The latest WWE Studios film, The Main Event, is a superstar-studded feature that follows the story of a young boy who finds a magical wrestling mask that gives him superpowers and confidence. Directed by Jay Karas, also known for Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, this heartwarming coming-of-age story follows Leo (Seth Carr) as he competes in a competition to defeat a giant and becomes part of the WWE.
Lovingly crafted for child and adult fans alike, this film features all the best tropes of the WWE, complete with a grand finale in a steel cage match and a classic David and Goliath match-up. Despite a healthy dose of cheesy effects and writing, the film is a fun time. In addition to the heartwarming story, this WWE studios feature includes quite a few real WWE superstars — from mentions of the classic women's champion, Beth Phoenix, to Leo's favorite wrestler, Kofi Kingston.
The Main Event features cameos from a variety of WWE superstars old and new, including a picture of Andre the Giant prominently displayed in one of the opening scenes. In addition, WWE fans will recognize some familiar faces throughout the film both as themselves and as characters.
Michael "The Miz" Mizanin
One of the most loved/hated heels in 2010s-era WWE, The Miz is the first WWE superstar to show up in The Main Event, playing himself as he hosts the competition to find the next NXT superstar. Known for his bravado, The Miz is one of the 10 most prolific pay-per-view performers in WWE history, having headlined several pay-per-view events, including WrestleMania XXVII, and appearing in many more.
Babatunde Aiyegbusi as Samson
The main villain of the film, Samson, is played by Babatunde Aiyegbusi, an NXT wrestler who performs under the name Babatunde. A Polish professional wrestler and former football player, Babtunde is a relative newcomer to WWE, signing with NXT in 2016. In The Main Event, he plays the grunting, non-verbal beast who will go head to head against the tournament winner to determine who will have a contract with WWE.
Keith Lee as Smooth Operator
Playing the Smooth Operator, Leo’s only ally in the wrestling tournament and the finalist he goes up against before facing Samson, is American wrestler Keith Lee. Having started his career with WWE at the age of 33, Lee signed a contract with NXT in 2018 after working for ten years in the independent circuit. He credits his grandmother for getting him into wrestling, a parallel to The Main Event that means he might have played a larger role in the making of the film.
Otis Dozovic as Stinkface
One of the first wrestlers Leo goes up against in the tournament is Stinkface, a burly bearded wrestler who sweats and burps and farts all over his opponents. Stinkface is played by Serbian wrestler Nikola "Niko" Bogojevic, who wrestles under the name Otis Dozovic with WWE where he performs on the Smackdown brand.
Matt Polinsky a.k.a. Corey Graves
American wrestling color commentator, columnist, podcaster, and retired professional wrestler Matt Polinsky, more commonly known by his stage name, Corey Graves, appears as one of two ring commentators in this film. Graves is currently signed to WWE under the Smackdown brand as a heel commentator and serves as a commentator for the steel cage match between Leo and Samson in the climax of The Main Event.
Renee Paquette a.k.a. Renee Young
Appearing alongside Corey Graves as a commentator at Leo’s big steel cage match is another of WWE’s most favorite ring commentators, Renee Young. Canadian sportscaster Renee Paquette is signed to WWE as a host and special contributor, appearing on Friday Night SmackDown and WWE Backstage. Paquette joined WWE in October 2012 and made he Smackdown debut in March 2013. She’s appeared on many WWE programs, including the JBL and Cole Show and Total Divas.
Stephen Farrelly a.k.a. Sheamus
Irish professional wrestler and actor Stephen Farrelly, better known as Sheamus, appears as the referee in the steel cage match between Samson and Leo in The Main Event. Having performed with both Irish Whip Wrestling and the WWE, Sheamus is a four-time world champion and two-time international heavyweight champion, becoming the first Irish world champion in the WWE. He is currently signed to the WWE under the Smackdown brand.
Kofi Nahaje Sarkodie-Mensah a.k.a. Kofi Kingston
Frequently mentioned throughout The Main Event as Leo and his grandmother’s favorite wrestler, Kofi Nahaje Sarkodie-Mensah, also known by his ring name Kofi Kingston, appears on-screen in the climax of the film as a box audience member watching the steel cage match, and then in the credits scene backstage where he congratulates Leo and his family. A Ghanaian-American professional wrestler, Kofi is famous for being a part of the wrestling trio The New Day, and is now signed to WWE where he performs on the SmackDown brand.