Early reviews for the new live-action Street Fighter movie have landed, and while the film itself is drawing a lukewarm response from critics, WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes is emerging as one of its most talked-about bright spots. Multiple outlets reviewing the video game adaptation have specifically praised Rhodes for his comedic timing, with several describing him as particularly funny in the role.
According to F4W Online, the Street Fighter movie currently holds a 41% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 6.1 out of 10 on IMDb, figures that reflect a largely mixed-to-negative critical reception for the overall production. Despite those numbers, Rhodes has been called out by name in multiple reviews as a standout performer, with Wrestling Headlines reporting that his work has been described as a “scene-stealing performance.”
Rhodes portrays Guile, one of the most recognizable characters in the long-running Street Fighter video game franchise, known in the games as a U.S. Air Force officer with a signature flat-top hairstyle and Sonic Boom attack. His casting places him alongside fellow WWE star Roman Reigns, who appears in the film as Akuma, another iconic figure from the Street Fighter roster known for his dark backstory and devastating martial arts moves.
The dual WWE presence in a major studio video game adaptation underscores the growing crossover between professional wrestling’s top stars and Hollywood blockbuster casting, with both Rhodes and Reigns taking on roles in characters with deep followings among gamers. Reigns has also spoken publicly about the experience of working on a film set, discussing how skills developed through his WWE career translated to the demands of movie production, according to 411Mania.
While the reviews compiled so far paint a clearer picture of how Rhodes’ individual performance has been received than how the film will ultimately fare commercially or critically overall, the early buzz around his portrayal of Guile suggests his work in Street Fighter could become a notable entry in his expanding résumé outside the ring. Reigns’ performance as Akuma has not drawn the same level of individual critical attention in the reporting so far, though his participation alongside Rhodes marks another instance of WWE’s top-tier talent appearing together in mainstream entertainment projects.
Neither WWE nor the film’s studio has been reported as issuing an official statement specifically addressing the critical reception of Rhodes’ performance, and further reviews are expected as the movie reaches a wider audience.
