn. The film turns down the raunchiness a little and begins to feel like a completely different movie. The jokes in Ricky Stanicky start to land a little more as Cena tries to keep up with the persona, to the later disdain of Efron and Santino. However, the film attempts to make another d*ck joke, which goes on for too long and is referenced again towards the end of the film.  

The film gets more ridiculous when Cena gets a reason to stay in the movie after he initially meets Efron, Santino, and Fowler’s family and friends. The reason is absurd, but it does lead to funny moments between Cena, Efron, and Santino.  

If the movie had been less heavy-handed with the raunchiness early on, it could have been a funnier film. 

John Cena Shines In Performance

The film’s central focus is Efron, Santino, and Fowler, but Cena shines the most on-screen. After an incredible performance in The Iron Claw, Efron feels wasted in Ricky Stanicky, and anyone could’ve played his character. His role has more dramatic screens than the rest of the cast. However, he feels misplaced, and a serious revelation comes later in the film about his childhood that feels unearned.

Santino and Fowler try their best to use their comedic expertise to film. The jokes may be hit or miss for fans, but it wasn’t enough to carry the plot. Fowler had some good moments that made me laugh and surprised me. That said, it’s Cena who was able to show his range from being silly to having a few good emotional scenes.

The former WWE superstar gives his all by being outrageous, with one scene peeing on himself in an airport. When he first appeared on screen, he was given raunchy material to work with that wasn’t really clever and may not work for everyone. However, he’s shown later when he can deliver his charisma and not force a joke to be naturally funny in the movie. Cena’s performance in Ricky Stanicky makes me hope he is involved in more serious roles to showcase his acting ability. However, his talents weren’t enough to elevate the film from watchable to great. 

Conclusion & Why Fans Should Give It A Try

The Ricky Stanicky is suitable for being on stream. If fans have Amazon Prime, they can watch it on Amazon Prime Video at no additional cost. The subscription service also has a 30-day trial deal. I believe this makes the film more accessible to watch than going and paying to see it if it went to theaters. 

If you are a Cena fan and want to see his acting range, you may want to see the film. He steals the show with his performance in Ricky Stanicky with his comedic and dramatic scenes. Although it’s not enough to save the movie, ultimately, he gives his all to playing his role. 

 The film is okay and watchable, but it could’ve been better. I give the film a 6 out of 10.

Popular film company A24 has been praised for their biographical drama The Iron Claw, based on Kevin Von Erich and the rest of the Von Erich family. The film was released in the United States on December 21, 2023, and is currently enjoying critical and financial success. To celebrate the film’s performance, A24 has announced the upcoming release of their action figure based on the film. 

On Twitter, A24 revealed an action figure of Zac Efron’s portrayal of Kevin and shared that it will be available for pre-order soon. It will be the first merchandise released from the film on their website.

“Bringing the Iron Claw to YOU. Available for pre-order on the A24 Shop next month: the official Zac Efron-as-Kevin Von Erich Action Figure,” wrote A24.

The film company added that it will also come with a warm-up jacket for the action figure seen in the movie. It’s unclear if A24 plans to release other action figures based on The Iron Claw, like Jeremy Allen White’s role as Kerry Von Erich.

The back of the package for their upcoming action figure, besides Efron and White, also has Holt McCallany(Fritz Von Erich), Harris Dickinson (David Von Erich), and Stanley Simons(Mike Von Erich). The success of their first action figure could possibly lead to more with the rest of the Von Erich Family featured in the film. 

No official release date has been shared from A24. However, fans in the comment section have pointed out that the film has yet to be released worldwide. 

The Iron Claw Box Office & Future Release In Other Countries

Business Report’s Dillion Lowe shared that the film was made on a $15 million budget. According to Box Office Mojo, it has grossed over $29 million in the United States. Although The Iron Claw has made a profit, it hasn’t been available to people in different parts of the world. 

The film is slowly being released in other countries this year and three countries in the last two weeks. Box Office Mojo has shared that the film has been released in the United Arab Emirates(January 4), Russia (January 11) and Iceland (January 12). All three countries boosted sales for a combined over $181 thousand. 

Digital Spy’s Sam Warner reported that the film will go to theaters in the United Kingdom on February 9. It’s unclear if the movie will go to other markets like Japan, France, and Mexico. A24’s film could cross well over $30 million at the box office, but it may not be as much as it could’ve been. The long wait will have the film competing with newer releases in different countries. 

Regardless, A24’s The Iron Claw is already a success and will try to add more revenue with their upcoming action figure. 

“The Iron Claw” has left an impact on Zac Efron.

The Hollywood star helped to make waves for the recently released biopic surrounding the heartbreak and tragedy behind The Von Erich family and it didn’t hit a note with just movie goers, but Efron himself.

Efron took to his social media to pen a short love letter showing his appreciation for all of the talent that make  a decision to step inside the squared circle and points out one star in particular.

Chavo Guerrero Jr. was the wrestler responsible for training all the stars in the ring for preparation of the film and Efron took a moment to thank the legacy star for his education on the canvas.

“I have so much admiration and respect for the world of Professional Wrestling and to the sacrifice and dedication of the athletes. 

“These guys tour for MONTHS putting their bodies on the line everyday to perform.

“Was an honor to step into the ring and learn from one of the best, Chavo Guerrero.”

The Iron Claw, Zac Efron and Chavo Guerrero Jr.

Chavo responded to the post on Instagram, giving Efron credit for all the hard work he put into portraying Kevin Von Erich.

“You gave a great tribute to the wrestling world. Thank you for your hard work everyday!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/p:C2EWd82Omjt

Notable WWE stars took a moment to commend both for their work on “The Iron Claw” including Natalya, Chelsea Green and Mojo Rawley.

Guerrero was a recent interview of SEScoops and went into detail behind the training process, particularly with Holt McCallany, who portrayed the patriach of the Von Erich family, Fritz.

It may have been years since Zac Efron donned the basketball jersey of Troy Bolton, but his time with High School Musical would help him prep for The Iron Claw. 

The A24 biopic delves into the lives, careers, and many tragedies of the Von Erich family. Efron plays Kevin Von Erich alongside Jeremy Allen White (Kerry) and Harris Dickinson (David). Several wrestlers appear in the film including MJF (as Lance Von Erich), Chavo Guerrero Jr. (Ed ‘The Sheik’ Farhat), and Ryan Nemeth (Gino Hernandez). 

Zac Efron on Dancing & Wrestling

Speaking to W Magazine, Efron spoke about how his background in dance, such as those seen in High School Musical, helped prepare him for the world of professional wrestling. 

“Dancing and wrestling are surprisingly similar. There’s a choreographed element to both, and the more you do it, the better you get. Also, just the sense of moving with a partner: Sometimes you lead, and sometimes you’re holding on to the other guy. The learning curve for wrestling is you just go for it. For stuff like climbing up on the ropes and jumping off, you’ve just got to nut up and go for it. There’s no real practicing.”

Efron admitted to not being a wrestling fan growing up but chalked this up to him and his brother being banned from watching the sport. In the interview, Efron added that people often sing songs from High School Musical to mess with him, and The Iron Claw proved to be no exception. 

“We had a scene where we show up to a party where Stanley, I think, is singing a song. He performed it live, and then they just continued to move on to another song, and it was something from High School Musical. I had to stay in character while that was going on, and everybody else was just losing it.”

Could Zac Efron one day step into the ring for real at an event for AEW? Don’t count it out! Click here to find out more. 

Could Zac Efron one day compete in an AEW ring following the release of The Iron Claw? Don’t count it out according to the Greatest Showman actor.

The Iron Claw delves into the lives and numerous tragedies of the Von Erich wrestling family. The wrestling lineage began with Fritz Von Erich (real name Jack Adkisson,) and his sons would also find success in the squared circle. The Von Erichs are still a force in wrestling today with Marshall & Ross Von Erich competing to this day.

Zac Efron in AEW? 

Efron’s performance has been heralded by critics and we could soon see more of the star in the Squared Circle. In a recent interview with The Masked Man Show, Efron was asked about the possibility of stepping into the ring and named AEW as a possible destination.

“It’d be fun if we could get in there with some of the guys we worked with, with Chavo [Guerrero ]or even the Von Erichs coming back with AEW. I’d love to do something with them. If we had some time and prep and, especially if we were all out there together, that would be fun as hell. Who knows. Don’t count it out, that’s for sure.”

Chavo Guerrero worked as the wrestling choreographer for The Iron Claw, and was very impressed with Efron. The Von Erichs, represented by Kevin, Russ, and Marshall, appeared on last week’s episode of AEW Rampage which was fittingly filmed in Texas. The segment saw Kevin deliver the Iron Claw to Jake Hager. 

Check out SE Scoops’ official (spoiler-free) review of The Iron Claw by clicking here.

If you have a brother or a sister you’re close to, get ready to text them after you see “The Iron Claw.” I was fortunate enough to have mine sitting right beside me to catch an advance screening of the film, and both of us being ardent wrestling fans, it hit several different notes.

The looming tragedy of the Von Erich’s is immediately set in the first scene of the film with Holt McCallany as Fritz Von Erich, battling in “Raging Bull” black and white, showing the raw brutality that pro wrestling fanatics of yesteryear yearned for. The punishment wrestlers put on their bodies is a lingering backdrop to the sad story that’s on tap. Director Sean Durkin does a beautiful job at making it a visual necessity, giving the viewers the feeling that they’re the ones taking the elbows and backdrops. The cinematography is foreboding and immersive throughout the majority of the film.

Dominic DeAngelo of SEScoops is joined by his wrestling podcast brother, Marcus DeAngelo, to give their advanced (spoiler-free) review of “The Iron Claw” – including if it hits with wrestling fans, if it hits with the non-wrestling fans, the standout performances and what was missing.

The Acting  ‘Does The Work’ In “Iron Claw”

From a performance standpoint, there isn’t a weak link in “The Iron Claw.” McCallany (from “Mindhunters” the amazing short-lived FX boxing series “Lights Out”) is prideful, blunt and frustratingly cold as patriarch Fritz. Zac Efron will surprise people with the range he shows playing the title role of Kevin Von Erich, bringing a caring naivety to a person who ultimately endures so much. Jeremy Allen White delivers as Kerry, so much that it feels like he doesn’t get enough screen time. However, the low-key stars of the Von Erich brothers are the portrayals of David and Mike.

Harris Dickinson gives the role of David his just due, the Von Erich brother who really defined the familial identity that so many World Class fans were drawn to. He’s positioned in a supporting role, but his efforts are imperative to displaying the loving kinship the brothers have with one another, making his passing all the more devastating.

Stanley Simons is spot-on at portraying the unnecessary loss that became Mike Von Erich. Due to his lack of desire to wrestle, Mike was a lighting rod for the cruelty of Fritz. Simons is excellent as the funny, sweet son who could have been an invaluable asset to the family’s success without ever having to step inside the ring. He, for many reasons, defines the tragedy as a whole.

Familiar Faces & Heels

When it comes to the wrestler cameos, they are there, but they don’t necessarily stand out to the un “mark”-ed eye. Ryan Nemeth has brief dialogue as Gino Hernandez and you see Chavo Guerrero Jr. working smoothly against Efron as The Original Sheik. “Iron Claw” executive producer MJF gets just a sip rather than a full “cup of coffee” as Lance Von Erich. The fake family cousin has literally a second of screen time (but the AEW Champ does makes the most of that).

Two legends do get their promo time in the film. We have a full monologue from Ric Flair, portrayed by Aaron Dean Eisenberg. His mannerisms, cadence and body type are pretty accurate to that of The Nature Boy’s and it’s likely the closest you can get without grabbing a time machine. It’s hard to nail Ric Flair without actually having Ric Flair.

The other talent to get a spotlight was Harley Race and it’s with good reason. Kevin Anton nails it as “The Greatest on God’s Green Earth.” Fans will also enjoy seeing the Fabulous Freebirds get their screen time, but may also come away not being fully satisfied considering how big that rivalry was for WCCW. The late Jerry Jarrett gets a hat-tip with a portrayal near the end of the film.

Music Puts You In A “Stranglehold”

Music in “The Iron Claw” is, quite simply, great. You want those 1979 vibes? The film delivers and Von Erich fans will absolutely eat up the “Tom Sawyer”-fueled montage mid-film (I know I did). It should be a sought-after playlist on Spotify. Coinciding with this vibe, is the film’s first showing of Allen White as Kerry. In true pro wrestling fashion, Durkin makes you wait in anticipation for your first sight of the late great Texas Tornado.

Significant Differences From The Full Story Down In Denton, TX

From a historically accurate standpoint, “The Iron Claw” takes its fair share liberties; primarily its biggest one is not including the youngest brother, Chris Von Erich, at all in the film. Like Kerry and Mike, the smaller Chris also committed suicide in 1991 after not being able to compete in the ring due to health issues.

In addition to that glaring omission, timelines are shifted and occurrences are substituted in an effort to streamline the story for the masses. Fans super in tune with the Von Erich history may come away frustrated, but local Pittsburgh wrestler, Shawn Blanchard, a WCCW diehard, didn’t let that deter his overall enjoyment of the film. In turn, fellow wrestling journalist Tom Letergy noted it may be difficult for the regular movie goer to keep track of all the “who, where, and when” (Note: We were watching it on a Dolby surround screen and the bottom part of the film was cut off, so there could have been significant notations us viewers didn’t see.)

While it’s touched upon, the wild lifestyle of all the Von Erich brothers was mostly burdened onto Kerry in an effort to show his own unraveling. Like Kerry, Kevin also had the tendency to get crazy and miss shows. More of an effort could have been made to embrace the fun (yet ultimately destructive) side of the business that the brothers were known for, simply to give viewers a break from all that heartache.

Family Comes First In “The Iron Claw”

As expected, the overall story of the film is drastically sobering. That’s all the more accentuated if you grew up in a family of siblings, have experienced loss, or are concerned with losing someone. There were several moments where I wanted to turn to my own brother and tell him how much I love him, but I followed the unhealthy method of the callous Fritz by expressing no feelings. It’s certainly moving for a wrestling fan looking through such a prism. Therefore, the ending of the film makes a very unique choice to lighten all the sadness the family endured and if you loved the Von Erichs, you’ll be grateful for the effort made.

If you’re an old school wrestling fan, you’ll have plenty to appreciate. If you have a brother you can talk to afterwards, you’ll have even more.

“The Iron Claw” releases everywhere on December 22. Follow Dominic DeAngelo on X @DominicDeAngelo.

Wrestling fans are looking forward to seeing The Iron Claw on December 22, which is a biographical film based on the lives of The Von Erich family. Early reviews of the film have praised it, and it currently has a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes with 52 reviews. One of the notable things that critics have praised about the movie has been Zac Efron’s performance as Kevin Von Erich.

In the film’s early stages, it became evident how much Efron took it seriously. He shocked fans when photos were taken of him on the set in incredible shape to play his role. Efron has looked in shape for past roles, but he noticeably put on more muscle than he ever had for a movie. This sparked more intrigue in the film, as it showed how dedicated Efron and other actors like Jeremy Allen White were to play members of the Von Erich family. 

In an interview with The Variety, Efron shared how he got physically prepared for the role and is a perfectionist. This made him obsessed with getting in shape for the movie. 

The Variety’s Daniel D’Addario transcribed the following quotes. 

“That necessity to be perfect — it became an obsession,” said Efron. He added, “It was a singular focus for months. And your life goes out the window during prep.” 

It’s noted that Efron worked out for portions of a day and gained 15 pounds of muscle in the early stages of preparing for his role. 

More on Zac Efron Getting In Shape For Kevin Von Erich

While fans were surprised by Efron’s transformation for the film, co-stars also were impressed with his commitment. White joked during his appearance on The Jimmy Kimmel Show on November 28 that he didn’t want to stand near Efron to avoid comparison on their conditioning for The Iron Claw. 

When speaking on his training style, Efron shared that after he gained 15 pounds of muscle, he focused on bodybuilding.

 “…I was able to incorporate old-school body-building and Olympic lifting and really achieved that specific look of pro wrestlers, which was really hard,” said Efron. 

The work seemed to have paid off as his incredible condition added to his acting for most critics. His performance in the film has also created chatter from people who saw the film that he could be up for an Oscar next year. 

SEScoops’ Dominic DeAngelo will have a review of the film coming soon!

Dave Batista in Dune: Part Two

Dave Batista may have yet to become a WWE Hall of Famer, but the Animal continues to make an impact in Hollywood. In the latest trailer for Dune: Part Two, Batista can be seen reprising his role as Glossu Rabban. Dune: Part Two, the sequel to the 2021 sci-fi epic, will be released in cinemas on March 1. 

John Cena Proud of Zac Efron

This week saw the premiere of The Iron Claw, the new biopic about the lives, careers, and tragedies of the Von Erich family. John Cena was at the premiere and was spotted with AEW World Champion MJF. Taking to Twitter, Cena said he was proud of film lead Zac Efron for his role as Kevin Von Erich. The Iron Claw will be released on December 22. 

Incredibly proud of @ZacEfron for an outstanding performance in @A24’s #TheIronClaw. Thank you for doing the work to help introduce a new audience to one of our industry’s most important families.

See it in theaters Dec. 22nd!!! pic.twitter.com/xKayvIGlpv

— John Cena (@JohnCena) December 12, 2023

Brandi Reacts to Raw

In the main event of this week’s Raw, Shinsuke Nakamura faced Cody Rhodes. Rhodes won by DQ after Nakamura sprayed the American Nightmare with the Asian Mist. Nakamura would also attack Rhodes after the match. On Twitter, Brandi Rhodes had some choice words for the King of Strong Style. 

Nakamura dumb.

— Brandi Rhodes (@TheBrandiRhodes) December 12, 2023

Chavo Guerrero Praises Dominik Mysterio

‘Dirty’ Dominik Mysterio has impressed plenty of people since joining The Judgment Day at Clash at the Castle last year. Speaking on the Insight podcast, Chavo Guerrero shared his take on the self-professed ex-con. 

“Dominik Mysterio is killing it. He’s doing so good. He’s far beyond where he should be. As far as being good as well. It’s pretty cool to see them doing all this stuff.”

Mysterio will face CM Punk next week in the latter’s first WWE match since January 2014.