Roman Reigns, one of WWE's defining modern performers, is preparing to expand his creative reach with the role of Akuma in the upcoming Street Fighter film. The wrestler, whose real name is Joe Anoa'i, will portray one of the Capcom franchise's most formidable characters in a production set to arrive in October.
Reigns says his established physique meant he did not need a dramatic physical transformation for the role. The challenge instead came from adapting his athletic preparation to the precision of martial arts. Akuma's movements required extensive footwork, isometric holds, balance and controlled posing--skills Reigns compares to the body awareness of a dancer.
Strength Beyond Size
At 41, Reigns approaches training with a focus on mobility, longevity and athletic control rather than constantly pursuing maximum weight. His current sessions combine mobility work with classic resistance exercises, including high-repetition dumbbell presses and curls.
He describes professional wrestling and martial arts as closely connected physical disciplines, while noting that each demands a distinct kind of performance. For Reigns, looking powerful matters, but believable movement is equally essential. "You want to look like you can save the world," he says, while emphasizing that strength needs to be supported by agility and functional range of motion.
Reigns also uses a fitness tracker primarily to monitor sleep and observe broader patterns, rather than allowing daily metrics to dictate his routine. His approach is based on listening to physical signals and adjusting training intensity when recovery is needed.
A New Chapter on Screen
The Akuma role positions Reigns within a growing crossover between sports entertainment, gaming culture and blockbuster cinema. Drawing on his background in football and WWE, he sees the transition as an opportunity to evolve as a performer while maintaining the discipline that shaped his career.
Street Fighter may offer Reigns a significant platform beyond the ring, illustrating how versatile athletic storytelling can connect live performance, iconic game worlds and global film audiences in the years ahead.
