EXCLUSIVE

Six months after leaving the WWE, former wrestler/announcer Matt Striker has resurfaced ... as a ROMULAN COMMANDER -- as in, the guy got himself a role in the new "Star Trek" project.

TMZ Sports has learned ... ever since he parted ways with the WWE back in June, Striker's been pursuing a career as an actor -- and recently auditioned for a part in the upcoming TV movie, "Star Trek Equinox: The Night of Time."

We spoke with Matt ... who tells us 13 years of pro-wrestling was great practice, saying "I did some acting as a child, movies like 'Wise Guys' etc. but really my time with the WWE has prepared me greatly for this next stage of my life."

Veteran actor John Savage -- who's starring in the flick -- says Striker was "handpicked" for the part ... telling us "when Matt was presented for audition, we thought we had our guy -- after he read, we knew it."

Savage says Striker's work in the ring was definitely a factor when it came to casting him for the role.