When you join the WWE, two things are true. First, you will be introduced to millions of potential fans. And second, if you ascend to the top of the industry, Hollywood will eventually come calling.

We’ve seen it many times before. The Rock, Roman Reigns, John Cena and Dave Batista — these are just a few of the top-tier wrestling names to venture into Hollywood. 

Now, it would appear Cody Rhodes is about to walk that well-trodden path. According to Deadline.com, “The American Nightmare” has been named as part of the cast for the upcoming “Street Fighter” reboot. He will play “Guile,” the American marine. 

Rhodes has spent the past few years cementing himself as WWE’s top babyface. He’s a worldwide name, with one of the most recognizable catchphrases in the industry. Every time he takes to the ring with a mic in his hand, you know he’s about to ask, “What do you wanna talk about?”

WWE is the most scripted professional wrestling company. They prepare their talent for the jump to the big screen, whether they mean to or not. Yet, in truth, having wrestlers cross over into mainstream theater is good for business. It opens up those talents to much broader audiences, potentially bringing some of that audience back to RAW or SmackDown.

It’s the best marketing the company could ask for. Best of all, it’s free. 

The value doesn’t stop there, though. Hollywood wrestlers likely sell more merchandise and likely draw more social media clicks and YouTube views. That one transition takes them to another stratosphere. Rhodes has been on this path for a while now. He’s earned the chance to transcend wrestling and, as a result, he’s about to become part of an exclusive group. A group that will always be seen as legends of the sport. A group that Rhodes has been chasing for his entire career. 

“Street Fighter” will be his first movie. It’s unlikely to be his last.