Stacy Keibler as Karen in Samurai Girl

Over the years in the world of wrestling numerous women have attempted to use their fame as a stepping-stone towards acting ventures. However, their apparent crossover into pop culture—in most cases—didn’t always work out as planned. Others, especially with the recent WWE Diva Search contests, were aspiring models and actresses to begin with. Despite countless attempts, none have managed to reach any noteworthy success as an actress. The success story of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson whom has stared in a number of blockbusters including: Gridiron Gang, The Game Plan, The Scorpion King, and Walking Tall. The question is—can a female who rose to fame in the WWE or TNA Wrestling become a future Hollywood success story?

Perhaps the most tragic case is Joan Marie Laurer, better known as Chyna, who craved the Hollywood spotlight after her departure from the WWF. Her top accomplishments to date have been as herself on realty shows; “The Surreal Life,” and “Celebrity Rehab.” Her Hollywood story couldn’t have been complete without her own sex tape; 1 Night in China, with another former WWF wrestler; Sean Waltman aka X-Pac. Realistically, who wants to cast Chyna? Her horrible voice and physical presence doesn’t exactly lend itself to her accomplishing much in Hollywood. On the other hand, a woman that is casting friendly is Stacy Keibler.

Stacy Keibler made her way into the wrestling world in 1999, winning WCW’s Nitro Girl Contest. After WCW folded, she worked with the WWE until 2006. Her time in the WWE landed her a spot on ABC’s, “Dancing with the Stars,” in which she placed third. She should have won by all means, but who could compete with the teenage girls voting for Drew Lachey? The show marked the end of her wrestling career, but the beginning of her acting career. While Stacy Keibler came up short of being a good wrestler in the ring, she proved to be an amazing dancer and now, a future sought after actress. Doors opened for her after Dancing with the Stars, mainly because of a deal with ABC (American Broadcasting Company). She appeared on episodes of “George Lopez,” “What About Brian,” an episode of “October Road,” and now co-starring in ABC Family’s mini-series; “Samurai Girl.”

Unfortunately, anyone tuning in on the first 2-hour night of “Samurai Girl,” to see Stacy Keibler would have been disappointed. The first night featured and established protagonists; Brendan Fehr as Jake Stanton; Steven Brand as Severin; Jamie Chung as Heaven; Kyle Labine as Otto and Saige Thompson as Cheryl. The antagonists were also established to be Heaven’s Father (Anthony Wong) aided by Kenneth Choi as Sato, with countless henchmen at their disposal. So how did Stacy fit into this equation? Very well… in fact she rightfully earned her co-starring title despite not being seen on the first night.

Stacy Keibler kissing Brendan Fehr in Samurai Girl

Stacy was introduced the second night as “Karen,” the ex-fiancé of Brendan Fehr’s Jake Stanton character, which was a huge turn in the story, seeing that romance was already established between Jake and the heroine; Heaven (Jamie Chung). Stacy played her role well as the innocent ex-girlfriend, thrusting the story into a love triangle. However, she wasn’t just an ex, as by the end of the night, she murdered another character that was introduced; “Dr. Fleming,” who was the budding love interest of supporting actress Saige Thompson. “I come in about halfway through the series,” Stacy said to MSN…”I come in right in the nick of time…I really do stir the pot.”

On night three, Stacy Keibler’s “Karen,” became the main villain of the show and Heaven’s adversary. “I kind of become Heaven’s nemesis in a way. We duke it out a little bit here and there. You’ll have to watch to see our big ol’ fight scenes that we have. (MSN Interview)” All along, she was an assassin, who in the past worked for Heaven’s father. However she in return took down the Tasuke Kogo (Anthony Wong) empire and seemingly killed his right hand man “Sato.” In the end, Stacy died at the hand of the heroine; Heaven (Jamie Chung), in their final battle, after being stabbed with a sword to the back. The action between Stacy and Jamie was great; Stacy even added her signature cartwheel to the fight scene which was worked in well. Both ladies did their own stunts. Over-all, great stuff for Stacy’s reel and résumé.

The fact is Stacy has a great shot at major success as an actress. Despite what wrestling naysayer may say, she has situated herself as a Hollywood socialite and has been working her way up. “Samurai Girl” was not Stacy Keibler’s break out acting performance. That recognition would have to go to Jamie Chung, who for those who don’t know, starred in 2004’s The Real World: San Diego–Perhaps even more complex than being a past wrestling star, is using a reality show as a stepping-stone to acting. Jamie Chung rose to the occasion and the prize goes to her. Where Stacy goes from here should be interesting. She certainly has it in her to land and execute a breakout performance that would potentially get her just a little closer to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson status—which may be damn near impossible.

- Arron Carlton