Ex-cop and cage fighter Luke Wright (Jason Statham) finds himself entangled in a web of crime after unwittingly securing victory in a staged fight. This unexpected win earns him the ire of Emile Docheski (Sandor Tecsy), the ruthless head of the Russian mafia. As a harsh consequence, the mob kills Luke's pregnant wife, vowing to eliminate anyone he confides in. Stripped of everything, Luke descends into a life on the streets, becoming a homeless drifter.
Across the globe in China, young mathematical prodigy Mei (Catherine Chan) is kidnapped by henchmen of Triad leader Han Jiao (James Hong), who plans to exploit her unique talents for his underworld dealings. She is brought to New York, where she falls under the watchful eye of the vicious gangster Quan Chang (Reggie Lee). Fast forward a year, and Mei has meticulously memorized every aspect of Han's criminal operations in America.
When Han returns from China with a directive for Mei to memorize a crucial number, chaos erupts as their vehicle is ambushed by the Russian mafia. Mei is captured by Emile, who demands the number, but she stands her ground and refuses to divulge the information. Just as the situation intensifies, the police, under the corrupt Captain Wolf (Robert John Burke), intervene, letting Mei escape amidst the turmoil. Meanwhile, Luke contemplates ending his own life at a subway station, where he stumbles upon one of his wife's killers, Chemyakin (Igor Jijikine). Seeing Mei in danger rekindles a spark of his former self, prompting him to board the train and confront the Russians, ensuring Mei's escape.
Taking refuge in a hotel, Mei shares her knowledge of the number with Luke, who suspects it might unlock a secret safe. However, their reprieve is short-lived as Quan manages to locate Mei via her cellphone, whisking her away while Luke battles his henchmen. Meanwhile, Captain Wolf converses with Mayor Danny Tremello (Chris Sarandon), detailing Luke's shadowy past as a government assassin involved in covert operations against crime syndicates.
Determined to save Mei, Luke kidnaps Vassily to leverage a deal with Emile. In exchange for his son's safety, Emile reveals that Mei's number unlocks a heavily fortified safe containing $30 million, though he remains unaware of another hidden safe's contents. Luke enlists Wolf and his associates for the heist, and after a furious clash with Triad thugs, they reach the safe. Just as Luke is about to access it, Wolf attempts betrayal, leading to Luke dispatching the corrupt detectives and taking him captive instead.
Utilizing the stolen money, Luke orchestrates Mei's rescue while confronting Alex Rosen (Anson Mount), his former partner turned ally, to reclaim the second safe, which holds compromising evidence against the mayor. In a fight to the finish, Mei unexpectedly shoots Alex, leading Luke to finish him off and take charge of their fate.
In the aftermath, Luke gives Wolf $50,000, instructing him to return Vassily to Emile unharmed. Meanwhile, he sends the remaining funds to Han, demanding Mei's freedom and threatening repercussions should Han attempt to retaliate. With Han departing in disgrace, Luke proliferates copies of the incriminating disc around the city before setting off with Mei. When she questions their safety, Luke reassures her that they'll face whatever comes, taking it one day at a time.
