Cody Rhodes sees the potential for a Street Fighter-to-WWE crossover extending beyond his own role in the newly released movie.
Rhodes, who plays Guile in Street Fighter, has spent recent weeks discussing the project and the experience of working alongside a cast that includes Andrew Koji, Jason Momoa, Callina Liang and Olivier Richters. While appearing on The Rich Eisen Show, Rhodes was asked whether he had invited Momoa to WWE. He did not offer a specific answer about a direct invitation to the actor, but he made clear that the door is open for the film’s cast to visit the company.
The WWE star explained that he used the production as an opportunity to talk with his colleagues about the way WWE incorporates celebrity guests, crossover appearances and outside promotional opportunities.
“I think I tried to slowly, with everybody in the production, explain how we’re very open,” Rhodes said. “We love to have guests. We love to try a celebrity moment. We love to promote the things that our boys and girls are in.”
For more background on this topic, read Big E and Kris Yim Marry in Celebration Attended by WWE Friends.
Rhodes’ comments reflect the increasingly visible overlap between WWE and the broader entertainment industry. WWE has long brought musicians, athletes, actors and other public figures into its programming, sometimes for a single on-screen segment and sometimes for a more physical role. For Rhodes, the conversations surrounding Street Fighter created a chance to introduce people from a different professional environment to the possibilities WWE can offer.
“So throughout the course of the deal, it was fun to explain to a whole different bubble,” Rhodes continued. “Whereas I’m in the wrestling bubble, what I do. It’s an open, that’s an open invite.”
Olivier Richters Stands Out as a Natural WWE Possibility
Among the cast members Rhodes highlighted was Olivier Richters, who plays Zangief in the movie. Richters, known as the Dutch Giant, stands seven feet tall, making him an immediately striking presence in any setting. Rhodes suggested that Richters has the physical attributes and natural spectacle that could translate easily to a WWE appearance.
“Cause there’s some wrestlers in the cast that may not know they’re wrestlers,” Rhodes said. “Like, Olivier, the Dutch Giant, who plays Zangief, is seven foot. I think he’s the biggest actor. That’s a no-brainer. Get him out. You don’t have to do anything. People run into you. Maybe one guy slams you. Maybe it’s me.”
The comment was delivered with Rhodes’ usual sense of humor, but it also underlined the simple visual logic behind a potential appearance. WWE has always made room for outsized personalities and imposing physical presences. A seven-foot actor playing one of the most recognizable powerhouse characters in the Street Fighter franchise would be an obvious attraction for a live WWE crowd, even if the appearance were limited to a brief angle or promotional moment.
Rhodes did not announce that Richters, Momoa, Koji, Liang or any other member of the cast is scheduled to appear for WWE. His remarks were an expression of interest rather than confirmation of plans. Still, Rhodes clearly believes the connections made during the movie’s production could lead to future opportunities.
“There’s a lot of connections,” Rhodes said. “So, I do hope they make their way over and see what I do as the day job, cause there was great synergy with WWE and Street Fighter.”
Rhodes Brings WWE Perspective to a Major Film Role
The Street Fighter project has given Rhodes an opportunity to work outside the weekly WWE environment while still remaining closely identified with professional wrestling. Guile is one of the landmark characters in the Street Fighter franchise, and Rhodes’ casting places a current WWE headliner inside a major adaptation of a globally recognized video game property.
That position also makes Rhodes a natural bridge between the cast and WWE. He understands the demands of live television, the importance of character presentation and the value of a major crossover moment. At the same time, his work on the film allowed him to share a set with performers whose fanbases may not overlap completely with wrestling’s audience.
Rhodes described those two worlds as separate “bubbles,” but the opportunity lies in finding ways for them to meet. A movie cast member appearing at a WWE event can generate interest beyond the company’s regular programming audience. Conversely, WWE’s enormous reach can place additional attention on a performer’s film work. Rhodes specifically noted that WWE enjoys promoting projects involving its own talent, a point that applies directly to his involvement in Street Fighter.
Celebrity appearances can take many forms in WWE. Some guests simply appear in the crowd, join a broadcast desk, introduce an act or take part in a backstage scene. Others become part of an in-ring confrontation. Rhodes’ playful suggestion that Richters could simply have people run into him before one wrestler attempts a slam captures how quickly a physically distinctive guest can become part of WWE storytelling without requiring a lengthy wrestling background.
The Street Fighter Connection Has Built-In Wrestling Appeal
There is also a natural thematic fit between WWE and the Street Fighter universe. Both are driven by larger-than-life characters, distinctive looks, intense rivalries and action that is designed to connect with a live audience. Street Fighter characters have long been defined by signature styles and instantly recognizable personalities, while WWE performers rely on similarly strong character identity to stand out in a crowded entertainment landscape.
Zangief, in particular, is a character whose presentation is rooted in raw power and an intimidating silhouette. That makes Richters an especially easy name for wrestling fans to picture in a WWE setting. Rhodes did not suggest a particular match, storyline or event, and there is no indication that one has been planned. But he did not need to lay out a detailed concept to explain why he sees potential in Richters making an appearance.
Momoa would also bring significant mainstream recognition if he ever crossed into WWE programming, though Rhodes did not confirm any conversation or arrangement involving him. The same is true of the wider cast. The important point from Rhodes’ interview was not that a specific cameo has been secured, but that he made an effort to explain WWE’s openness to guests throughout the filming process.
That approach is consistent with how WWE can use entertainment relationships: not every conversation produces an on-screen appearance, but familiarizing outside stars with the product and its environment can create possibilities down the line. Rhodes’ role gives him a personal connection to that process. He is not merely a WWE performer promoting a movie from afar; he was part of the production and spent time with the actors he would like to welcome into his professional world.
An Invitation, Not an Announcement
For now, Rhodes’ invitation remains just that—an invitation. No WWE appearance involving the Street Fighter cast was announced during his interview. There is no confirmed role, event or date attached to the idea.
However, Rhodes’ enthusiasm was unmistakable. He views the film as having created “great synergy” with WWE, and he would like his co-stars to see firsthand what his regular job looks like. His remarks about Richters show that he is already thinking in wrestling terms about how at least one cast member could be presented to a WWE audience.
Whether any of those ideas ultimately reach WWE television remains to be seen. But Rhodes has made his preference known: the Street Fighter cast has an open invitation to come to WWE, and the American Nightmare believes there may be some wrestlers among them who simply have not discovered it yet.
Darryl Polo
Darryl Polo is a passionate wrestling fan covering WWE, AEW, TNA and beyond. He loves great rivalries, breakout stars and the moments that keep fans talking long after the bell. How we work.