Cody Rhodes, the prominent WWE Superstar and recent King of the Ring winner, could be taking a break from his WWE duties soon. As the leading babyface in WWE, Rhodes is set to challenge John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Title at the upcoming SummerSlam event, but speculation is growing about a potential hiatus tied to his rumored involvement in the Street Fighter movie alongside Roman Reigns.
The 40-year-old SmackDown star’s recent cryptic social media post has fueled questions about his immediate wrestling future, suggesting that he might be preparing for new professional opportunities beyond the WWE ring.
Hints of a Temporary Departure Linked to Street Fighter Casting
WWE analyst Sam Roberts recently weighed in on Rhodes’ ambiguous message during an appearance on SiriusXM Radio, interpreting it as a possible indicator that The American Nightmare could step back from wrestling temporarily. Roberts pointed to reports suggesting Rhodes is either confirmed or in serious contention to portray Guile in the upcoming Street Fighter film, a project that would require his time away from WWE programming.
“Some people just think, I don’t know, is he gonna take time off? We were talking remember a couple weeks ago or last week, we were taking about the Street Fighter movie and the heavy rumors that Cody Rhodes is either in contention or confirmed to play Guile in this Street Fighter movie. Well, I mean, we won’t know if it’s for sure until we see him with spikes in that blonde hair. But that’s one thing that it could be. Maybe he’s stepping away for a minute or two.” —Sam Roberts, WWE Analyst
This development raises questions about how Rhodes’ potential absence might influence WWE’s storytelling, especially his highly anticipated clash with John Cena at SummerSlam. Fans and commentators alike are watching closely to see if this transition will impact ongoing storylines.
Rhodes’ Message Leaves Fans Speculating on What’s Next
Rhodes expressed gratitude and excitement for future endeavors in a brief but suggestive post on social media. His words have sparked considerable buzz among wrestling fans and insiders, prompting theories about his next steps either in wrestling or entertainment.
“Don’t flinch. Thank you all for riding with me all this time. Love you for it. Excited for what we do next.” —Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
Other Developments in Professional Wrestling Leading to SummerSlam and Beyond
Among other news in the professional wrestling world, the AEW All In event is shaping up with additional talents announced for the men’s casino gauntlet match, generating excitement for the card’s lineup. Meanwhile, Darby Allin has made clear he isn’t focused on obtaining the AEW World Title at this time, choosing instead to prioritize other motivations in his career.
In film-related wrestling news, aside from Rhodes and Roman Reigns, another former World Champion has been added to the cast of the Street Fighter movie, further linking wrestling stars with Hollywood projects.
On the WWE front, an ex-world champion recently returned following a two-month absence, and WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg has drawn attention with his viewpoint that the promotion should readily put him over Gunther for the World Heavyweight Title. In addition, Logan Paul is set for a storyline involving a major celebrity rival as SummerSlam approaches, while Jade Cargill received a strong caution from a top WWE star. Charlotte Flair is also seeking to expand her character by stepping outside her comfort zone alongside Alexa Bliss.
Upcoming Impact and What to Expect
Cody Rhodes’ apparent openness to stepping away temporarily from WWE suggests a potential shift in his career path, possibly toward acting with his rumored role in Street Fighter. This move could create ripple effects on WWE’s SummerSlam event, particularly in the buildup to his match with John Cena and the broader landscape of WWE storylines. Fans will be watching to see if Rhodes officially takes time off and how WWE adjusts its programming to accommodate any absences.
The involvement of several wrestling stars in mainstream media projects points to an expanding crossover between wrestling and entertainment, promising fresh opportunities for performers like Rhodes and Reigns. As SummerSlam nears, the industry is poised for intriguing developments both inside the ring and beyond.
