WWE rivals Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns kept apart on Street Fighter movie set

WWE superstars Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns were deliberately kept apart on the set of the upcoming Street Fighter movie, with production staff fearing their real-life rivalry might spill over into actual conflict. According to an interview with Cody Rhodes on Chris Van Vliet's show, the wrestlers-turned-actors had only one brief, awkward encounter during filming despite both having major roles as iconic fighters Guile and Akuma.

What happened on the Street Fighter set?

Cody Rhodes revealed that production staff were extremely cautious about keeping the two WWE stars separated during filming. The crew used radio communications to coordinate their movements, ensuring Rhodes and Reigns wouldn't cross paths on set.

'We had one day on set, and the way the set was, and he could probably reiterate this,' Rhodes explained. 'I think they thought we were going to fight or have issues for real because they were very cognisant on the radios of us [and saying], "Stepping out with Guile, Akuma will be coming on." They were very cognisant that we would not cross paths.'

The only interaction between the two occurred when Rhodes had to give Reigns directions to a trailer, which he described as 'very awkward'. This careful choreography suggests the production team took their WWE storyline rivalry seriously.

Why were Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns kept apart?

The tension stems from their extended WWE storyline that culminated at Wrestlemania 40 in 2024. During that historic main event, Cody Rhodes finally captured the Undisputed WWE Championship by defeating Roman Reigns, ending Reigns' dominant championship run with help from legends John Cena, Seth Rollins, and The Undertaker.

Rhodes described their relationship as 'crazy' and 'very strange', admitting he doesn't fully understand the dynamic between them. However, he was quick to praise Reigns' work ethic and performance in the film, calling what he witnessed 'really special'.

The separation strategy appears to have worked — both actors completed their filming without incident, allowing director Kitao Sakurai to focus on creating what Rhodes believes will please longtime fans of the Street Fighter franchise.

What this means for WWE stars in Hollywood

Rhodes and Reigns join a growing list of WWE superstars making successful transitions to Hollywood, following in the footsteps of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, John Cena, and Dave Bautista. According to our experience covering this crossover appeal, it can boost the film's promotion and attract a wider audience beyond traditional movie-goers.

Rhodes specifically credited John Cena for setting professional standards that other WWE performers must now match in Hollywood. 'John has set a bar where he's early for everything, he's last to leave. His wit and his improv are phenomenal,' Rhodes noted.

This professionalism extends beyond just showing up — it's about understanding that WWE's mainstream recognition creates opportunities but also expectations. The success of performers like Bautista in Guardians of the Galaxy and Johnson's blockbuster career has opened doors that require serious commitment to the craft.

Street Fighter movie release details

Whilst no official release date has been announced for the Street Fighter movie, production appears to be progressing well under director Kitao Sakurai's guidance. The film features an extensive cast bringing beloved video game characters to life, with Rhodes sporting a yak hair wig to achieve Guile's iconic hairstyle.

UAE audiences can expect the film to receive a regional cinema release, though specific dates and platforms haven't been confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who plays Guile in the Street Fighter movie?

Cody Rhodes plays Guile in the upcoming Street Fighter movie. The WWE superstar underwent filming wearing a yak hair wig to achieve the character's iconic blonde hairstyle.

Who plays Akuma in the Street Fighter movie?

Roman Reigns portrays Akuma in the Street Fighter film. According to Rhodes, Reigns delivered a 'really special' performance in his fighting scenes.

Will Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns share scenes in the Street Fighter movie?

According to Rhodes, they had minimal interaction on set. Production deliberately kept them apart due to their WWE rivalry, resulting in only one brief encounter during filming.

Who is directing the Street Fighter movie?

Kitao Sakurai is directing the Street Fighter movie. Rhodes praised the director for creating 'something really special' that will please franchise fans.

What is the relationship between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns?

They have a complex WWE rivalry that culminated at Wrestlemania 40, where Rhodes defeated Reigns for the championship. Rhodes describes their relationship as 'very strange' but maintains professional respect.

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