Kurt Angle has seen Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine, led by a remarkable performance from Dwayne Johnson as UFC champ Mark Kerr, telling fans he believes the A24-backed film “deserves an Oscar.”
In an X update shared Tuesday, Oct. 7, the WWE Hall of Fame inductee argued that Safdie’s film “will be considered a classic” in the coming years. While The Smashing Machine has received strong reviews from critics, and is in this writer's opinion a must-see in theaters, it opened below expectations at the box office this month.
“Just watched The Smashing Machine. What a fantastic film that I believe will be considered a classic,” Angle wrote. “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 also said he now believes Johnson is “one of the greatest performers today” after taking on the role, which stands apart from prior entries in the Seven Bucks Productions co-founder’s filmography.
“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,” Angle added. “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.”
Earlier this month, Angle spoke with Sports Illustrated about his own experiences with Johnson, a.k.a. The Rock, both in the ring and behind the scenes. Angle said he “loved working with” Johnson while underscoring his “unbelievable” pace in the ring and the generosity he showed as a performer.
“The cool thing about him is he was really giving,” Angle said.
The Smashing Machine, also starring Emily Blunt, is in theaters now. Go see it.
To commemorate the film's release, Johnson and Blunt appeared on an episode of Complex's GOAT Talk. Catch the full episode below.