Rourke ready to rumble

By Paul on January 27, 2009 | 11 Comments

Riding off the success of his film The Wrestler, Mickey Rourke has announced that he will step into the wrestling ring for real. The 56-year-old actor, who’s miraculously risen to the top of Hollywood’s A-list once again, has said he has spoken to WWE head honcho Vince McMahon and wrestling stars Rick Flair and Roddy Piper. But will this hurt his Oscar chances for Best Actor? Industry insiders are saying that if Rourke starts blabbing about his possible WWE gig it may hurt his chances of winning as members of the Academy won’t take his performance seriously.

1. demigod • January 27, 2009 @ 7:32 PM

   That’s integrity..to take on that daunting task of becoming a pro wrestler at his age. It’s a demanding physical challenge.

2. jane • January 27, 2009 @ 7:59 PM

   Yes, and it’s probably just as delusional as going for a boxing career after 30.That didn’t work very well for him, either, and it took him quite a while to get a comeback in the movies. He may not be quite that lucky next time!

3. Vicki • January 27, 2009 @ 8:52 PM

   I’m sorry, demigod, but I think Mickey Rourke is determined to self-destruct. Just when he’s being taken seriously again, he goes and does something that threatens to make him a laughingstock. I do not understand this guy…

4. Nancy • January 27, 2009 @ 9:40 PM

   I hear he also has another “demanding physical challenge” too demigod. She’s 35 years younger than he and her name is Evan Rachel Wood. LOL.

5. demigod • January 27, 2009 @ 9:44 PM

   Self-destruct? You know what it took for him to get into the shape he’s in to make ‘The Wrestler’? Give him some credit.
   And why should his decision to pursue wrestling influence the Academy of his performance in ‘The Wrestler’? It’s done.

6. Vicki • January 27, 2009 @ 9:53 PM

   I agree, demigod, that the Oscar should ride on his performance alone — his personal life shouldn’t have anything to do with it.
   Now, speaking of his personal life, COME ON! Buffing up for a movie role is not the same thing as getting into fighting shape for the ring. And is his girlfriend really only 21? I don’t know what’s creepier — that, or his photo above…
   Nancy, your comment is hilarious:)

7. demigod • January 28, 2009 @ 1:38 AM

   He didn’t just get buffed up. He went thru some serious training (wrestling),and dieting. He did his own stunts, which is more than what most actors do.
   Vicki..what’s creepier? His pic? Or his 21yr old girlfriend choosing him?

8. Vicki • January 28, 2009 @ 7:37 AM

   LOL Demigod, you sure have a point about the creepiness!
   And I do see your point about Mickey working out. I just worry that it might not be enough and he’ll end up looking ridiculous or, worse, injured…

9. Jo-Anne. • January 28, 2009 @ 1:04 PM

   I agree, Demigod, re your above remarks. I am very interested in seeing this movie and understand he went through an intensive training program in preparation for his role and find it quite impressive he did his own stunts, given the many obstacles he had to overcome to arrive at this role.

   Also totally agree with you, his decision to pursue wrestling shouldn’t have any bearing whatsoever on his Oscar outcome.

   I would be surprised to see if he does actually take up boxing though, I’ll stay tuned.

10. tributegirl • January 28, 2009 @ 4:48 PM

    Actually, I read today that he did injure himself doing this film, and will likely not take up wrestling after all. Wasn’t an Enquirer type mag, but a fairly reputible magazine.

11. Nancy • January 28, 2009 @ 5:55 PM

    And it is wrestling…not boxing.