Latest news with #Wrestlemania
The Review Geek
14 hours ago
- 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.
NDTV
a day ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Ex-TNA Star Reveals He Rejected WWE's Offer To Face The Undertaker At Wrestlemania
TNA Wrestling star Abyss recently cleared the air regarding the rumours about him being approached by the WWE. Abyss, the monster a big name at tha TNA, revealed that he was approached by the WWE for a Wrestlemania match with none other than the great Undertaker. However, the offer was turned down by the TNA great, not once but multiple times. The Undertaker, popularly known as the Deadman, is one of the biggest stars ever produced by WWE and getting a match against him is a dream for many wrestlers. According to Wrestling World, Abyss revealed in an interview that he turned down WWE's offer because he did not want to leave TNA. Abyss stated that TNA made him a star and leaving them would have been like a betrayal to the ones who supported him right from the beginning. He was one of the original monsters of the company and even game many deadly matches and took TNA to new heights. However, in 2019, he joined WWE, not as as wrestler but a backstage producer. He helped others stars tell their stories but the fans did not get to see him inside the ring with The Undertaker. Talking about The Undertaker, one of the GOAT's of the WWE universe marked his rare appearance in the ring, as he decided to confront TNA champion Trick Williams in NXT segment on Tuesday. A fiery faceoff between the two began after Williams spoke critically about The Deadman's LFG team before taking a dig at the WWE Hall of Famer too. Williams ridiculed The Undertaker's legacy by asserting that he has been doing more than the legendary wrestler ever did for the company as TNA Champion. "Nobody in all of WWE is a Superstar like Trick Williams," the TNA champion said. It wasn't the first time Williams took a dig at The Undertaker. Earlier, he had said: "You're out here popping off like your knees ain't got no expiration date. I'm glad you like to roll your eyes in the back of your head, because I might just knock your as out tomorrow," Williams had challenged the legend.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Netflix exposes hidden WWE area fans never get to see and this is what it's for
Some might know about it but Netflix offers first deep dive into how it works on each WWE show Netflix have uncovered a hidden WWE area that fans never get to see during shows and revealed exactly what it is for. New docuseries Unreal, now streaming on the platform is revealing some rarely seen insight into the making of the wrestling company. According to its synopsis, fans are invited for the first time ever, to step into the WWE writer's room and outside the ring among other places with their favourite WWE Superstars. Cameras take viewers where the drama is just as intense offstage as it is under the spotlight across this unique five-part series showing behind the scenes like never before. One of those areas is a key place where everything is controlled, whether you are watching Raw, Royal Rumble or Wrestlemania. It is known as the Gorilla position. The most dedicated are probably already well aware of this location, but for those who are unfamiliar - it is affectionately named after former wrestler Robert James Marella, who went by the name Gorilla Monsoon. After Monsoon retired from action in the ring, he worked as one of WWE's most popular commentators. He also spent time as a backstage manager. This is where he would be consistently spotted pulling the strings in the small area between backstage, and the entrance. Hence, why it is now referred to as Gorilla position. It has certainly evolved since those days and even those who know of its existence are perhaps given their first proper look at how it is used for every WWE show. As WWE's Head of Content Paul Levesque, otherwise known as Triple H, explains: Years go when TV production started to become a thing, Gorilla Monsoon a very famous wrestler, he was timing things and controlling things from the area right before talent would walk out to go to the ring. "That became known as Gorilla Position. Gorilla Position in today's world, it is the epicenter of everything we do. The show is run from there." Bruce Prichard, WWE Executive Director adds: "The Gorilla position is probably the most important position in the arena. You basically control the world that night. Your world., the World Wresting Entertainment is controlled from the Gorilla position. A diagram is shown of the typical layout of Gorilla position, while workers construct the space from scratch for a production of Raw. Ed Koskey, the SVP of Creative Writing says "The Gorilla positioin is very unique. In every arena, it's custom built, However, the inside and the workings of it are the same. There's primarily three tables set up inside Gorilla position. There's one table where Triple H and Bruce Prichard are sitting. Another table where Billy Kidman, who is our producer responsible for timing out the show and keeping tabs on times. Next to him will sit the respective match producer. Despite this simple setup, footage shows at least a dozen additional people standing around the three desks, as the match producer calls through the action. It is also pointed out that every single producer at WWE is a former talent with extensive experience of performing in the ring themselves. Match producer Chris Park, used to wrestle under as Abyss and explains his role in Gorilla position. Not only is he making sure viewers at home get the best view and understand what is going on but he is constantly in the ears of the referees. He says: "So the mechanics during the match for me and the reason I'm wearing a headset is I'm talking to the truck, keeping them about 10 or 15 seconds ahead of what's going on in the ring so that the cameras capture the story that we're trying to tell. "Another thing I'm doing on that headset as well is I'm talking to the referees, the referees can hear me." Whatever producers need to tell talent, whether it is to speed up, increase energy or make their mark, the message is delivered via the referees. They are also able to give feedback on the wrestlers' wellbeing. Triple H concludes: "Our business is telling stories and the epicentre of making that happen in real time, live, is Gorilla position."
New York Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Florida county school board chair deletes comments celebrating Hulk Hogan's death as ‘one less MAGA'
Advertisement Florida county school board chair Sarah Rockwell apologized for Facebook comments celebrating legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan's death on Thursday as 'one less MAGA' in the world. 'Oh did Hulk die? I didn't even know. Good. One less MAGA in the world,' Rockwell's since-deleted comment read. In a follow-up comment, Rockwell added, '[H]e worked with the McMahons to union bust professional wrestling. [H]e's never been a good guy. I feel absolutely nothing about his death.' After her comments went viral on social media, Rockwell deleted and apologized for them on her official school board Facebook account. Advertisement 'A few days ago, I made a cruel and flippant comment from my personal Facebook account on a friend's post regarding the death of Hulk Hogan,' she wrote on Saturday. 'I deeply regret making that comment and have since removed it. I want to make it very clear that I never have and never will wish harm on anyone regardless of whether we share political views. While I strongly disagree with some of the comments Hulk Hogan made, that is no excuse for my comment.' 3 Hulk Hogan rips his shirt as he speaks on stage on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 18, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Getty Images Rockwell added, 'I also sincerely apologize for the way my comment has eroded confidence in my ability to represent all students, families, and staff in Alachua County. I want to assure all of you that the best interests of our children and our public schools are at the center of everything I do as a board member. I hope I have shown that by my record of advocacy for children, families, and staff members throughout Alachua County. Again, I apologize for the hurt and distrust I have caused with my insensitive comment. I will continue to do the hard work of putting our children and schools first. I hope that I can earn back your trust.' Advertisement Fox News Digital reached out to Rockwell and Alachua County Public Schools for comment. 3 Donald Trump and Hogan at Wrestlemania Vl Convention Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, March 29, 1987. Getty Images 3 Hogan poses as he speaks on stage on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 18, 2024. Getty Images Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, died at age 71 after suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. Advertisement He was a six-time WWE champion, won the Royal Rumble twice and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as an individual in 2005 and as a member of the NWO in 2020. He was also a six-time world heavyweight champion in WCW as well as the IWGP champion in New Japan Pro-Wrestling once. At the Republican National Convention last year, Hogan endorsed President Donald Trump for another term by ripping off his shirt to expose a sleeveless 'Trump Vance Make America Great Again' shirt.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
WWE Cody Rhodes vs John Cena WrestleMania rematch: Should Triple H bring The Rock back to the ring?
The WWE has continued to grow and expand its influence under the aegis of Triple H as Creative Head of the association. Despite his many wins, fans still believe there is a key mistake that he could fix in order to give the audience what they truly want, and that would be to bring The Rock back to the ring. There have been missed opportunities for this in the recent past, but also room to correct this error in the future. If The Rock were to betray John Cena and cause him lose the match, it could provide for an interesting turn of events.(AP) Could Triple H bring The Rock back? The discussion first started during the Cody Rhodes vs John Cena saga at Wrestlemania, an altercation during which the Brahma Bull's absence was visibly felt. Instead, Travis Scott entered the main event of the Grandest Stage of Them All. The audience would be delighted to see The Rock make an appearance in the Cody Rhodes vs John Cena WrestleMania rematch for the Undisputed WWE Championship in a Street Fight at SummerSlam on Friday (July 25). If The Rock were to betray John Cena and cause him lose the match, it could provide for an interesting turn of events. As of now, there is no clear indication or sign of The Rock returning to the ring. As per a recent update from The Rock isn't scheduled to be returning to the company anytime soon. Since he's part of the TKO Board of Directors, he has the option to do so whenever he chooses. His busy schedule at present might be what's stopping him. Fans react Fans took to social media to express their thoughts about the situation. 'I really wish The Rock hadn't insert himself at Bad Blood and at Elimination Chamber if he wasn't sure he'd be able to follow through with the story. Because he's left gaping holes in various storylines that has gone unresolved just so we could hear FEIN FEIN FEIN FEIN FEIN in the WM main event,' wrote one user. 'Wasted the Cena run...,' wrote another user. 'If he doesn't return I don't think Cody turns heel. I feel like Cody turning heel is predicated on The Rock returning and also Cena turning back into a babyface….,' yet another said. 'That's not a negative. Rock was great in his prime, but personal success doesn't guarantee the ability to book others effectively,' stated another. 'If it was the last time The final boss was really one of the best heels ever. Chills ️,' a user added. - By Stuti Gupta
