Top 10 Wrestler Body Transformations

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Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the professional wrestlers who underwent the most surprising physical transformations. We’ll be excluding female wrestler physique changes however, as that’s a list for another time.

#10: Drew McIntyre

Upon his initial 2007 debut on WWE’s main roster and later as Vince McMahon’s “Chosen One”, Drew McIntyre’s physique could best be described as lean and athletic. However, when the “Scottish Warrior” returned to WWE TV in 2017 after several years away, he showed off a dramatically more muscular frame, bulking up his chest, shoulders, and back into a powerhouse physique that instantly set him apart on the main roster. McIntyre’s increased muscularity played a key part in his main event push, culminating in him capturing the WWE Championship. Drew’s body stands as proof of a relentless work ethic – taking him from promising young talent to dominant headliner.

#9: Jinder Mahal

Between just August and December 2016, another former 3MB member impressively carved a ripped, combative physique that launched him from mid-carder to WWE Champion. Jinder Mahal attributed his drastic change to quitting alcohol, adopting a disciplined diet, and meticulous training. He defended the transformation by pointing to his adherence to WWE’s drug testing protocols, insisting it was all dedication and hard work. The fact that the change was made in only 4 months makes it even more stunning. Jinder proved that discipline and focus can reshape not only one’s body, but their career.

#8: Damian Priest

Before WWE, Damian Priest admitted to being “horribly out of shape,” weighing around 400 pounds while working various jobs and wrestling on weekends. Facing many hardships and setbacks, Priest eventually decided to fully commit to changing his life and focusing on achieving his wrestling dream full time. It’s then that he cut out junk food, joined a gym, and embraced a strict new lifestyle. The weight dropped, the muscle came in, and he evolved into the lean, imposing force we see today. Priest’s transformation is so drastic that looking at photos from his “indie” days feels like seeing a completely different person.

#7: Paul “Triple H” Levesque

Beginning as a muscular, yet wiry blue-chipper, Paul Levesque steadily evolved into a portrait of mass: monstrous shoulders, thick traps, and a rock-hard core that defined the Attitude Era and beyond. Yep, Levesque’s physique as Terra Ryzing is a far cry from that of the sledgehammer-wielding Triple H. In fact, each era of his career showcases aspects of physical change – some more impressive than others. And while his body has certainly seen changes in his post-retirement life (as seen in 2025 family vacation photos), Triple H’s evolution from a muscular young athlete to the imposing "Cerebral Assassin" stands as one of wrestling’s most iconic.

#6: Gunther

Without question, Gunther’s transformation deserves plenty of praise. Rising from his days wrestling as Walter, “The Ring General’s” transformational shred featured a wraparound curtain of dense muscle: pecs and quads. And, despite the stunning turnaround, his lighter physique retains that strongman, old-European vibe— muscular yet functional. His new frame gives every chop and strike visual legitimacy, with his body still looking like it can back his power. There’s no denying that Gunther’s sheer presence amplifies his aura as one of WWE’s most intimidating forces—and his old photos look like they belong to a completely different man.

#5: Chris Jericho

Chris Jericho has reinvented himself countless times, with many of his revamps accompanied by noticeable body transformations. In his early career as a Cruiserweight, Jericho sported a lean, athletic build that gradually gained more mass – especially as he rose through the WWE ranks. During his tenure in AEW, Chris seemingly embraced a heavier, less defined physique, showing a different side of his in-ring presence. However, health concerns during a 2021 Fozzy tour motivated Jericho to shed significant weight, giving fans yet another dramatic reinvention. With a physique that evolves alongside his ever-changing character, Jericho’s body transformation only highlights his enduring adaptability and lasting impact on the industry.

#4: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

When he began his WWE tenure, Dwayne Johnson had a classic 90s wrestler physique—pumped arms and a puffed-out chest. But, over time, his body evolved into a more defined, bulging build. Johnson’s look fluctuated at times, however. In the early 2000s, he underwent surgery to reduce gynecomastia, reshaping his chest before bulking back up again. His look ultimately became larger than life: a thicker core, sculpted lats, and massive arms. In 2025, he unveiled yet another remarkable transformation, revealing a surprisingly leaner physique that marked a departure from his traditionally muscular build. This change underscored his commitment to adding a fresh dimension to his show biz career.

#3: Scott Steiner

Scott Steiner’s transformation is truly something to behold. Already a muscular tag-team wrestler with his brother Rick, Scott morphed into the hulkish “Big Poppa Pump” character - bursting with mass across his pecs, arms, and insanely vascular traps. The shift came with an eye-catching aesthetic, including giant biceps and muscles that looked to be carved from stone. Heck, Steiner’s physique became as much a star as his persona. He even branded himself a “genetic freak.” Yep, Scott’s transformation is legendary for its extremes—creating one of wrestling’s most visually jaw dropping muscular bodies.

#2: Dave Bautista

Dave Bautista’s metamorphosis from WWE powerhouse to Hollywood A-lister is perhaps the greatest among wrestlers-turned-thespians. “The Animal” began his in-ring career with a muscular yet proportioned physique, carrying the kind of mass perfect for in-ring dominance. Over time, Bautista’s frame erupted into that of a human tank—pecs, shoulders, arms, and traps for days. After stepping away from the ring, however, he crafted different cinematic physiques to fit a variety of roles, proving his versatility beyond sheer size. Now, in his late fifties, he has stunned fans by trimming down and revealing he’d lost an incredible 75 pounds, noting that health and longevity are his current priorities.

#1: Lex Luger

While it’s only natural for pro wrestlers to change physically after stepping away from the squared circle, few transformations have been as startling as Lex Luger’s. Nicknamed “The Total Package” for his Herculean physique, Luger was once the epitome of sculpted physical dominance. But, a devastating spinal stroke in 2007 changed everything. Sadly, his body is nearly unrecognizable compared to his prime. However, despite the physical toll and challenges, Luger describes himself as “streamlined and redefined,” saying his health is great. While he still relies on a wheelchair due to nerve damage, recent progress—including walking unaided at times—shows how far he’s come. Luger’s extreme physical transformation underscores a journey of loss, resilience, and an unwavering spirit.

Which other pro wrestler transformations left your jaw on the floor? Jacob Fatu? Akira Tozawa? Braun Strowman? Smack down your picks in the comments below!