Cody Rhodes on “Street Fighter” Set, Awkward Roman Reigns Interaction & Movie Fan Service
The on-screen rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, a cornerstone of WWE programming for the past two years, continues to resonate even beyond the wrestling ring. Despite their planned WrestleMania 42 match being shelved, the dynamic between the two stars remains palpable, extending into their recent shared experience filming the upcoming “Street Fighter” movie adaptation.
Rhodes, who portrays the heroic Guile in the film, revealed in an interview on “INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet” that producers intentionally minimized interaction between him and Reigns, who plays the villainous Akuma, seemingly anticipating potential friction. “We had one day on set,” Rhodes explained. “I think they thought we were gonna fight or have issue, because… they were very cognizant of, we would not cross paths. And we did, because I had to tell him the direction of one of the trailers, and that was our only moment and it was a very awkward, like, the weirdest – that’s a crazy relationship!”
The tension, Rhodes admits, is difficult to articulate. “I have nothing [but] admiration for what he’s done and accomplished, but… I don’t even like talking about it, because I don’t know what We see. It’s just a very strange relationship.” This sentiment underscores a rivalry that has captivated wrestling fans, evolving from a competitive feud over championship titles to a more complex, personal dynamic.
Despite the awkwardness on set, Rhodes was effusive in his praise of Reigns’ performance. “I can tell you what I saw was really special,” he claimed. “Director Kitao Sakurai put something really special together.” This suggests that, despite their personal dynamic, both performers approached their roles with professionalism and dedication.
The “Street Fighter” film, which also features Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Jason Momoa, and David Dastmalchian, appears to have fostered a collaborative environment. Rhodes described the set as a fun experience, noting that Sakurai encouraged improvisation and allowed the cast to embody the essence of their video game counterparts. “I think people who grew up loving the game – which, I grew up loving the game, and I loved the original movie, not ironically, I actually loved it – I think they’re gonna be very pleased with the fan service the movie does,” Rhodes added.
Rhodes believes the film will particularly appeal to fans of the “Street Fighter” franchise due to its faithfulness to the source material. He highlighted the attention to detail in recreating the characters’ appearances, specifically addressing the often-discussed subject of Guile’s signature hairstyle. “It’s yak hair. I don’t know if that’s a huge spoiler. It never moved,” he explained. “It’s essentially if you got into a fighter jet and you flew… I believe the idea was that is from the wind and the Gs? Who knows? Or maybe it’s just him styling it with the comb; which, the comb is present on set as well.”
The dynamic between Rhodes and Reigns has been a central narrative thread in WWE for some time. Their initial clash at WrestleMania 39, a highly anticipated match that ultimately saw Reigns retain his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, set the stage for a prolonged rivalry. Subsequent encounters, including a shaky alliance at Bad Blood 2024 and their inclusion on the same WarGames team in 2025, have only served to deepen the complexity of their relationship.
While a direct rematch at WrestleMania 42 is off the table, the underlying tension between Rhodes and Reigns continues to simmer. Their shared experience on the set of “Street Fighter” provides a unique glimpse into this dynamic, revealing a level of awkwardness and mutual respect that transcends the scripted world of professional wrestling. The film, slated for release in , is expected to further fuel the conversation surrounding their rivalry, offering fans another arena in which to witness their captivating clash of personalities.
Rhodes’ comments suggest that the “Street Fighter” adaptation is a genuine homage to the beloved video game franchise, prioritizing fan service and accurate character representation. This approach, combined with the star power of its cast, positions the film as a potentially significant cultural event for both gaming enthusiasts and casual moviegoers alike. The film’s success could further elevate the profiles of Rhodes and Reigns, solidifying their status as crossover stars with appeal beyond the realm of professional wrestling.