Who Wins The World Warrior Tournament? Street Fighter Ending, Explained
Street Fighter revolves around the second World Warrior Tournament, but which character is victorious, and will there be another film?
The 1994 Street Fighter movie is not great. Some of the casting choices are inspired, but the film itself is a muddled and confused mess. This means that the bar for the new Street Fighter is exceptionally low, but in all honesty, it is way more fun than it has any right to be.
Set in an alternate 1993, Street Fighter takes place during the second ever World Warrior Tournament. Arranged by the self-appointed Lord M. Bison, the fighting competition seeks to crown the ultimate champion. Chun-Li is tasked with recruiting fighters and the roster includes game favourites Ryu, Ken, Vega, and Guile amongst others.
But, who wins the epic showdown? And does Street Fighter leave space for a sequel? Read on for the spoiler-filled answers.
Who Wins The Tournament
The tournament at the heart of Street Fighter is merely a ploy by M. Bison to lure Ryu out of hiding so that he can harvest his power. As such, the actual event is simply window dressing and despite presenter Don Sauvage’s best efforts, the tournament is a bit of a sham.
Several characters don’t show up to their scheduled fights and in doing so forfeit their place in the competition. The only fighter seemingly committed to the cause is Ken, but after Ryu ends up captured by Bison, Ken races to rescue him, leaving his spot in the final round empty.
Because Ken is yet another forfeiter, Joe is crowned the winner of the tournament, but his elation is short-lived…
What Happens After The Winner Is Crowned
As Joe is enjoying his victory lap, the demonic Akuma keeps his promise to Ryu and arrives ready to fight the winner. Joe is no match for the powerful being and Akuma effortlessly dispatches him. With Akuma threatening to destroy everything and everyone unless Ryu faces him, Ryu reluctantly goes into battle.
Ryu manages to defeat Akuma, but loses himself to the darkness within him in the process. His best friend Ken is then left with no other option but to stop him, Ken unleashes a near deadly Hadouken upon Ryu. Thankfully the attack is enough to knock some sense — and calm — back into Ryu and the pair, along with Chun-Li and Dan, turn their attention to Bison.
Does Bison Get His Comeuppance?
During the duel between Ken and Ryu, Bison manages to slip away, taking Akuma’s body with him. The demonic being is bursting with power and it looks like Bison intends to feast on what remains, maximising his own psychic powers. The group of heroes realise too late that Bison and Akuma are missing and as they race to catch Bison, he is seen fleeing in the back of a vehicle.
Just as the group are about to follow, Cammy rises through the sunroof of Bison’s car and shoots the team's only means of transportation with a rocket launcher. This leaves them stranded, Bison able to easily getaway, and wheels set in motion for a sequel.
Street Fighter 2? Where Does The Film Leave Ken, Ryu, And Chun-Li?
As Street Fighter ends, the quartet of Chun-Li, Ken, Ryu, and Dan sit on the side of the road trying to hitch a ride. After several cars pass them by, one eventually stops. The driver is none other than fellow tournament fighter Guile, with another participant, Dhalsim, in the passenger seat.
Guile remarks that the two are “going on a Bison hunt”, to which Ken, Chun-Li, Dan, and Ryu eagerly agree they want in on. Street Fighter ends with all six fighters stuffed into Guile’s sports car as they begin their journey to finish M. Bison once and for all.
If that isn't sequel setup, I don't know what is.
