Despite his SAG Awards red carpet proclamation he was going to take on WWE star Chris Jericho in the ring at this April’s “WrestleMania,” Mickey Rourke has bowed out of the match.
“Mickey was very honored to be asked as he has the greatest respect for WWE however he will not be participating in ‘WrestleMania,’” the actor’s rep said in a statement to Access Hollywood. “He is focusing entirely on his acting career.”
Rourke has taken several awards home, including a Golden Globe and several trophies from critics’ associations for playing Randy “The Ram” Robinson in the “The Wrestler.” The part also snagged him a nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actor at next month’s Oscars.
On Sunday, Rourke shared his enthusiasm about his then-plan to join “WrestleMania,” in an interview with Access Hollywood.
“The boys from the WWE called me and asked me to do it,” Rourke said. “I said, ‘I want to.’ I’m talking with [WWE legend] Rowdy Roddy Piper about it.”
And, he even laid down a challenge for WWE star, Chris Jericho, whom he was expected to tackle in the ring.
“Chris Jericho, you better get in shape,” Rourke added. “Because I’m coming after your a**.”
On Thursday morning, however, the WWE’s Vince McMahon hinted in a statement to Access that the actor would still be going to “WrestleMania” – as an attendee.
“I am pleased that Mickey Rourke will be in attendance at ‘WrestleMania’ to support the WWE Superstars who support him and the film in which he stars, ‘The Wrestler,’” McMahon said in the statement.
Copyright © 2024 by NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be republished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.