WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes has plenty of experience sharing the spotlight with larger-than-life personalities, but Indian actor and martial artist Vidyut Jammwal apparently left a lasting impression on him. Rhodes recently opened up about his experience working with Jammwal on the live-action Street Fighter movie, praising his physique, martial arts background, and generosity toward his co-stars.
During an appearance on comedian Andrew Schulz’s Flagrant podcast, Rhodes described Jammwal as one of the most fascinating people he had encountered. The WWE star even recalled calling his wife, Brandi Rhodes, after meeting the Indian actor because he was so impressed by his appearance.
The conversation offered fans a glimpse into the chemistry behind the scenes of the upcoming video game adaptation, which brings together performers from professional wrestling, comedy, and Hollywood action cinema.
Cody Rhodes Was Blown Away by Vidyut Jammwal
Cody Rhodes did not hold back when discussing his first impression of Jammwal.
“I think I’ve met the most handsome man that’s ever been seen,” Rhodes recalled telling his wife after meeting the Indian actor.
He also praised Jammwal’s physical conditioning, describing him as exceptionally muscular and someone whose appearance immediately stood out.
Andrew Schulz, who also stars in Street Fighter, shared the enthusiasm. The comedian described Jammwal as a fascinating personality and highlighted his fitness, looks, and unusual approach to life.
For Rhodes, however, the admiration went beyond appearances. He described Jammwal as a quiet individual who became increasingly interesting once people got to know him.
That impression appears to have made the actor memorable to several members of the production, with Rhodes suggesting that people who met Jammwal often left talking about the encounter.
Why Andrew Schulz Compared Him to Jackie Chan
One of the most interesting moments from the podcast came when Schulz compared Jammwal to legendary martial arts performer Jackie Chan.
Schulz praised Jammwal’s stunt work and martial arts abilities, describing him as the “Jackie Chan of India.”
The comparison makes sense in the context of Jammwal’s career. The Indian actor has built a reputation for physically demanding action performances and a background in Kalaripayattu, an ancient Indian martial art.
Unlike performers who rely primarily on choreography and stunt doubles, Jammwal has frequently highlighted his own physical training and martial arts expertise in his action roles.
That background is particularly relevant to his casting as Dhalsim in Street Fighter. The character is known throughout the video game franchise for his yoga-inspired fighting style, unusual flexibility, and distinctive attacks.
Jammwal’s real-world martial arts experience provides an interesting foundation for bringing the character to life in a live-action setting.
For American audiences familiar with Street Fighter through its video games, the casting offers a connection between the franchise’s fictional fighting styles and an actor with genuine martial arts experience.
The Thoughtful Gift That Stood Out to Cody Rhodes
Perhaps the most revealing part of Rhodes’ story concerned a gesture Jammwal made toward the end of filming.
Rhodes recalled that Jammwal gave him the skull necklace associated with his Dhalsim character. The actor also left a handwritten note on Rhodes’ bus on his final day of filming.
The gifts did not stop there. Rhodes explained that Jammwal also gave him two shawls because his daughter was born while the cast was working on the movie.
Rhodes described the gesture warmly, praising Jammwal as an exceptionally kind and considerate person.
The story offers a more personal look at their relationship than the usual promotional conversation about fitness or on-screen performances. It suggests that Jammwal made an effort to connect with his castmates beyond their shared work.
For Rhodes, who has spent years traveling between WWE events and other professional commitments, the gesture clearly made an impression.
The Conversation Took an Unexpected Turn Over Protein
The podcast also touched on Jammwal’s lifestyle and approach to fitness.
Rhodes and Schulz recalled conversations about the actor’s diet, including his vegan lifestyle and an unexpected claim about protein. Jammwal reportedly told them that “protein is a myth,” prompting surprise and further discussion.
That comment should be understood as part of their recollection of a conversation, not as established nutritional guidance. Protein is an essential nutrient, and a well-planned vegan diet can provide it through foods such as legumes, soy products, nuts, and seeds.
Still, the exchange illustrates how Jammwal’s unconventional views and disciplined lifestyle became a recurring topic among his co-stars.
Rhodes also described Jammwal as a practicing monk, reflecting the actor’s interest in meditation and spirituality.
What This Means for Street Fighter
The movie brings together an unusually diverse cast, including Rhodes as Guile and Schulz as Dan Hibiki, alongside Jammwal as Dhalsim.
For Rhodes, the project offers an opportunity to expand beyond WWE and appear in a major live-action adaptation of a globally recognized video game franchise. For Jammwal, it represents a significant step in bringing his martial arts background to a wider international audience.
The film’s appeal to American viewers will depend partly on how successfully it translates the games’ recognizable characters and fighting styles into a cinematic story.
Jammwal’s casting is particularly notable because Dhalsim is the franchise’s Indian character, making authentic cultural representation an important part of the role.
The praise from Rhodes and Schulz also gives audiences a reason to look beyond the character’s appearance and consider the real-world skills and personality of the performer portraying him.
A Mutual Respect Beyond the Screen
Rhodes’ comments show that his appreciation for Jammwal extends beyond his physical appearance or martial arts ability. The thoughtful gifts, personal conversations, and stories from filming paint a picture of a co-star who made a genuine impression on the people around him.
For WWE fans, it is another glimpse into Rhodes’ life outside the ring. For Street Fighter fans, it offers an early look at the relationships that developed behind the scenes.
With Jammwal portraying Dhalsim and Rhodes stepping into the role of Guile, their collaboration brings together two performers from very different entertainment backgrounds.
If the chemistry behind the scenes translates to the screen, Street Fighter could provide both actors with an opportunity to reach audiences who may not have followed their careers before.
For now, Rhodes’ enthusiastic praise has helped put a spotlight on Jammwal’s combination of martial arts expertise, physical conditioning, and personal warmth.
