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The Review Geek
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Review Geek
WWE: Unreal Review – A heavily-skewed, controlled look at WWE 'under the hood'
Season 1 Episode Guide New Era Push Worth the Wait Heel Turn Wrestlemania WWE: Unreal is one of those docu-series that could have been great had it been produced by an outside entity away from WWE. The ideas here are certainly interesting, with the promise of pulling the curtain back and showing the inner-workings of pro-wrestling like never before. Unfortunately, what we get is an overly produced, glossy and sanitized look at the business, like peeking through a keyhole rather than flinging the doors open and giving an all-access look at the business. After watching all five episodes, it's hard not to feel like this is one long, extended work rather than an authentic slice of life on the wrestling road. In fact, I'd argue that WWE Tough Enough or even Dark Side of the Ring do a far better job of looking at the business than anything in this Netflix series. That's before even mentioning the elephant in the room that's never mentioned in the docu-series outside of a few scripted reactions from fans online – YouTube. YouTube have a ton of podcasts and interesting wrestling channels that properly pull the curtain back and dive into the business. While yes, it's less glossy and produced (partly thanks to strict copyright over there), it's also way more authentic. Whether it be former superstar Maven chirping up with weekly videos, accompanied by his (now infamous) 'Hey guys, Maven here!' intro, or Kurt Angle doing extended segments on Joe Rogan, there's some fascinating content that really helps to explore . That's before mentioning play-by-play commentaries from old superstars, like The Undertaker and Mick Foley reacting to their Hell in a Cell match back in 1998. The point I'm trying to make then is that Unreal is a bit of an enigma because it doesn't seem to have a clear, intended audience. It feels like it's trying to grab the casual fans and rewrite its own narrative to hook you in, akin to the later seasons of Drive to Survive. Unfortunately, it doesn't have the chops to pull it off in quite the same way, as casual fans who don't want the magic spoiled may steer clear of this on principle. Conversely, die-hard fans that already follow the inner-workings of the business or hang around message boards discussing backstage shenanigans each week won't get much from this either, seeing the gloss from a mile off. And of course those not really into wrestling won't find much here to change their mind. To be fair, learning about key parts of the business, including storylines that never make the final cut, how the 'gorilla position' works, and all the bumps and bruises along the way does make for a pretty interesting watch. In essence, WWE: Unreal plays out as a Road to Wrestlemania puff piece. It's a docu-series designed to promote the new talent coming through the ranks, get casuals up to scratch with the latest storylines and big superstars (despite basically being 4 months out of date at the time of release) and reveal a few carefully skewed and controlled narrative titbits from a thin slice of the company's history. The five episodes each focus on two or three wrestlers before we then follow their journey through the PPVs, culminating in an hour-long finale that's basically a 'best of' for Wrestlemania's two-day showdown. Along the way we see Rhea Ripley's journey to the main event, CM Punk's desire to headline Wrestlemania, along with John Cena's retirement tour too, wanting to go out with a bang. One of the more interesting segments comes in episode 4 as a tight-knit group discuss a crazy Heel turn (good guy turning to a bad guy) for John Cena. Seeing all the machinations around this, including 'What If' scenarios playing out makes for a really fascinating watch. Likewise, a few golden moments of backstage authenticity, like when Kevin Owens asks Cody Rhodes if he's okay after a brutal ladder match, or Charlotte Flair reflecting on how daunting living up to the Flair name is, help give the docu-series some character. Unfortunately, these moments are few and far between as the show doesn't do enough to distinguish what's kayfabe (staying in character) and what's genuine – and I don't mean that in a good way. While some superstars come across as authentic on camera – like Rhea Ripley or John Cena – others make it difficult to know whether they're putting on an act or not. Bianca Belair mentions at one point, proudly, that the whip sound she makes with her hair is completely authentic with no sound effects necessary. While there are visible scars to prove her point, just to play devil's advocate here, is the ring not mounted with microphones under the ring to amplify the sound? Likewise, CM Punk mentions early on about Seth Rollins being super cocky and arrogant, although this is also his character on-screen so is he just playing himself? We never know because WWE also has a habit of only seeing one side of every rivalry and confrontation. How does Liv Morgan feel about ending her feud with Rhea Ripley? Despite winning a match (spoilers, by the way) Iyo Sky is never interviewed and only briefly showcased here. Moments like this are a great reminder that this is very much a heavily-skewed, controlled narrative rather than an eye-opening expose into the wrestling business from all angles. While some may enjoy what's here, it's hard to know exactly what WWE intended with releasing Unreal. It's certainly not a bad documentary, but it's not a particularly good one either. If you want some good wrestling exposes, do yourself a favour and load up YouTube instead. You'll get much better bang for your buck over there.
The Citizen
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Wrestler Hulk Hogan (71) dies
Well-known wrestler Hulk Hogan (real name Terry Gene Bollea) passed away at age 71 after emergency services were called to his house in Florida in the US. The BBC reports that Clearwater Police Department officer Nate Burnside said in a press briefing that police were called to his house for a serious medical-related issue. He passed away in hospital shortly thereafter. No foul play is suspected. Paramedics fighting for Hogan's life while pushing him from his house to an ambulance was caught on video and published by TikTok user Crissyglass19. Since Bollea's passing, condolences have been streaming in, with US President Donald Trump calling him 'tough, smart with the biggest heart' in a post on X released by the official White House account. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed! ❤️ — The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 24, 2025 Several wrestling legends also posted tributes. 'The Undertaker' posted on X saying, 'The wrestling world has lost a true legend.' The wrestling world has lost a true legend. His contributions to our business are immeasurable and for that I am appreciative. Thank you, Hulk Hogan. — Undertaker (@undertaker) July 24, 2025 Matt Hardy wrote that he was 'the first mainstream megastar in pro wrestling' while Kane called him 'a true legend'. Kurt Angle wrote, 'Thank you for opening up doors for so many people in the industry including myself.' R.I.P Hulkster, thank you for opening up doors for so many people in the business including myself. There would not be a Kurt Angle, without the American Made, Hulk Hogan. My heart and prayers go out to his family. We lost a real icon today. — Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) July 24, 2025 Triple H said, 'WWE would not be where it is today without the larger-than-life characters that compete in the ring … and few, if any, loomed larger than Terry 'Hulk Hogan' Bollea.' R.I.P Hulkster, thank you for opening up doors for so many people in the business including myself. There would not be a Kurt Angle, without the American Made, Hulk Hogan. My heart and prayers go out to his family. We lost a real icon today. — Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) July 24, 2025 Bollea had an extensive wrestling career spanning from the early 1980s until 2003. He took on the persona of Hulk Hogan in 1996. Other than wrestling, Bollea also dabbled in acting, appearing in Rocky III alongside Sylvester Stallone.
The Sun
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
WWE star Hulk Hogan's tragic health battles that left him unable to feel legs & needing cane to walk before death at 71
WWE legend Hulk Hogan battled devastating health struggles throughout the final years of his life. The iconic wrestler was unable to feel his legs and needed a cane to walk before his death at 71. 2 2 Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, died in a Florida hospital on Thursday morning, days after his ex-wife shared a throwback picture of him. Early reports indicated he died of cardiac arrest, police confirmed to The U.S. Sun. The iconic wrestler publicly suffered through surgeries and hospitalizations for chronic neck and back pain caused by years of heavy weight-training and brawling in the ring. Just last month, he was hospitalized for lingering neck and back pain, sparking rumors on social media that Hogan was on his "death bed." Hogan's representatives said he was hospitalized due to "more of the same ailments" that he had for years, TMZ reported at the time. He reportedly underwent a surgery described as a "little fusion procedure." LOST FEELING IN LEGS In January 2023, friend and fellow wrestler Kurt Angle revealed Hogan lost all feeling in the lower half of his body after a recent back surgery. Speaking on his self-titled program, The Kurt Angle Show, Angle said, "He had the nerves cut from his lower body. He can't feel his lower body. So [he] uses his cane to walk around." He added, "I thought he was using the cane because he had pain in his back. "He doesn't have any pain. He has nothing at all. He can't feel anything." Hogan's representative denied Angler's claim at the time and said that he wasn't paralyzed. 'Everything is OK with him. Hulk is someone with a lot of humour," the spokesperson told Entertainment Tonight. In February 2023, Hogan was pictured walking with a cane.
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
FOX Nation to stream Real American Freestyle wrestling events
FOX Nation announced Monday that it will be the streaming partner for Real American Freestyle wrestling. The first event, called RAF 01, is scheduled for August 30 at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland. FOX Nation also will stream a second event in the fall at a date to be determined. 'Real American Freestyle is creating something that's never been done before, and we needed a partner that understood that and could build with us,' Hulk Hogan, Real American Freestyle commissioner, said of the direct-to-consumer, on-demand service. 'FOX Nation is synergistic with our brand, they appreciate the importance of bringing this sport to the masses, and they believe in our goal." The collaboration is the latest of several big moves for RAF. The company has added American Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle to its broadcast team to join mixed martial arts stars Chael Sonnen and Bubba Jenkins. Angle likes the idea of RAF providing wrestlers a new opportunity to make money. 'I grew up freestyle wrestling and achieved the highest level of success in the sport,' Angle said. 'I couldn't be prouder to support athletes at all levels of their careers and partner with Real American Freestyle to make it happen. Chael and Bubba will bring a unique aspect to their analysis given their own backgrounds in combat sports, and I'm excited to join them for RAF 01 to bring freestyle wrestling to audiences around the world.' The company has announced most of the matchups for the first event. Men's matches scheduled are Bo Nickal vs. Jacob Cardenas, Yianni Diakomihalis vs. Bajrang Punia, Darrion Caldwell vs. Real Woods and Austin Gomez vs. Lance Palmer. Women's matches scheduled are Kennedy Blades vs. Alejandra Rivera and Sarah Hildebrandt vs. Zeltzin Hernandez. Wyatt Hendrickson, the Oklahoma State star who upset Minnesota's Gable Steveson in the NCAA Division I heavyweight final this year, has signed. His opponent for RAF 01 has not been determined. 'We're thrilled to partner with the Real American Freestyle team as they build a visionary brand that redefines the future of wrestling,' Fox Nation president Lauren Petterson said. 'Fusing elite athleticism with unmatched entertainment, it's an honor to be part of the new era of the world's oldest and most iconic sport.' ___ AP sports: Cliff Brunt, The Associated Press
Associated Press
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
FOX Nation to stream Real American Freestyle wrestling events
FOX Nation announced Monday that it will be the streaming partner for Real American Freestyle wrestling. The first event, called RAF 01, is scheduled for August 30 at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland. FOX Nation also will stream a second event in the fall at a date to be determined. 'Real American Freestyle is creating something that's never been done before, and we needed a partner that understood that and could build with us,' Hulk Hogan, Real American Freestyle commissioner, said of the direct-to-consumer, on-demand service. 'FOX Nation is synergistic with our brand, they appreciate the importance of bringing this sport to the masses, and they believe in our goal.' The collaboration is the latest of several big moves for RAF. The company has added American Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle to its broadcast team to join mixed martial arts stars Chael Sonnen and Bubba Jenkins. Angle likes the idea of RAF providing wrestlers a new opportunity to make money. 'I grew up freestyle wrestling and achieved the highest level of success in the sport,' Angle said. 'I couldn't be prouder to support athletes at all levels of their careers and partner with Real American Freestyle to make it happen. Chael and Bubba will bring a unique aspect to their analysis given their own backgrounds in combat sports, and I'm excited to join them for RAF 01 to bring freestyle wrestling to audiences around the world.' The company has announced most of the matchups for the first event. Men's matches scheduled are Bo Nickal vs. Jacob Cardenas, Yianni Diakomihalis vs. Bajrang Punia, Darrion Caldwell vs. Real Woods and Austin Gomez vs. Lance Palmer. Women's matches scheduled are Kennedy Blades vs. Alejandra Rivera and Sarah Hildebrandt vs. Zeltzin Hernandez. Wyatt Hendrickson, the Oklahoma State star who upset Minnesota's Gable Steveson in the NCAA Division I heavyweight final this year, has signed. His opponent for RAF 01 has not been determined. 'We're thrilled to partner with the Real American Freestyle team as they build a visionary brand that redefines the future of wrestling,' Fox Nation president Lauren Petterson said. 'Fusing elite athleticism with unmatched entertainment, it's an honor to be part of the new era of the world's oldest and most iconic sport.' ___ AP sports:
