WWE superstar Cody Rhodes leaned heavily into his role as Guile in the forthcoming Street Fighter film during his appearance at SummerSlam. Rhodes, who unsuccessfully challenged CM Punk for the WWE Undisputed Championship, captivated the audience with a ring entrance that paid homage to the iconic fighting game franchise.
The promotional tie-in was evident, as the Street Fighter movie served as one of SummerSlam's sponsors. Before Rhodes' entrance, the pay-per-view broadcast featured a character select screen reminiscent of Street Fighter II, with WWE talent like Seth Rollins, Danhausen, and Becky Lynch depicted in place of the game's fighters.
Rhodes' in-ring attire featured tights with a camouflage pattern similar to Guile's default costume, and his entrance coat displayed his name in the distinct Street Fighter font. While he did not incorporate any signature moves like the Sonic Boom or Flash Kick into his match against Punk, his costume choice underscored the collaboration.
Street Fighter was not the sole video game-related sponsor present at SummerSlam; the ring mat also prominently featured Gears of War: E-Day branding. The Street Fighter movie, starring Rhodes and an ensemble cast, is scheduled for release on October 16. Marketing for the film has begun, with a recent sneak peek showcasing a fight scene between Ryu, played by Andrew Koji, and a monstrous Blanka portrayed by Jason Momoa.
