Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, two prominent figures in World Wrestling Entertainment (W.W.E.), are seeking to expand their careers beyond the wrestling ring through their roles in the recently released film “Street Fighter,” a new adaptation of the 1991 video game. The movie, which hit theaters last Friday, represents a strategic opportunity for both athletes to elevate their profiles in Hollywood amid evolving industry and media landscapes.
Rhodes and Reigns have been central to W.W.E. over the past several years. Their personas—Rhodes as the "American Nightmare" and Reigns as the "Tribal Chief"—have anchored promotions and live events watched by millions worldwide. However, their crossover appeal remains limited compared to past wrestling stars like Dwayne Johnson and John Cena, who have successfully transitioned into mainstream entertainment, securing major film roles and other high-profile media engagements.
In “Street Fighter,” both wrestlers have supporting roles rather than leads, sharing the screen with actors such as Jason Momoa, 50 Cent, and Noah Centineo. Reigns plays Akuma, a menacing antagonist, while Rhodes portrays Guile, a military hero with a comedic edge. The casting decisions reportedly reflected aspects of their wrestling characters, blending their established personas with the film’s narrative. The pair spent about a month filming in Australia, adapting to the challenges of movie production, including stunt work and special effects unfamiliar to their wrestling careers.
W.W.E. management approved their participation in the film, with company president Nick Khan expressing strong support. Khan emphasized that success beyond wrestling could enhance their stature within W.W.E., contributing positively to both their individual brands and the company. To accommodate their filming schedules, W.W.E. incorporated storyline explanations for their absence, maintaining continuity for fans.
The current W.W.E. operates in a markedly different environment compared to its 1990s “Attitude Era” heyday, which produced stars like Johnson and Steve Austin amid a cultural moment when wrestling drew massive cable television audiences. Today’s W.W.E. content is distributed across platforms such as Netflix, ESPN, and USA Network, with a greater focus on advertiser-friendly presentations and broader demographic reach. According to W.W.E.’s leadership, this strategy aims to cultivate a sustainable fan base despite narrower mainstream visibility.
Industry observers note that while Rhodes and Reigns may not achieve blockbuster film stardom instantly, their involvement in projects like “Street Fighter” adds valuable experience and visibility. Both wrestlers credit Johnson and Cena with paving the way for performers to bridge wrestling and Hollywood. Reigns, who also appeared in a 2019 “Fast & Furious” spinoff alongside Johnson, and Rhodes, recently signed with the WME talent agency, emphasize learning from these predecessors as they navigate their own transitions.
Despite their venture into acting, wrestling remains their primary profession. Rhodes recently extended his W.W.E. contract for five years, while Reigns maintained his in-ring schedule close to the film’s premiere. Both acknowledge the competitive nature of their industry, underscoring the need to continually perform at a high level in wrestling to sustain their overall careers.