Kenny Omega Did Street Fighter 6 Motion Capture After a Misunderstanding | IGN
The upcoming release of Street Fighter 6’s latest DLC character, Alex, is bringing a unique blend of pro wrestling and fighting game dynamics to life, thanks to an unexpected collaboration with AEW star Kenny Omega. Omega lent his motion capture expertise to the character, a process that began with a rather amusing misunderstanding, as he revealed at IGN Fan Fest 2026.
Omega recounted the initial conversation with the development team. “When the news broke and they notified me, we signed the confidentiality agreements and we know who the characters are and that Alex is actually one of them. They told me that since I was a good player, it would be cool to incorporate one of my moves, maybe one or two, or a taunt or something like that,” he explained to IGN. He initially assumed the request was for a simple in-game flourish, a signature move or taunt he could contribute. “I said, ‘Wow, that would be great. I just don’t know when I can find time in my schedule to do the motion capture.’ And they said, ‘Oh, wait, are you doing motion capture?’ I said, ‘Yes, is that what you were talking about or not?’ They said, ‘Oh my God, if you did motion capture, that would be great.’ So it was a misunderstanding on my part that led me to go to the studio and do a whole series of motion captures for the character.”
The resulting work was a significant undertaking. Omega described a grueling 10- to 11-hour shoot at Capcom’s Osaka studio, where he lost approximately four liters of water weight. Despite the physical demands, he found the experience “totally worth it and it was a lot of fun.” The collaboration extends beyond simply providing movement data; the developers were receptive to his input, allowing him to see his ideas translated into the game’s final animations.
Interestingly, the motion capture process resonated with Omega’s recent experiences performing during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I think because of COVID I got used to wrestling and performing in front of no one,” he said. “It reminded me of being back in an empty arena, with cameras all around me, but no sound. There is no adulation. There is no one there. I see staff here and there, but it definitely brought back memories of COVID times.” This parallel highlights the adaptability required of professional athletes and performers in the face of unprecedented circumstances.
Alex, who first appeared in 1997’s Street Fighter III: New Generation, is a character deeply rooted in the world of professional wrestling. Capcom has embraced this connection in Street Fighter 6, incorporating several of Omega’s signature moves into Alex’s arsenal. Beyond the standard moveset, which includes Raging Spear, Sledgecross Hammer, and The Final Prison, Alex boasts a unique Level 2 super move, the “Omega Wing Buster.” This move is a direct homage to Omega’s finishing sequence, combining elements of the V-Trigger, the Snap Dragon Suplex, and the iconic One Winged Angel.
The “Omega Wing Buster” specifically features a knee strike followed by a modified piledriver, visually accentuated by a single black wing – a clear nod to Omega’s association with the “One-Winged Angel” and his fandom of Final Fantasy VII. This level of detail demonstrates a genuine appreciation for both Omega’s wrestling career and his personal interests.
This isn’t Omega’s first foray into the Street Fighter universe. In 2018, he appeared in a promotional video for Street Fighter V, playing the role of the newly elected mayor of Metro City, Cody Travers. The casting was a knowing wink to fans familiar with Omega’s tendency to incorporate video game references into his wrestling performances. He’s known for moves inspired by fighting games, even recreating Cody’s rock throw from Super Street Fighter II Alpha 3 during a match, complete with the signature “Hah hah!” taunt.
Omega’s influence extends to naming conventions as well. His signature flying knee attack is dubbed “V-Trigger,” directly referencing the core mechanic of Street Fighter V. This demonstrates a clear passion for the franchise and a willingness to integrate its elements into his professional wrestling persona. The opportunity to now embody a character *within* Street Fighter 6, and to have that character reflect his own moveset, represents a full-circle moment for the AEW star.
With Alex’s arrival on , Street Fighter 6 players can look forward to a character that not only embodies the spirit of professional wrestling but also carries the distinct imprint of one of its most innovative and influential performers. The collaboration between Capcom and Kenny Omega is a testament to the growing intersection between the worlds of gaming and professional wrestling, and a treat for fans of both.