The director of WWE: Unreal has opened up about the ‘polarizing’ response to the Netflix behind-the-scenes documentary.
Fans have been critical of Netflix’s WWE: Unreal, which many believe could ruin the mystique of the wrestling industry.
Fans are not alone either, as CM Punk and Rhea Ripley have criticised WWE: Unreal during the promotional trail.
The director of the show has revealed the intentions behind the series, and why WWE were keen to introduce it.
WWE: Unreal director says Netflix show is for ‘the next fan’
WWE: Unreal director appeared on Pro Wrestling and MMA Interviews With Me to chat about the backlash to the Netflix show.
The director revealed that Netflix and WWE wanted to introduce the show to entice new fans into the product.
“I think that was a major goal for them—like, hey, let’s see if we can get more people to watch this thing and, you know, expand our footprint, expand our audience, our fan base,” said Chris Weaver.
“Hopefully we’re going to do that,” added the director. “I know it’s been a polarizing discussion in the wrestling realm. But my hope is—the next fan coming in is what we’re after.”
WWE: Unreal launches on the streaming giant on July 29 and is set to feature Punk, Ripley, John Cena, and more.
The show is part of the company’s lucrative streaming deal with Netflix, which brought WWE Raw and premium live events to the platform from January 2025.
Everything you need to know about WWE: Unreal
WWE: Unreal is set to tell the backstage story behind Triple H and the creative team preparing for WrestleMania 41 from January 2025 until the event.
That means the show will feature huge moments from this year, including Cena’s incredible heel turn at Elimination Chamber.
The five-episode series is also set to feature Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, and, Bianca Belair, with Triple H acting as the narrator of the documentary.
The show is Netflix’s first WWE-inspired television outside of the traditional wrestling shows they air for the company.