Cody Rhodes Says Ari Emanuel Didn't Know Him Before WrestleMania 40

Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns are among the cast members of the Street Fighter movie. The wrestlers have been participating in a media tour alongside their fellow cast members.

Rhodes spoke with the New York Times during the tour. He stated that TKO CEO Ari Emanuel was not aware of who he was until WrestleMania 40 in 2024.

Rhodes headlined both nights of WrestleMania 40. One month after the event, he signed with WME, the talent agency where Emanuel serves as Executive Chairman.

In 2023, WWE became part of TKO Group Holdings under Emanuel's leadership. Following his high-profile match in Philadelphia in 2024, Rhodes joined WME, which also represents Dwayne Johnson and John Cena.

WME arranged a meeting for Rhodes at Legendary that led to his casting in Street Fighter. Rhodes expressed his desire to perform well for Emanuel and a former CAA agent named Khan.

Rhodes is a three-time Undisputed WWE Champion. His most recent title reign ended in June 2026 when he lost the championship to Sami Zayn.