Roman Reigns Talks Future, The Rock, Cody Rhodes and Street Fighter Role

Roman Reigns, WWE’s World Heavyweight Champion, reflected on his career’s twilight, praised The Rock and Cody Rhodes, and revealed his upcoming role as Akuma in the new Street Fighter movie. He emphasized the importance of storytelling and the next generation’s rise while hinting at a potential fut…

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 23 Sep 2026 22:12:21 GMT

Roman Reigns, the current WWE World Heavyweight Champion, recently sat down with Complex’s Mark Elibert to discuss the trajectory of his career, his admiration for past WWE icons, and his next big project outside the ring.

Reigns on the End of an Era

Reigns openly acknowledged that he is approaching the final chapters of his in‑ring career. 41‑year‑old, he said, “If I stay in shape and I do my end of the job, I could possibly still have a whole ‘nother run that we didn’t even think about.” He stressed that while he has accomplished a great deal in WWE, there are still storylines that feel unfinished. “I got like a little bit of OCD when it comes to storytelling and stuff,” he admitted, underscoring his desire for symmetrical situations and continuity.

Despite the looming transition, Reigns remains committed to the company’s future. He believes the next generation is already forming and will eventually take his place at the top. “As these young guys continue to grow, they’re gonna create matchups and situations for me,” he said. Reigns sees his role as a bridge, helping to elevate new talent while still delivering high‑quality matches.

The Rock, Cena, and the Benchmark for Superstars

When asked about the standards for carrying WWE’s banner, Reigns singled out Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as an anomaly. He noted that The Rock’s combination of charisma, athleticism, and marketability set a bar that few can match. Reigns also referenced John Cena, who, like him, took a decade to fully establish himself as a top star. “It takes a decade or so,” Reigns said. “Can you perform every single time and then deliver when you’re asked?” He highlighted the physical and mental demands of being a company face, from performing on a hot‑weather night to wrestling after a WrestleMania hangover.

Reigns praised fellow superstar Cody Rhodes as someone who meets all those criteria. “There’s only been one who’s been able to carry that banner,” he said. “And that’s been Cody.” He emphasized Rhodes’ consistency, resilience, and ability to connect with fans, qualities he believes are essential for the next Tribal Chief.

From the Ring to the Silver Screen

Beyond wrestling, Reigns is preparing for a high‑profile role in the upcoming Street Fighter film. He will portray Akuma, a character who shares many traits with his WWE persona. Reigns explained that the parallels between the Tribal Chief and Akuma—both anti‑heroes who seek the most honorable fight—made him an ideal fit for the role. “I think that’s why I was considered for the part and got it because there were so many parallels between the Tribal Chief and Akuma,” he said.

Rhodes will also appear in the movie as Guile, making it a unique crossover between WWE and the Street Fighter franchise. Reigns noted that the film’s release next month will give fans a chance to see him in a new light while still maintaining the intensity of his wrestling character.

Looking Ahead: Legacy and Mentorship

Reigns made it clear that his legacy in WWE is far from finished. He sees his matches as a way to elevate other wrestlers, stating, “If you’re in the ring with me, your value’s going up.” While he acknowledges that this might sound arrogant, he means that working with him provides exposure and a chance to learn from a seasoned performer.

As the company moves forward, Reigns will continue to be a mentor and a catalyst for the next wave of talent. He believes that his experience and storytelling acumen will help shape the narratives that keep WWE fans engaged for years to come.

What’s Next?

Reigns’ future plans remain fluid. He has not ruled out a return to the ring, but he is also focused on his film career and on guiding the next generation of superstars. Fans can expect to see him in the Street Fighter movie next month and possibly in a few more high‑profile WWE matches before he fully transitions out of active competition.

Key facts

Reigns acknowledges his career’s twilight but keeps a door open for another run
He stresses the importance of storytelling and continuity in WWE narratives
Reigns praises The Rock and Cody Rhodes as benchmarks for carrying WWE’s banner
He will star as Akuma in the upcoming Street Fighter film, aligning with his WWE persona
Reigns views his matches as a way to elevate emerging talent
He plans to mentor the next generation while preparing for life beyond wrestling

Why it matters

Roman Reigns’ reflections on his career and his candid praise for peers provide insight into WWE’s evolving landscape and the standards required to carry its flagship title. His upcoming film role also highlights the growing crossover between wrestling and mainstream media.

Frequently asked questions

Will Roman Reigns retire from WWE soon?

Reigns has not announced a specific retirement date, but he has indicated that he may remain active if he stays in shape and continues to perform at a high level.