• Another Ex-World Champion Is Joining Roman Reigns & Cody Rhodes In The Street Fighter Movie
Hirooki Goto may have seen his reign as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion come to an unexpected end, but the New Japan Pro-Wrestling veteran isn’t exactly stepping out of the spotlight. Instead, he’s gearing up for a brand-new challenge outside the ring, one that involves the big screen. Fans were stunned recently when Goto dropped the championship to Zack Sabre Jr., fueling speculation about whether injuries might have forced his hand. There’s been chatter about a possible elbow issue, but sources indicate that other opportunities were also in play behind the scenes.
Fightful Select has learned that Goto has secured a role in the upcoming Street Fighter movie, where he’ll portray the iconic sumo wrestler “E. Honda.” It’s a significant step for the wrestling star, who’s been a fixture in NJPW for years.
He won’t be the only wrestling connection in the project, either. WWE Superstars Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes are attached to the film, adding even more star power to the adaptation of the beloved video game series. Reigns will play “Akuma,” while Rhodes will play “Guile.”
Shooting for this movie will begin in August and it will take place in Australia.
• WWE Wants To Bring Back 2x IC Champion
WWE could soon bring back a familiar face. According to WrestleVotes, the company is hopeful about featuring former 2-time Intercontinental Champion Santino Marella on its programming in the near future. Marella, currently signed with TNA Wrestling, is remembered fondly by fans for his comedic timing and memorable moments during his run as a WWE Superstar. Despite not being under a WWE contract for many years, he reportedly maintains a strong relationship with WWE behind the scenes.
Sources indicate that WWE still sees significant value in Marella’s star power and nostalgic appeal, which could translate into special appearances or guest spots. There’s no word yet on whether talks have involved an in-ring return, comedic segments, or simply cameo appearances, but WWE appears interested in tapping into the fan fondness for Marella’s character.
Santino was featured in an NXT segment earlier this year, which was made possible by WWE’s working relationship with TNA. Santino’s daughter, Arianna Grace, is a wrestler in NXT.
• Why John Cena Will Make Only 2 TV Appearances Before SummerSlam 2025
John Cena last appeared on WWE programming at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia, where he defeated CM Punk to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship. His next appearance on WWE TV will be on the July 18th episode of SmackDown. After that, Cena will appear on August 1st episode of SmackDown, which will be the go-home edition of the show for SummerSlam.
Then on August 3rd, Cena will defend the WWE Title against King of the Ring winner Cody Rhodes in the main event of SummerSlam 2025 – Night 2 at MetLife Stadium. Cena will only make two television appearances on the road to WWE’s biggest event of the summer because he’s busy filming upcoming Netflix movie “Little Brother” with Eric André in New Jersey.
• “I don’t want John Cena. He’s a little b*tch these days” – Top SmackDown Star
Drew McIntyre has made it clear that his sights are firmly set on reclaiming the WWE Championship and he’s not interested in going through John Cena to do it. Speaking to Sports Illustrated, McIntyre declared that he’s returning with a new mindset and is determined to become champion again. “I’m back to get what’s mine. It’s time for Drew McIntyre to be WWE Champion again. Get what I deserve. Get what I’ve earned,” he said. Despite being asked about potentially ending John Cena’s career in a high-stakes title match, McIntyre dismissed the idea of facing the 17-time World Champion, saying Cena isn’t the same performer he used to be.
“I’ve never had a singles match with Cena. (He’s) been ducking me his entire career. Don’t know why,” McIntyre said. “He tore CM Punk apart that one week on the microphone with a pipebomb. I enjoyed it and I was like, ‘God, I’d love to come back at Cena on the microphone.’ But he’s not the same John Cena. He’s a little b*tch these days. So, I don’t want John Cena. I want Cody Rhodes.”
McIntyre described Rhodes as the ideal target, praising his work ethic but insisting he’s the one true top star. “Cody is everything, you know, basically that he says he is. He does work his absolute a$$ off. He is that talented and he’s earned everything he’s got,” McIntyre said. “But as I mentioned, Cena’s not the same Cena… I want Cody Rhodes. He’s the best we’ve got right now until I beat him because I know I’m the best we’ve got.”
With his return, McIntyre says fans should expect an evolved version of himself, more determined than ever to capture the top prize in WWE.
• Teddy Long Comments On The Death Of His Son
On July 7th, news broke that WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long’s son, Antione Long, has passed away. Word of Antione’s death emerged over that weekend as friends and loved ones expressed sorrow and shared memories on social media platforms, particularly Facebook.
While Antione did not follow his father into a public career within wrestling, he was nevertheless familiar to many fans and figures in the community thanks to Teddy Long’s prominent legacy. He maintained an active presence online, and had even posted a photo from Planet Fitness just four days before his passing, leaving many stunned by the sudden news.
On the Wrestling’s Road Trip After Hours podcast, Teddy had the following to say about his son’s death:
“He passed, I believe, last Thursday. We found him Friday. He was in his home, and he was unresponsive. So basically, I’m waiting on the autopsy to let us kind of know what really happened. And he was lying on his bed, still had his clothes on and everything, and one of his friends came there and found him in the house… nothing we can do. God’s call.”
Also Read: Charlotte Flair Named Most Harassed Athlete Online in New Study, Top 15 Revealed
