WWE Unreal Drawing Mixed Backstage Reaction So Far (WWE News)

Behind the scenes secrets yield much internal debate - plus news on a potential second season.

WWE Unreal Triple H Cody Rhodes
WWE/Netflix

Netflix has very recently released the 'WWE Unreal' docuseries - a glimpse behind the curtain into the creative process.

While this sort of "exposé" is as much a part of the business as the thrust kick these days, the announcement was met with the expected response from some veterans. Bully Ray, speaking on Busted Open Radio recently, implied that people who have been around longer than he has have expressed concern about the extent to which the creative process is being explored. On his Snakepit podcast, Jake Roberts echoed this, claiming that the idea is "foolish".

Now, the WWE roster has weighed in.

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Per Fightful Select, the feedback to it is somewhat mixed. Certain talents were not aware that they'd be included; others, who reportedly "don't mind", aren't aware if they are being paid additional money to take part in it. Seemingly, the idea of "kayfabe" not being upheld is not the main source of concern, but rather the invasion of the gorilla position. Tensions "run high" there, as was noted in the report. Some talents are wary of looking vulnerable in these scenes.

Not to dismiss those concerns, which are of course valid, but this sort of thing is nothing new. The various '24' specials on the old Network, which covered the chaotic goings-on of certain Premium Live Events across the day of show, captured similar, fraught scenes to what many consider to be a Paul Levesque vehicle.

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It was also noted in Sean Ross Sapp's report that, while nothing is official, WWE is proceeding as if a second season is happening. Director Chris Weaver filmed content related to Seth Rollins' recent Money In The Bank cash-in at SummerSlam this Saturday.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!