Referee on a wrestling ring
Martin Martz/Unsplash

WWE: Unreal, a new five-part docuseries, premiered globally on Netflix. The series offers an unprecedented look into the WWE's creative process, giving fans a behind-the-scenes view of storyline development from Monday Night Raw through WrestleMania 41. Produced in partnership with NFL Films, Skydance Sports and Peyton Manning's Omaha Productions, WWE: Unreal provides access to WWE's inner workings like never before.

Netflix Release Date and Streaming Details

The entire WWE: Unreal series was made available on Netflix at 3:01 a.m. ET on 29 July. All five episodes are available for streaming under standard subscription tiers. The docuseries is accessible globally, allowing both casual viewers and long-time fans to explore WWE's scripted reality and see how creative decisions are made before they hit television.

The show is narrated by WWE Chief Content Officer Paul 'Triple H' Levesque and features candid interviews with top superstars, producers and members of WWE's creative team.

WWE Unreal Episodes and Key Themes

The five episodes of WWE: Unreal each centre around a different aspect of the promotion's storytelling machinery:

  • Episode 1 introduces the WWE creative team, providing insight into how storylines are crafted and approved.
  • Episode 2 explores the internal debates surrounding the 2025 Royal Rumble, particularly the decision-making process behind who would win.
  • Episode 3 takes a closer look at the Women's Royal Rumble match, with discussion on alternative endings that were nearly executed.
  • Episode 4 follows the production build-up to WrestleMania 41, with behind-the-scenes footage of rehearsals and match preparations.
  • Episode 5 reflects on the superstars' emotional journeys, showing unseen moments of vulnerability and personal growth.

Each episode features appearances from talent such as CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Charlotte Flair, Bianca Belair, Chelsea Green, Rhea Ripley and Jey Uso.

Unreal Plans That Never Made It to the Ring

One of the most compelling aspects of the series is its reveal of scrapped storylines and altered match outcomes. Episode 2 shows that CM Punk and John Cena were both considered for the 2025 Royal Rumble victory before the team settled on Jey Uso. Viewers witness how the decision was influenced by long-term storytelling plans and audience reaction.

In Episode 3, it is revealed that Chelsea Green was almost booked to win the Women's Royal Rumble via a controversial double-elimination ending. The plan was eventually scrapped in favour of Charlotte Flair's victory. These insights expose how fluid WWE's creative process can be and how close some superstars came to career-defining moments.

Inside WWE's Writers' Room and Gorilla Position

WWE: Unreal grants viewers access to areas traditionally kept off-limits, including Gorilla Position, where matches are orchestrated in real time. The series showcases live backstage reactions, headset communications and internal pitches that rarely make it to television.

Talking to The Hollywood Reporter, Chris Weaver said that WWE never issued a 'hard no' on filming requests. This level of openness allowed the cameras to document real-time decision-making during some of WWE's biggest events, including WrestleMania 41.

Ripley, Punk and Green Stand Out in Candid Moments

Several superstars emerge as standouts throughout the series. Rhea Ripley reveals a softer, playful side to her persona, sharing moments of off-camera life that contrast sharply with her on-screen character. CM Punk offers thoughtful commentary on the balance between performance and authenticity, while Chelsea Green's unscripted humour adds levity to the tense atmosphere of creative meetings.

Writer's pick