10 Most Shocking Things We Learned From WWE Documentaries In 2020
Kayfabe may be dead but WWE's documentaries are every fan's inheritance.
In the social media age, kayfabe can at best be propped up on life support - a medical intervention that WWE wrestlers themselves are likely not insured for. A modern-day WWE superstar has not only themselves and their gimmick to manage, but also their social media persona, which requires them to hype up their gimmick and show enough of the real person to appeal to online followers. You can easily imagine Vince McMahon’s angst if he joined Instagram.
However, a key benefit for fans is that WWE are more inclined to give its devotees a fleeting glimpse behind the curtain. They have built a catalogue of must-see documentaries on the Network. It is impressive that a streaming service based around a single company has such a diverse selection of content, whether you want to reminisce about the Monday Night Wars or follow the latest NXT call-up during their first year on the main roster.
While wrestling documentaries made from outside the company, such as Vice’s Dark Side of The Ring, are packed with exposés, gritty details, and WWE persona non grata, WWE’s own Network profiles have their own shocks...
10. Keith Lee's Multiple WWE Rejections
WWE 24: Keith Lee
Though it is easier to believe with the recent backstage shenanigans, Keith Lee was once considered an underdog and passed over by WWE on multiple occasions.
His first WWE try-out was in 2008, when Dusty Rhodes broke it to Lee that his mic work needed considerable improvement. One year later, Lee appeared on Raw as a security guard who was decked by a single punch thrown by Vince McMahon, and then tossed about by Shane and Triple H.
Lee’s 2011 try-out for Florida Championship Wrestling was a slight improvement, with William Regal complimenting Lee on having something special, however, it was another no, for now. Two years later Lee returned to try-out for the post-FCW developmental brand NXT. Lee acknowledged surviving the rough training, again he received a no. However, Dusty recognised his improved promo skills commenting “son, you have a presence I can literally bask in”.
Lee’s name and reputation spread throughout the wrestling world. In 2018, he caught the attention of William Regal and Mark Henry, who were instrumental in signing Lee. He finally made his on-screen debut at NXT Takeover Chicago II.