Debuting today on Netflix is the 5-part docuseries, WWE: Unreal. The series goes backstage, behind the curtain, to reveal the personal lives of the WWE’s biggest superstars, the creation of integral storylines designed to keep the global leader in sports entertainment’s fans hooked, and so much more. Narrated by Chief Content Officer and 14-time World Champion Paul “Triple H” Levesque, viewers will get an inside look as the WWE makes its groundbreaking move to Netflix, and develops a business-shattering storyline heading into WrestleMania.
Two of the superstars featured in WWE: Unreal are also two of the biggest: CM Punk and Rhea Ripley. CM Punk, aka Phil Brooks, had been away from WWE for over a decade, leaving soon after his controversial “pipebomb” promo that burned bridges on his way out. Known as “The Voice of the Voiceless”, Punk has never shied away from speaking his mind, and that attitude made his triumphant return in 2023 a small miracle, but also a risky gamble.
For Ripley, she’s known as “The Eradicator” for a reason. Known for her aggression and intense physicality, Ripley is shown letting her guard down for a look at the quiet side of her life. It’s the first time most fans will have seeing her this way, a stark contrast to the imposing superstar she is in the ring.
As a longtime professional wrestling fan who has always believed in “protecting the business”, a series like WWE: Unreal is not something I tend to be interested in. But I have to admit that over the course of five episodes it won me over due to the openness of the superstars and Triple H. They weren’t afraid to let their guards down, even when that meant showing some of the tense conversations that went into the crafting of the wrestling we love to watch each and every week.
It was my absolute pleasure to talk with CM Punk and Rhea Ripley about WWE: Unreal. Punk talked about his return to WWE and putting the old baggage in the past, particularly when it came to Triple H, to pursue his dream of headlining WrestleMania. Ripley talked about her hesitation about showing the softer side of herself to millions of people who have never seen it before.
WWE: Unreal is streaming now on Netflix and runs for five episodes. Check out the interview below!
