Cody Rhodes put his Undisputed WWE Championship reign on the line while preparing for his upcoming role in the Hollywood movie Street Fighter. Prior to successfully defending his title against Drew McIntyre at the Wrestlepalooza 2025 Premium Live Event last month in Stamford, Rhodes faced a scripted attack to accommodate his film shooting schedule.
The 40-year-old champion openly discussed the risks he took for the movie, revealing on The Pat McAfee Show that he insisted on performing his own stunts as Guile. This dedication to completing physically demanding scenes could have jeopardized his standing as the WWE’s top titleholder.
“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,” he said. (H\T: sescoops.com)
Upcoming High-Stakes WWE Match Sets the Stage for Crown Jewel Perth
Cody Rhodes’ next major match was scheduled the same evening he defended his Undisputed WWE Championship by defeating Drew McIntyre in a singles bout at ESPN’s Wrestlepalooza event. Following his victory, Rhodes had a tense exchange with Seth Rollins, building anticipation for a champion vs. champion showdown at the Crown Jewel event in Perth.
The clash between Rhodes, the Undisputed WWE Champion, and Rollins, the World Heavyweight Champion, aims to determine the top pound-for-pound champion in WWE. The winner will claim the prestigious Crown Jewel title, a distinction Rhodes already earned last year by defeating Gunther in a highly competitive match to become the inaugural champion.
With the Perth event approaching, much speculation surrounds plans from the Triple H-led creative team regarding Rhodes’ future. Observers eagerly await whether Rhodes can make history by winning the Crown Jewel Championship for the second consecutive year, this time by overcoming Seth Rollins.
Balancing Hollywood Ambitions with WWE Championship Duties
Cody Rhodes’ decision to perform his own stunts for Street Fighter illustrates the tension between his commitments as a film actor and WWE’s demanding schedule. His willingness to risk injury outside the ring highlights the complexities WWE champions face when managing opportunities beyond wrestling. Rhodes’ return to the ring and his successful title defense reaffirm his resilience despite these challenges.
His ongoing rivalry with Seth Rollins and participation in landmark matches like Crown Jewel suggest a critical phase in Rhodes’ WWE career, with potential to elevate his legacy as a champion. Meanwhile, the creative direction under Triple H may shape not only Rhodes’ storylines but also WWE’s broader plan for its top talents in 2025 and beyond.
