Street fighter stars cody rhodes & roman reigns reportedly avoid on-set interaction
The upcoming Street Fighter movie is generating buzz for its impressive cast, headlined by WWE megastars Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns as the iconic characters Guile and Akuma, respectively. However, reports suggest a palpable tension between the two actors during filming, raising questions about the on-screen chemistry.
Awkward encounters on set hint at real-world friction
Cody Rhodes revealed in a recent interview with podcaster Chris Van Vliet that he and Roman Reigns barely crossed paths during their single day of filming together. According to Rhodes, the production team was acutely aware of the wrestlers' history and the intense rivalries they’ve portrayed in WWE, even fearing a real-life confrontation. “They were very cognisant on the radios of us [and saying], ‘Stepping out with Guile, Akuma will be coming on,’” Rhodes recounted, adding that their only interaction was a brief exchange about a trailer direction, which he described as “very awkward.”
This reported animosity likely stems from the culmination of Rhodes and Reigns' extended storyline that reached its peak at WrestleMania 40 in 2024, where Rhodes dethroned Reigns to become the Undisputed WWE Champion. “That’s a crazy relationship,” Rhodes admitted. “I have nothing but admiration for what he’s done and accomplished, but I don’t know what it is. I don’t even like talking about it because I don’t know what it is. It’s just a very strange relationship.”
Rhodes praised director Kitao Sakurai’s commitment to fan service, highlighting the extensive collection of Street Fighter games on set. The director even consulted with the game’s creator, ensuring the film honors the beloved characters and resonates with fans who grew up with the franchise. “If you look at what Batista (Bautista) did with Guardians, and you look at obviously what The Final Boss (Johnson) has done. I came on that set, and I think probably any other wrestler has to come on set ready to go and come correct now because John [Cena] has set a bar where he’s early for everything, he’s last to leave. His wit and his improv are phenomenal. He remembers everyone who interviews him. All the things John would teach us growing up in the business, you have to apply them now because they’ve had him. So, you can’t be slacking off when you’re the wrestler on set.”
Rhodes also revealed that his Guile haircut is a yak-hair wig, a detail sure to delight fans. The Street Fighter film isn't the only fighting game adaptation on the horizon; Mortal Kombat 2 is also slated for release in 2026. Recent online exchanges between the two films' representatives, including Mortal Kombat 2’sproducer Lewis Tan responding to jabs from Street Fighter’s producer Andrew Schultz, suggest a competitive atmosphere surrounding both projects. The tension on set, combined with the online sparring, speaks to the high stakes surrounding these highly anticipated adaptations.
The transition from wrestling to acting is a well-trodden path for WWE stars, with figures like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and John Cena achieving considerable success in Hollywood. Rhodes acknowledged the precedent set by Cena, who he says has established a new standard for professionalism and dedication on film sets. The success of these transitions underscores the growing influence of professional wrestling on mainstream Entertainment.
The film is scheduled to hit theaters in 2026, and whether the on-screen friction between Rhodes and Reigns will translate to compelling performances remains to be seen. But the off-set tension has already become a talking point, adding another layer of intrigue to the highly anticipated adaptation.