Cody Rhodes is preparing for a major shift in his career as he balances his acting debut with the Street Fighter movie and his absence from WWE due to injury. Rhodes hinted at bringing back some of the company’s most brutal match types, signaling a potential return to more violent wrestling styles in the near future.
This year, Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns were announced to play iconic Street Fighter characters Guile and Akuma in the upcoming film adaptation. Fans recently saw Rhodes suffer a kayfabe injury after Drew McIntyre delivered a Claymore Kick through the announcer’s table, which sidelined him from WWE programming as he focuses on filming. Comedian Andrew Schulz shared a first look of Rhodes in character on Instagram, showing him sporting Guile’s signature camo pants and flat-top haircut, further confirming Rhodes’ temporary departure from wrestling.
Cody Rhodes Expresses Desire to Revive Intense WWE Match Styles
During an appearance on WFAN, Rhodes discussed his interest in reintroducing some of WWE’s most physically intense and psychologically demanding matches. He singled out the First Blood Match as a personal favorite, highlighting its unique storytelling and strategic elements.
“For me, I’d be interested in a First Blood Match. The psychology in how you do it and wrestle is really fun. I loved First Blood Matches. They left a lot of ways you can do it and keep guys whole. First blood is one. Dog Collar, I don’t ever see happening because of the neck. Here is one that I’ve thought about. I don’t know what you’d name it because we have Street Fights.I don’t know what it would take, I don’t know what we would call it, I used to love when they would do the ropes in barbed wire. Dusty [Rhodes] and Tully [Blanchard]. The danger. WWE has done the Inferno Match with the fire. The danger of getting close. It’s a competitor’s dream. That’s one I’ve thought about a lot. The barbed wire and putting it on the ropes.”
—Cody Rhodes, Two-time Undisputed WWE Champion
Rhodes also reflected on the Dog Collar Match but expressed skepticism about its return due to safety concerns involving the neck. Instead, he described a concept that merges the intensity of barbed wire with street fight elements, drawing inspiration from legendary matches involving his father Dusty Rhodes and Tully Blanchard. He praised WWE’s past Inferno Matches for creating a thrilling atmosphere filled with danger, calling them a dream scenario for competitors.
Current Status and What Lies Ahead for Cody Rhodes
At 40 years old, Rhodes is currently focused on his Hollywood career while his WWE storyline remains paused following his kayfabe injury. His absence from weekly wrestling shows reflects his dual commitment to acting and physical recovery. Meanwhile, fans eagerly await his eventual return to the ring, where he could potentially revive some of WWE’s most hardcore match types, injecting fresh excitement and nostalgia for longtime viewers.
Additionally, as Cody Rhodes balances these ventures, the wrestling world watches closely, anticipating how his evolving role will influence WWE’s approach to violent match formats. His vocal interest in resurrecting such contests may encourage the promotion to reintroduce these high-risk bouts, setting the stage for a more intense era in WWE programming once Rhodes returns.
