WWE Goes Hollywood: Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Drew McIntyre And More Stars Taking Over Mainstream Entertainment

WWE’s next big competition may not be happening inside the ring.

Its stars are increasingly showing up in Hollywood productions, streaming projects and mainstream sports coverage, turning wrestling fame into opportunities that reach far beyond wrestling fans.

The interesting part is not simply who has landed a role.

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It is how WWE’s growing media partnerships could make its performers more valuable to film studios, streaming platforms and sports broadcasters.

Here are seven crossovers worth watching, and what each reveals about WWE’s expanding entertainment business.

1. Cody Rhodes And Roman Reigns Are Taking WWE Into Street Fighter

Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns bring two very different WWE personas to the live-action Street Fighter adaptation.

Rhodes plays Guile, while Reigns portrays Akuma. Both characters are already recognisable to video game fans, giving the wrestlers an audience beyond the WWE universe.

The bigger opportunity is franchise recognition.

A video game adaptation arrives with established characters, visual identities and a built-in fan base. WWE stars do not have to introduce themselves from scratch.

Rhodes has also attracted attention for his commitment to Guile, with reports suggesting his role was expanded during production.

If his performance connects with audiences, the film could become a calling card for future acting opportunities. 

2. CM Punk Is Building A Career Beyond Wrestling

CM Punk’s acting work includes Night Patrol and Netflix’s Guarding Stars, placing him in productions far removed from the wrestling ring.

The strategic difference is that these projects can introduce Punk to viewers who may never watch a WWE programme.

Film and streaming roles also allow him to explore characters without relying on his established wrestling identity.

For studios, a recognisable wrestler can bring attention from an existing fan base.

But name recognition only gets a performer so far; sustained acting opportunities depend on how effectively that performer works on screen.

Punk’s move into different genres will help show whether his appeal can translate into a longer-term career in film and television.

3. Drew McIntyre’s Hollywood Work Could Create A Different WWE Path