Cody Rhodes’ recent hiatus from WWE to film the new Street Fighter movie in Australia sparked huge curiosity among wrestling and movie fans alike. Now that Rhodes has wrapped up filming on the highly anticipated project, insiders and crew members have shared their impressions about his work ethic, professionalism, and the impact he made off-camera. This article dives into what the Street Fighter crew thought of Rhodes during the shoot, shedding light on how the WWE superstar translated his in-ring charisma and discipline to Hollywood.
Cody Rhodes’ WWE Hiatus Explained
After a memorable reign as the Undisputed WWE Champion, which included a high-profile victory over John Cena at SummerSlam 2025, Cody Rhodes was written off WWE television to accommodate his shooting schedule for Street Fighter [1][2]. The timing aligned perfectly with his WWE storyline, as Drew McIntyre’s attack on Rhodes provided a seamless narrative excuse for his absence while filming in Australia [1].
His return was highly anticipated by WWE fans, culminating in a dramatic faceoff with McIntyre on the September 12 episode of SmackDown, where Rhodes announced his WWE Championship defense at the upcoming Wrestlepalooza event [1][8]. But behind the scenes, the question on everyone’s mind was: How did Rhodes handle this big transition from wrestler to actor on a major film set?
What the Street Fighter Crew Thought of Cody Rhodes
According to a WWE insider who spoke to Ringside News, Rhodes left a remarkable impression on the Street Fighter production team. Sources close to Rhodes revealed that the actor demonstrated the same intensity, commitment, and professionalism that defined his WWE career. The crew reportedly praised his punctuality, willingness to learn, and ability to collaborate with a diverse cast and crew in a demanding filming environment.
“He was seen as a natural leader on set,” said the insider. “Cody took direction well but also brought his own creativity and athleticism to the role. The stunt coordinators especially appreciated his wrestling background because it translated well into fight choreography.”
The insider added, “Despite it being his first major film role, he worked tirelessly to perfect each scene. You could tell he wanted to make an impact beyond just showing up as a celebrity.”
Transitioning Skills: Wrestling to Film Acting
Cody Rhodes’ WWE tenure, known for its storytelling, showmanship, and physical agility, appears to have given him a solid foundation for transitioning into acting. WWE superstars often train in mic skills, improvisation, and performance psychology, all crucial for film and television. Rhodes’ time on the Street Fighter set reportedly tested and expanded these talents under Hollywood’s unique pressures.
“As a wrestler, he’s used to performing live with no retakes,” the insider remarked. “Film was a different animal — repetitive scenes and precise blocking — but he adapted quickly.”
Rhodes’ martial arts background and extensive wrestling moves seemed to impress the fight choreographers, who noted his ability to make action sequences appear fluid and realistic. This helped Street Fighter maintain its promise of authentic, exciting fight scenes true to the franchise’s roots.
Behind the Scenes: Balancing Family, WWE, and Filming
During his filming period, Rhodes also welcomed his second daughter alongside his wife Brandi, marking a special personal milestone amidst the professional transition [1]. Balancing family, filming commitments in Australia, and staying connected to WWE’s live television schedule was a considerable challenge.
A WWE source close to Rhodes shared, “Cody was very focused on managing all parts of his life. Even when he was off TV, he kept in touch with WWE’s creative team and planned his eventual return carefully.”
His return to WWE was, in fact, a surprise highlight at SmackDown with a dramatic thwarting of McIntyre’s attack, signaling that Rhodes had picked up the storyline threads seamlessly after finishing the movie shoot [1][2][8]. This balance speaks to Rhodes’ professionalism and careful career management strategy.
What This Means for Cody Rhodes’ Career Going Forward
Industry watchers see Rhodes’ successful crossover into film as a major career boost. With Street Fighter expected to release in the near future, his Hollywood profile is likely to increase, opening doors beyond wrestling.
“I think this is just the start for Cody,” said a producer familiar with his work. “If he keeps this work ethic, we’ll see him in more diverse roles — maybe not just action but also dramatic and comedic parts.”
At the same time, Rhodes remains very much committed to WWE, with confirmed appearances at Wrestlepalooza and ongoing championship storylines [1][4][8]. This dual focus suggests he aims to leverage both platforms to build a unique entertainment brand.
Fans Excited for Both Rhodes’ WWE Return and Movie Debut
Rhodes’ return to WWE was met with enthusiastic reactions from fans and insiders alike. The build-up to his Wrestlepalooza match against Drew McIntyre has added considerable buzz around the event [1][8]. His ability to connect with audiences both in the ring and on screen deepens his appeal and marketability.
Furthermore, the anticipation for Street Fighter grows as fans are eager to see how Rhodes delivers as part of the action-packed cast. His participation brings a credible, athletic presence to the film adaptation of the beloved classic video game series.
Final Thoughts
Cody Rhodes’ time away from WWE to film Street Fighter has been marked by dedication, adaptability, and impressive professionalism, earning respect from the movie crew and affirming his status as a multi-talented entertainer. Sources inside WWE and the film industry agree that this experience has primed Rhodes for a dynamic future balancing wrestling, acting, and family.
As one WWE official put it, “Cody is not just the ‘American Nightmare’ in the ring anymore. He’s a rising star in Hollywood who still knows how to electrify WWE audiences. That’s a rare combination.”
With both his WWE Championship defense and movie premiere approaching, 2025 promises to be a defining year for Cody Rhodes’ evolving career. Fans will be watching closely, anticipating every move inside the squared circle and on the big screen.