A definitive timeline for Cody Rhodes’ return to WWE television has emerged, as the Undisputed WWE Champion is expected to complete filming for the upcoming Street Fighter movie by September 20, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Rhodes is currently in Australia preparing for his role as Guile, a part that required him to dye his hair blond. Principal photography for the film is scheduled to begin on September 2. His absence from WWE programming will cause him to miss the Clash in Paris premium live event on August 31.
To account for his time away, WWE initiated a storyline where Rhodes suffered a kayfabe head injury after an attack by Drew McIntyre on SmackDown. McIntyre has since incorporated Rhodes’ real-life movie commitment into his promos, taunting the absent champion.
Upon his return, Rhodes is expected to defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza in September. Rhodes recently won the title for a second time, defeating John Cena in a Street Fight at SummerSlam on August 3.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter also noted that Roman Reigns shares some overlapping filming dates with Rhodes for the project, though the crossover is not extensive.