The upcoming film The Smashing Machine, set to release on October 3, 2025, stars Dwayne Johnson as MMA champion Mark Kerr and Emily Blunt as his wife Dawn Staples. The movie chronicles Kerr’s ascent in mixed martial arts, his struggles with addiction, and the complexities of his relationship with Staples. As anticipation builds around the film, fans are curious about the current lives of Kerr and Staples.
Mark Kerr’s Journey Since Retirement
Mark Kerr, born on December 21, 1968, in Toledo, Ohio, transitioned from wrestling to mixed martial arts (MMA) in 1997. He quickly gained recognition, securing the title of two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and competing in PRIDE FC. His aggressive fighting style earned him the nickname “The Smashing Machine.”
After retiring from MMA in 2009, Kerr took a different path, working at a Toyota dealership until 2015. In 2019, he disclosed that he had been dealing with peripheral neuropathy since 2016, leading him to create a GoFundMe campaign to help cover treatment costs. Recently, Kerr has focused on promoting The Smashing Machine, which has generated significant Oscar buzz and is inspired by the acclaimed 2002 HBO documentary that captured his turbulent journey through addiction and sports.
Dawn Staples: New Ventures and Life After Kerr
Dawn Staples, who attended Phoenix College, initially pursued a modeling career before becoming a successful real estate investor. The pressures of Kerr’s fighting career strained their marriage, which ultimately ended in 2015. Today, Staples has reinvented herself as an interior decorator, operating her own studio, Final Touches by Design, based in Phoenix.
The narrative of The Smashing Machine delves into Kerr’s relationship with Staples, revealing the dynamics of their marriage that began in 2000. Together, they have a son, Bryce, who made a name for himself in high school football. As both Kerr and Staples continue to navigate their post-marriage lives, the upcoming film offers a poignant look at their past and the challenges they faced.
As the film’s release date approaches, the stories of Mark Kerr and Dawn Staples serve as a reminder of resilience and transformation. Fans await not just the cinematic portrayal of their lives, but also the opportunity to reflect on the realities behind the headlines of their past.