I'm a WWE expert – I'm shocked the Netflix documentary went so far
When Netflix announced new docu-series WWE: Unreal, it's fair to say there were some concerns.
I've been Metro's WWE and pro wrestling expert for almost six years now, travelling the world (and logging onto Zoom) to speak to the biggest names in sports entertainment, from The Undertaker and Becky Lynch to Triple H and Rhea Ripley.
Even I had my reservations. I make a living out of sharing real life stories, but how far should the curtain be pulled back on a business built on the suspension of disbelief?
The new five-part series – which launches today with all episodes available to binge – had promised an unprecedented look behind the scenes, from the writers room and beyond.
After watching all five episodes over two days earlier this month, I can safely say director Chris Weaver has crafted a uniquely touching and surprising look at the world of wrestling that only adds to the magic.
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It's impressive that the team crafted something that will work for the uninitiated just as much as the diehard fanatic, succinctly explaining terms like 'heel' (bad guy), 'babyface' (good guy) and 'Gorilla Position' (WWE's backstage production hub) without patronising.
Almost from the get-go in episode one, we get to see the writing room, getting a glimpse at how Paul 'Triple H' Levesque and his creative team put together hours of television a month.
It almost feels a bit naughty listening into to these meetings over the entire season, as they debate Royal Rumble winners, John Cena's heel turn, and even how to motivate Jey Uso on the road to WrestleMania.
Episode 1 – New Era
Episode 2 – The Push
Episode 3 – Worth the Wait
Episode 4 – Heel Turn
Episode 5 – WrestleMania
There are moments fans have seen reports of in the news, but never seen with their own eyes.
That all changes here.
The first episode delves into the Raw premiere on Netflix in wild detail, even showing how producer Chris Park (AKA Abyss) worked with Seth Rollins and CM Punk on their January 6 main event.
I found myself actually feeling a little heartbroken, as the TNA Wrestling legend got a dressing down from boss Bruce Pritchard for the match overrunning.
It went down brilliantly with fans at the time, but here the executive calls it 'overwritten', leaving Abyss – a mountain of a man – almost cowering as he apologises and asks if Bruce is mad at him.
It's not a moment that paints the executive in the best light.
Elsewhere, we see Chelsea Green pushing back on the ending to her Saturday Night's Main Event match where she became the first ever Women's United States Champion.
We delved into it with her last week, but seeing her discussions with producers – as well as hearing her journey firsthand – is fascinating.
Just as engaging is the in-depth character pieces Netflix have created for each episode, putting the superstars front and centre as their true selves, with the likes of Cody Rhodes, John Cena, Triple H, Bianca Belair and more all heavily featured.
One of the season's highlights comes in episode four, Heel Turn, which goes into startling detail on John Cena's turn to the dark side earlier this year.
WWE's production is second to none, and their partnership with Netflix is on full display with a stunningly-presented timeline about how Triple H communicated with a close knit circle to pull it off without anything leaking.
Triple H only spoke to The Rock, John Cena, Cody Rhodes and Travis Scott about the big plans, even keeping it hidden from right hand man Bruce until the very last second.
The episode also showcases how WWE's veteran director had to call everything on the fly, cutting to different cameras and capturing the action despite not knowing what was coming.
Cena's heel turn was thrilling to watch in the moment – but it's just as exciting follows the drama happening just behind the curtain.
I won't spoil too much about the series, as it's a genuinely enthralling ride from start to finish, culminating fittingly at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas.
What I will say is that something many fans were fearful of may actually be the best thing for wrestling – and superstars like CM Punk still manage to tread the line without giving too much away.
If you already love WWE, you'll love seeing how they create the magic. If you've never given it the chance, you'll gain a deeper respect for pro wrestling as an artform.
You'll weep for Rhea Ripley as she breaks down her devastating shoulder injury which has left her with a lump on her shoulder until she finally decides to undergo surgery. More Trending
You'll cheer for Jey Uso as he finally gets his moment at the Rumble with his son watching in the front row.
And you'll gain a deeper respect for the men and women that step into the ring all in the name of entertainment. Yes, it's scripted. Yes, it's a show.
But the glory, the drama and the sacrifice are as real as it gets. WWE truly is Unreal.
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WWE: Unreal is available to stream on Netflix.
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