WWE superstar Cody Rhodes is preparing to step away from wrestling for several weeks, not due to injury but to pursue a major acting opportunity. The “American Nightmare” will begin filming a significant role in the upcoming Street Fighter movie this August, with production taking place in Australia. This project has a planned release date set for March 20, 2026, presenting Rhodes with a pivotal moment to balance his WWE career and burgeoning Hollywood prospects.
Estimating the Length of Cody Rhodes WWE Absence Duration
Discussions about the length of Rhodes’ absence from WWE have surfaced recently, featuring insights from industry insiders. On the Wrestling with Freddie podcast, hosts Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jeff Dye analyzed the expected filming schedule. Dye suggested that the time commitment could range between three to six weeks, depending on the scale of Rhodes’ role and the preparation required for complex fight sequences.
“It just depends how big the role of Akuma is going to be. I don’t imagine it being that big, that big. So I think it’ll be like a three-week job, you know what I mean? And he’ll get in there and get out. But there might be like rehearsals and all that stuff. And the fight scene rehearsals sometimes take a couple weeks. So, it could be up to, you know, five, six weeks with all that kind of crap ’cause you got to learn how to make the fight look sweet.” —Jeff Dye
This timeframe accounts for not only filming but also the rehearsals needed to develop the choreographed fight scenes. Fans should anticipate Rhodes’ reduced presence on WWE programming during this period as he embraces this cinematic role.
Contextualizing the Importance of This Career Move for Rhodes
This new role represents a significant detour in Rhodes’ professional trajectory, marking a crossover into mainstream entertainment. Filming the Street Fighter movie allows him to expand his brand beyond wrestling and attract a wider audience. For WWE, it means temporarily losing the talents of one of their prominent performers, a factor that could influence storylines and fan engagement over the coming weeks.
With the movie’s production happening in Australia and a tight schedule, Rhodes’ absence necessitates adjustments within WWE programming. Nonetheless, this opportunity highlights the increasing crossover between wrestling talent and Hollywood, positioning Rhodes for potential future roles after this project concludes.
Additional Developments in the Wrestling World
Meanwhile, across the wrestling landscape, other storylines are evolving. A WWE superstar recently revealed how The Undertaker’s iconic moments inspired their entry into wrestling. Another star, absent for over a year, has returned to SmackDown with a fresh role alongside a current champion, shifting the brand’s dynamics.
In veteran news, TNA Hall of Famer D-Von Dudley explained his motivation to participate in one last match as part of the legendary Dudley Boyz duo. Also, former WWE wrestler Matt Riddle has drastically changed his appearance since leaving WWE in 2022 and competing on the independent circuit.
There are also reports from a former WWE star who denies blaming Triple H for a failed storyline and another account of Triple H rejecting a tag team reunion after a wrestler’s injury comeback. Meanwhile, AEW’s Tony Khan announced the full bracket for the Tag Team Title Eliminator Tournament, raising anticipation among fans.
Adding to AEW celebrations, Mercedes Mone continues to solidify her status as an accomplished titleholder, further establishing herself in wrestling’s competitive hierarchy.
Implications of Rhodes’ Hiatus and What Lies Ahead
Cody Rhodes’ expected five to six weeks away from WWE signals a rare break for a top wrestling figure, driven by his ambition and broader entertainment aspirations. This absence may create temporary gaps in WWE’s storylines but underlines the growing trend of wrestlers branching into acting. His participation in a large-scale project like Street Fighter could open doors for future roles and elevate his profile beyond wrestling fans.
As filming progresses, WWE will need to adapt its programming, potentially highlighting other talent to fill the void. For Rhodes, this period marks a balancing act between fulfilling Hollywood commitments and maintaining his wrestling career momentum once he returns to the ring.
