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WWE Star Roman Reigns Takes Up Martial Arts for Street Fighter Film

Professional wrestler Roman Reigns is training in martial arts for an upcoming Street Fighter movie role, marking a return to combat sports after abandoning karate as a child. The WWE performer revealed he quit the discipline after just one day at age five.

LSN India · 9 October 2026

Roman Reigns, one of professional wrestling's biggest names, is preparing for a new challenge beyond the WWE ring. The athlete has begun martial arts training to prepare for his role as Akuma in an upcoming Street Fighter adaptation set for theatrical release.

In discussing his journey with combat disciplines, Reigns reflected on an early childhood experience with karate. According to the wrestling star, he abandoned the martial art after a single training session when he was five years old, making it the only activity he has ever quit.

The transition to film marks a significant expansion of Reigns' career beyond professional wrestling. His casting as the legendary Street Fighter character Akuma positions him alongside other notable talent in the video game adaptation. The role requires Reigns to develop authentic martial arts proficiency for on-screen combat sequences.

Reigns' commitment to martial arts training for the film demonstrates his readiness to take on physically demanding roles outside the wrestling arena. The Street Fighter project represents one of several high-profile entertainment ventures by professional wrestlers in recent years, as the entertainment industry increasingly draws talent from the sports entertainment world.