Roman Reigns Shocks Hollywood With Street Fighter Role — Even Cody Rhodes Is Stunned

When Hollywood and professional wrestling intersect, sparks often fly. The entertainment world thrives on larger-than-life personalities, and few figures embody that better than Roman Reigns, WWE’s current megastar and “Head of the Table.” But even with his global fame, few could have anticipated the shocking news that Reigns would make his big-screen leap into one of the most legendary video game adaptations of all time — the upcoming Street Fighter movie.

What caught fans and insiders off guard was not just the casting itself, but the way Roman Reigns finally broke his silence on the role. After months of speculation, teases, and cryptic interviews, Reigns went public with his involvement in the film. The revelation sent shockwaves across both Hollywood and the WWE Universe, igniting discussions about whether the wrestling powerhouse could deliver the same dominance on screen that he commands inside the squared circle.

And while the announcement itself was staggering, the reaction from Cody Rhodes — one of WWE’s most popular stars and Reigns’ frequent rival — added another layer of intrigue. Rhodes openly admitted he couldn’t believe it, proving that this casting choice had even the closest figures in the wrestling business stunned.

Roman Reigns Steps into Hollywood

For years, wrestling icons have tested their luck in Hollywood, from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to John Cena and Batista. Now it’s Roman Reigns’ turn to carve his own path. His dominance as WWE’s Undisputed Universal Champion has made him an icon within sports entertainment, but Reigns himself has long hinted that he wanted to explore acting beyond brief cameos.

The buzz began months ago when rumors swirled that a new Street Fighter movie was in production under the backing of Legendary Pictures. Casting chatter mentioned a need for physically commanding actors who could embody characters known for their power, charisma, and intensity. Fans speculated on everyone from Hollywood veterans to rising stars, but the rumor that Reigns had secured a central role seemed far-fetched.

That all changed when the wrestler finally addressed the speculation during an interview with a major outlet. His words electrified fans:

“I’ve been keeping this close to the chest,” Reigns confessed. “But yeah, I’m stepping into the world of Street Fighter, and I couldn’t be more excited. It’s a challenge unlike anything I’ve done, and I’m ready to bring that same tribal chief energy to the big screen.”

The confirmation instantly trended worldwide. Fans of wrestling and video games alike were eager to know which character Reigns would portray. While official details remain under wraps, the idea of him embodying a powerhouse like Sagat or M. Bison has fueled endless debates online.

Cody Rhodes’ Reaction: Pure Shock

Among those caught off guard by the announcement was none other than Cody Rhodes, Reigns’ on-and-off-screen rival. Their battles in WWE have often been painted as wars of legacy and pride, but when asked about Reigns’ Hollywood venture, Rhodes’ candid response spoke volumes.

“I thought someone was pulling my leg when I first heard it,” Rhodes admitted in a press conference. “Roman Reigns in Street Fighter? That’s wild. He’s already conquered WWE, and now he’s going after video game movies? Honestly, I didn’t believe it until I saw him say it himself.”

The honesty in Rhodes’ reaction struck fans as genuine. Here was a fellow superstar, who has spent years crossing paths with Reigns in the ring, openly admitting that the news floored him. In a sense, Rhodes’ disbelief mirrored the reaction of millions of fans worldwide.

The relationship between the two men is often complicated. Inside the ring, Rhodes has been painted as the heroic challenger against Reigns’ ruthless dominance. Outside the ring, however, there exists a mutual respect. Rhodes’ reaction underscored that respect, highlighting how even competitors recognize when one of their peers makes a bold leap forward.

Wrestling Meets Street Fighter: A Perfect Collision

Why did this casting shock so many? At first glance, the worlds of WWE and Street Fighter might seem vastly different. Yet, when analyzed closely, the overlap is undeniable.

Both domains thrive on characters larger than life. Wrestlers are essentially real-world fighters with distinct identities, much like Street Fighter characters who embody exaggerated nationalities, fighting styles, and personal stories. Reigns, with his imposing physique, charismatic presence, and aura of dominance, seems tailor-made for such a universe.

Furthermore, the Street Fighter franchise has long struggled to find a movie adaptation that truly resonates with fans. The infamous 1994 film starring Jean-Claude Van Damme achieved cult status but was widely panned. Fans today demand a balance between authenticity to the games and the cinematic spectacle modern blockbusters require. By recruiting someone like Reigns, who carries both mainstream appeal and physical credibility, the filmmakers are clearly aiming to strike that balance.

Roman Reigns’ Crossover Potential

The move also cements Roman Reigns’ status as more than just a wrestler. In WWE, he has been booked as a near-invincible champion, embodying dominance week after week. Yet, in Hollywood, the challenge is different. Can he translate his in-ring storytelling to the big screen?

Many wrestlers before him have faced this test. The Rock leveraged his WWE charisma into one of the most successful Hollywood careers in history. Batista proved skeptics wrong with his performance in Guardians of the Galaxy, showing range beyond just brute force. If Reigns can do the same, he could set himself up as the next major crossover star.

In fact, some critics argue that Reigns may have an advantage because his WWE character work has been highly cinematic already. His promos, his aura, and his ability to command silence from an entire arena resemble the tools an actor must use to captivate a film audience. By stepping into Street Fighter, he’s not just dipping a toe into acting — he’s diving into a franchise that demands presence, charisma, and physicality in equal measure.

Fan Reactions and Speculations

Online, the news sent social media platforms into chaos. Twitter, Reddit, and fan forums buzzed with theories about who Reigns might play. Some fans were convinced he would make the perfect Sagat, the towering Muay Thai warrior with a scarred past and intimidating aura. Others speculated about him embodying M. Bison, the villainous dictator whose sheer force mirrors Reigns’ ruthless wrestling persona.

Fan art quickly circulated, showcasing Reigns in iconic Street Fighter costumes, further fueling the hype. Some diehard fans of the game were skeptical, questioning whether a wrestler could do justice to such beloved characters. Yet, others pointed to the success of previous wrestlers-turned-actors as a reason to believe.

The undeniable truth is that Reigns’ involvement has already elevated the film’s visibility. Whether or not audiences were initially excited for another Street Fighter adaptation, they certainly are now.

Cody Rhodes and the Narrative of Rivalry

Interestingly, Reigns’ Hollywood leap also adds new narrative layers to his rivalry with Cody Rhodes. In WWE, Rhodes has been positioned as the underdog trying to “finish his story” against the dominant Reigns. Now, outside the ring, the dynamic shifts. While Rhodes continues to chase glory in wrestling, Reigns is broadening his empire by branching into Hollywood.

This dual-track narrative highlights the differences in their career paths. Rhodes’ disbelief at the casting could, in some ways, become part of future storylines. Imagine WWE commentators weaving this real-life Hollywood move into their on-screen rivalry, painting Reigns as the superstar who has it all, while Rhodes remains hungry to prove himself.

For fans, these blurred lines between reality and fiction are what make wrestling such a fascinating spectacle.

The Bigger Picture for Hollywood

From a Hollywood perspective, this casting signals a clear strategy. Studios are increasingly recognizing the marketing power of athletes, wrestlers, and internet personalities. By casting someone like Roman Reigns, the studio isn’t just getting an actor; they’re tapping into an entire fanbase that spans across wrestling, gaming, and pop culture.

If successful, this could open the door for more wrestlers to find roles in video game adaptations. It also highlights how modern blockbusters thrive not just on star power, but on cross-cultural relevance. Reigns brings with him a mix of Samoan heritage, wrestling fame, and undeniable charisma, all of which could help shape a Street Fighter movie that finally resonates with both critics and fans.

Conclusion: The Shockwave Continues

The announcement of Roman Reigns joining the Street Fighter movie remains one of the most shocking entertainment crossovers of recent years. His decision to break his silence and confirm the role stunned not just fans but also fellow WWE superstar Cody Rhodes, whose disbelief echoed the sentiments of many.

As filming moves forward, the questions will only intensify. Which character will he play? Can he deliver a performance that satisfies both wrestling fans and gamers? And how will this bold move influence his already legendary wrestling career?

One thing is clear: Roman Reigns has once again proven why he is at the center of every major conversation in entertainment. Whether in the squared circle or on the silver screen, the Tribal Chief knows how to keep the world talking.

And if Cody Rhodes couldn’t believe it, perhaps that’s the best proof of all that this moment is bigger than anyone ever imagined.