The squared circle isn’t the only place where WWE talent is making moves these days. Cathy Kelley, the familiar face conducting backstage interviews and keeping fans informed during WWE programming, is trading her microphone for a movie script in an upcoming martial arts comedy that’s sure to turn heads.
From WWE Backstage to Movie Sets
Back in May, wrestling fans got a glimpse behind the curtain when Kelley shared a social media snapshot from outside her movie trailer. The WWE personality teased her followers about landing her first significant film role, but kept the details under wraps until now.
The mystery project has finally been revealed as “Karate Ghost,” a martial arts comedy that wrapped filming in Toronto, Canada. For Kelley, this represents a major step into Hollywood’s spotlight beyond her established WWE career.
What Makes Karate Ghost Unique
This isn’t your typical martial arts flick. The film centers around a teenage protagonist who discovers an otherworldly connection with the ghost of his deceased father’s favorite action star. What starts as supernatural mentorship evolves into something much deeper.
“Set in a town ruled by absurd karate law, the film watches as a lonely teen forms an unlikely bond with the ghost of his late father’s favorite action hero. What begins as a haunted mentorship quickly escalates into a fight for identity, legacy, and redemption.”
The creative vision comes from director James Mark, who co-wrote the screenplay with the late Larry Bain. Their approach blends comedy with martial arts action in what promises to be an entertaining ride.
Star-Studded Cast Lineup
Kelley finds herself working alongside some impressive Hollywood names. The cast features Tim Rozon, Colton Gobbo, and veteran actor Jim Belushi in leading roles. The supporting cast includes martial arts legend Michael Jai White, actress Natalie Zea, and comedian Bobby Lee.
This ensemble creates an interesting mix of comedy veterans, action stars, and fresh faces. Kelley’s inclusion as the sole WWE representative in this cast shows how her on-screen presence has caught Hollywood’s attention.
Building on Previous Acting Experience
While “Karate Ghost” represents Kelley’s first major movie role, she’s not completely new to acting. Her resume includes an appearance on the Netflix series “Black AF” back in 2020, giving her a taste of working in scripted entertainment beyond sports broadcasting.
That experience likely helped her transition from conducting interviews with WWE superstars to delivering lines alongside established actors. The skills required for live television work often translate well to film and television acting.
WWE Talent Expanding Their Horizons
Kelley’s Hollywood venture reflects a broader trend of WWE personalities exploring opportunities beyond wrestling entertainment. Her move into feature films demonstrates how the communication skills and camera presence developed in WWE can open doors in mainstream entertainment.
As “Karate Ghost” moves through post-production, wrestling fans will be eager to see how their favorite backstage interviewer handles her transition to the big screen. Will this martial arts comedy launch Kelley into more film opportunities, or will she return to focus solely on her WWE career?
