Cody Rhodes calls for WWE return to Abu Dhabi, before Street Fighter release

Nearly a decade has passed since WWE last held an event in Abu Dhabi. Three-time WWE champion Cody Rhodes believes it's high time for the wrestling company to return to the Middle Eastern capital. "I love Abu Dhabi," Rhodes tells The National. "It's been a while since WWE has been in the Middle East, but we haven't made a proper visit to Abu Dhabi yet, and we should."

The last WWE shows in the UAE took place in December 2017, featuring Roman Reigns at Zayed Sports City Tennis Stadium. Since then, WWE has expanded its presence in Saudi Arabia, with the upcoming Crown Jewel event in Riyadh on November 7. Cody Rhodes, alongside comedian Andrew Schulz, who has performed in Abu Dhabi twice, is speaking about the upcoming WWE return and the new Street Fighter film adaptation.

Rhodes plays US Air Force fighter Guile, while Schulz portrays Dan Hibiki. Set in 1993, Street Fighter follows Ryu and Ken Masters as they are recruited by Chun-Li to enter the World Warrior Tournament. While working on the film, Schulz found it challenging to perform without audience reaction, but the showmanship he developed in wrestling aided him in portraying Guile's character.

Rhodes, familiar with the wrestling audience, drew on his showmanship during a tournament scene with hundreds of extras. The filmmakers were open to absurd ideas, including an upside-down performer interrupting Guile's dialogue. Rhodes, Schulz, Roman Reigns, and Hirooki Goto are set to star in the film, which releases in UAE cinemas on Thursday.