Street Fighter: Vengeance – Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns Unleash Cinematic Fury

In Street Fighter: Vengeance (2025), fists speak louder than words — and behind every strike is a war of ideals. This bold live-action reimagining of Capcom’s iconic franchise throws tradition into the ring, then body-slams it into something raw, cinematic, and ferociously relevant.

Cody Rhodes, in his first major film lead, surprises with a commanding performance as Guile — the American soldier haunted by the loss of comrades and the failure of justice in a corrupt world. His version of Guile isn’t just about military honor and slick hair — he’s a man on a mission, someone who’s traded red tape for red-hot retribution. His signature Sonic Boom hits hard, but it’s his quiet moments — glancing at old photos, silently questioning what he’s become — that give this portrayal unexpected depth.

Opposing him is a revelation: Roman Reigns as Akuma, a casting choice that seemed wild at first glance… until you see him on screen. With an aura of menace and gravitas, Reigns fully inhabits the Satsui no Hado — the dark energy that fuels Akuma’s overwhelming rage and power. Cloaked in shadows, muttering mantras in ancient Japanese, he isn’t just a villain; he’s a force of nature. Every time he enters a scene, the temperature drops. His Shun Goku Satsu (Raging Demon) moment? Absolutely bone-chilling.

But Vengeance isn’t just a two-man brawl. It smartly rebuilds the Street Fighter world with grit and respect. Cameos from Chun-Li, Ken, and Cammy tease future stories, while underground fight clubs, war-torn ruins, and neon-lit cityscapes provide a hyperreal battleground for the soul of this universe.

Director David Leitch (John Wick, Bullet Train) brings kinetic, visceral choreography to every encounter. Fights are bone-cracking, dirt-smeared, and pulse-racing. There’s no overuse of CGI here — just brutal martial arts, stylish slow-motion, and character-driven brutality. A rooftop duel in Bangkok at sunset between Guile and a rogue Shadaloo operative? Peak cinema.

Stylistically, the film leans heavily into modern noir-fusion: think moody Blade Runner lighting meets hard-edged ‘80s action films. The soundtrack pulses with a mix of synthwave and taiko drums, marrying old-school video game roots with a modern beat that hits like a Hadoken to the chest.

The heart of the story is ideology: Guile’s unwavering code of duty vs. Akuma’s belief that strength is the only truth. Their eventual showdown — a rain-soaked battle set in the remains of a Shadaloo temple — is equal parts physical and philosophical. As they trade blows, they also trade truths, exposing trauma, ambition, and the price of their respective paths.

💥 Final Verdict: 8.5/10
A blistering, brooding reinvention with iconic energy and powerhouse performances. Rhodes brings honor. Reigns brings fury. And Street Fighter brings the pain — with purpose.

“Power without purpose is destruction. But justice without strength? That’s just surrender.”
The fight is far from over — and fans will be hungry for Round 2.