Cody Rhodes Recalls The Rock’s Acting Advice After Street Fighter Casting
Professional wrestler Cody Rhodes revealed that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson criticized wrestlers who openly dismiss Hollywood acting careers, sharing the insight during an interview on Insight with Chris Van Vliet. Rhodes explained that Johnson dislikes when athletes claim they only ever want to wrestle, arguing that professional wrestling is fundamentally a form of storytelling. The conversation follows Rhodes’ recent move into the film industry, where he takes on the role of Guile in the upcoming Street Fighter movie adaptation.
Hollywood Aspirations And Wrestling Storytelling
The connection between professional wrestling and silver screen acting dates back decades, notably to 2003 when Dwayne Johnson leaned into audience criticism by creating his “Hollywood Rock” persona in WWE. Despite that entertainment success, resistance toward wrestlers transitioning into acting never fully disappeared. Rhodes stated on Insight with Chris Van Vliet that Johnson gets annoyed when peers look down on the craft of acting.
One time, Rock told me he doesn’t like when wrestlers would say, ‘Oh, I don’t want to be an actor, I always want to be a wrestler,’
Rhodes said during the interview, noting Wrestling Inc. for the transcription. And he had good reasons; he said, ‘Of course you love wrestling.’ … But also, wrestling is storytelling. And that’s what he said: ‘What I wish people would say is that they just want to grow as a storyteller.’
Rhodes adopted that exact framing during his pitch meetings with Los Angeles studio executives, telling them that professional wrestlers are naturally equipped for film because storytelling is their core trade, as arab-wrestling.com reported.
Recent Rivalries And Upcoming Film Projects
The shared perspective on Hollywood bridges a sometimes complicated relationship between the two athletes. Rhodes previously commented on his intricate dynamic with Johnson following their heated rivalry leading up to WWE WrestleMania 42. While managing his ongoing commitments in the wrestling ring, Rhodes continues to expand his presence in the film industry. His casting as Guile in the Street Fighter movie adaptation marks his deepest venture into cinematic acting to date, bringing Johnson’s storytelling philosophy directly to a major studio production.
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