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WWE legend Kurt Angle has shared his review of The Rock’s new movie The Smashing Machine after seeing the new A24 film. Angle actually once wrestled Mark Kerr, the UFC fighter that Dwayne Johnson portrays in the film.
While The Smashing Machine has received plenty of plaudits from critics and fans alike, the film struggled at the box office in its opening weekend at it made just $6 million, which is the lowest opening of The Rock’s theatrical career.
Johnson even addressed the film’s box office performance on Instagram earlier this week.
“From deep in my grateful bones, thank you to everyone who has watched The Smashing Machine,” Johnson wrote on Instagram Monday, Oct. 6.
“In our storytelling world, you can’t control box office results — but what I realized you can control is your performance, and your commitment to completely disappear and go elsewhere. And I will always run to that opportunity.”
Kurt Angle, who actually wrestled Mark Kerr, shares glowing review of The Rock’s new movie The Smashing Machine
Angle certainly loved the film, however, as he praised Johnson’s “transformation” into Kerr.
“Just watched The Smashing Machine. What a fantastic film that I believe will be considered a classic. Mark Kerr was ‘The Guy’ I had to beat to qualify for the Olympic Games, which pushed me to transform into a version of myself I never thought I could be. Your story, beyond wrestling, is truly inspirational, my friend,” Angle tweeted after seeing the film.
“For Dwayne Johnson to take on such a role and elevate it to another level in his career makes me consider him one of the greatest performers today. Watching Dwayne transform into Mark Kerr through this film was like deja vu…..no words, just applause. This movie deserves an Oscar, and I believe it will receive the recognition it merits. Well done, my brothers.”
Just watched The Smashing Machine. What a fantastic film that I believe will be considered a classic. Mark Kerr was “The Guy” I had to beat to qualify for the Olympic Games, which pushed me to transform into a version of myself I never thought I could be. Your story, beyond…
— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) October 7, 2025