Cody Rhodes, the current WWE Champion and a leading figure in professional wrestling, is exploring opportunities for his Cody Rhodes Hollywood future as he expands his career beyond the ring. After a brief pause from wrestling, Rhodes took on the role of ‘Guile’ in the forthcoming live-action Street Fighter movie, marking a significant step toward his ambitions in film.
Filming alongside Roman Reigns, who portrays ‘Akuma,’ Rhodes recently shared insights into how this experience shaped his outlook during an interview with Local 12 in Cincinnati following the October 3rd SmackDown episode. He expressed enthusiasm for potential Hollywood roles, emphasizing the value of storytelling and personal growth through new creative challenges.
Rhodes Discusses His Transition Between Wrestling and Acting
Rhodes was clear that he welcomes chances to work in different entertainment fields without neglecting his wrestling career. He explained how stepping into acting enriched his skills back in the squared circle, stating that the experience actually improved his wrestling abilities. Citing the careers of other wrestling stars-turned-actors like The Rock, Batista, and John Cena, he acknowledged their diverse successes but stressed a desire to carve out his own unique path.
“If those opportunities come up, I love those opportunities. The idea that we can go off and do this, and tell stories in different worlds, meet these new people, and challenge ourselves as storytellers or artists or however you wanna look at a pro-wrestler. It was very helpful for me to do it. I came back better at wrestling, believe it or not, from being able to go and do that.” Cody Rhodes, WWE Champion
“So I’d like to find my own lane. I’ve watched what The Rock has done, Smashing Machine is – no pun intended – it’s a smash. It’s unbelievable, his work. Batista, completely different lane, unbelievable work. John Cena and the Peacemaker stuff, it’s gangbusters. If that’s the route we’re going, I wanna find a different lane, but I’m very grateful for the path that they’ve set and how they’re doing it.” Cody Rhodes, WWE Champion
Commitment to Authenticity: Doing His Own Stunts
During a recent appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Rhodes revealed a strong dedication to performing his own stunts in the Street Fighter film. This commitment reflects both his athletic background and his seriousness about establishing credibility as an actor. His hands-on approach shows he intends to fully immerse himself in his roles to bring authenticity to the screen.
“I was adamant that anything that’s a stunt, I’m gonna do it. If that requires me being on these wires, I wanna do it.” Cody Rhodes, WWE Champion
Upcoming Street Fighter Film Details and Industry Implications
The live-action adaptation of Street Fighter is directed by Kitao Sakurai and scheduled for release in October 2026. This project represents a major crossover moment for Rhodes, combining his wrestling persona with a role in a globally recognized franchise. His involvement alongside established talents like Roman Reigns signals a growing trend of wrestlers branching into mainstream Hollywood productions.
Cody Rhodes’s evolving career illustrates the possibilities for wrestlers seeking to diversify their professional lives while maintaining ties to wrestling. His thoughtful approach to this balance, influenced by watching predecessors, suggests that he will continue to pursue creative storytelling options that emphasize his individuality within both worlds.
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes believes filming for Street Fighter has made him a better wrestler, and comments on whether he wants to do more acting in the future:
"If those opportunities come up, I love those opportunities. The idea that we can go off and do this, and… pic.twitter.com/aYFkXbL9Qe
— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) October 4, 2025
