Though Mickey Rourke has long insisted he is his struggling, over-the-hill character in The Wrestler, we didn't think he'd attempt to make a second career out of it.

Nevertheless, MSNBC reports that the actor has booked an appearance at Wrestlemania 25, which is an event that gives the city of Houston something to do. Whether he'll be appearing as himself or as his on-screen alter ego remains to be seen, though at least the April shindig is well out of Oscar range.

“The boys from the WWE called me and asked me to do it,” Rourke told Access Hollywood. “I said, ‘I want to.’ I’m talking with [WWE legend] Rowdy Roddy Piper about it.” [...]

And when he does jump into the ring with WWE, it appears the actor may already have his sights set on an opponent.

“Chris Jericho, you better get in shape,” Rourke added. “Because I’m coming after your ass.”

Will Rourke finish Jericho off with an up-high Ram Jam? Will Bai Ling attempt to stop the proceedings, then watch forlornly backstage? More importantly, is this what Rourke has to do to get paid nowadays?

• ‘Wrestler’ star Rourke to get in WWE ring [MSNBC]

Contact information for this author is not available.