With his return to WWE television now in full swing, Roman Reigns has opened up about the challenges and rewards of balancing his life as a top-tier WWE Superstar with his budding career as a Hollywood actor. In a recent interview on The Pat McAfee Show, “The Tribal Chief” discussed his experience on the set of the upcoming “Street Fighter” movie, where he plays Akuma.
“It was so busy going back and forth and trying to get through Paris and get to the point of getting down there. My kids are all in school right now. I didn’t get a chance to tap in with anybody,” Reigns said. “One thing I did do is when I was on Hobbs & Shaw, I was able to absorb everything and monitor and download as much of the process as possible.
That helped me out a lot when I got down there. Also, things that I didn’t like about my experience or my attitude on the last project or two that I’ve done. Different ways to psychologically prepare myself for a different process. That was the biggest thing. I’m so used to my WWE bubble and that process. Being live, jetting in and jetting out, having the bus and my own creative space. I had to rewire myself to be ready for a different process. It was fun and a good time.”
Reigns also shared a moment on set that gave him a true “movie star” feeling. “There was one moment in time where I was like, ‘This is what being a movie star feels like.’ Being in that little bubble was cool,” he said. He concluded by noting how the skills he has developed over his WWE career have been invaluable in his transition to acting. “It’s interesting because everything I’ve learned in WWE and all these skills I’ve acquired and sharpened, they all translate.”
Reigns’ role as Akuma in “Street Fighter,” which is scheduled for a 2026 release, is his most significant acting role to date. He has previously appeared in the “Fast & Furious” spinoff, “Hobbs & Shaw,” as well as the film “The Pickup.” His time away for filming was explained on WWE television by a storyline injury, a post-match attack by The Vision’s Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed at the Clash in Paris event.
With filming now complete, Reigns has made his return to WWE and is set to continue his feud with The Vision, as he is scheduled to face Bronson Reed in an Australian Street Fight at the upcoming Crown Jewel premium live event.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit The Pat McAfee Show with an h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
