Cody Rhodes revealed that production staff on the upcoming Street Fighter movie actively tried to prevent him and Roman Reigns from crossing paths on set, apparently believing there could be a real confrontation between the two.
“I think they thought we were going to fight or have issue for real, because they were very cognizant on the radios of, ‘Stepping out with Guile, Akuma will be coming on,'” Rhodes said during his interview on INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet. “They were very cognizant of we would not cross paths.”
Rhodes plays Guile in the film. Reigns plays Akuma. Despite the production team’s efforts to keep them apart, the two did have one brief interaction.
“We did, because I had to tell him the direction of one of the trailers. And that was our only moment. And it was a very awkward – like the weirdest,” Rhodes said. “That’s a crazy relationship.”
Rhodes said he has nothing but admiration for Reigns but struggled to define what their dynamic actually is. “I had nothing but admiration for what he’s done and accomplished. But that is a – 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,” he said.
Rhodes also touched on the blurred line between their real identities and their characters, connecting it to the recurring question Van Vliet once asked him about whether he’s ever truly out of character. “With Joe, we cross paths. With Roman Reigns, I don’t know if there’s a difference. Same as me – ask him that damn question,” Rhodes said, referring to Reigns by his real name, Joe Anoa’i.
Despite not sharing scenes in the film, Rhodes praised what he saw of Reigns’ work. “I can tell you from what I saw of his fight – if he has a fight – I can tell you what I saw was really special,” he said.
WrestleMania 42 Main Events
Both Rhodes and Reigns will headline WrestleMania 42 on April 18-19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, though in separate main events. Rhodes defends the Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton, while Reigns challenges CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Rhodes said both matches will deliver a big fight feel. “You have two main events with Roman and Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship, and myself and Randy,” Rhodes said. “Bell to bell, you’re going to get one of the better Manias ever.”
The Street Fighter film, directed by Katsuya Sato, also stars Andrew Schulz, 50 Cent, Orville Peck, and others. Rhodes said the production included a custom arcade cabinet on set featuring every Street Fighter game so actors could study their characters’ movements.
If you use quotes from this article, please credit the source and include a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
