Originally featured on E! Online
The WWE is giving fans an exclusive peek behind the curtain to see what really goes down before their stars hit the ring.
In an upcoming Netflix series titled WWE: Unreal, premiering on July 29, big names like CM Punk and Rhea Ripley share insights into how storylines develop from concept to stage. CM revealed to E! News, “Viewers will discover how an initial idea is born and how it transitions from WWE HQ in Connecticut to being performed live.”
This five-part series, narrated by WWE superstar and Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque, follows the wrestlers as they brainstorm new ideas for shows like Monday Night Raw and Friday Night Smackdown. CM explained, “Fans will get to witness how those ideas grow and take shape.”
While the plotlines and moves are generally crafted by the writers in tense pre-ring discussions, Rhea highlights the thrill of the unpredictable nature of the sport. She stated, “Things often change in the moment. It happens all the time, which means the performers in the ring must adapt instantly—live on air—with no support!”
This sense of spontaneity is why WWE stars must be truly composed. Rhea confirmed, “Mistakes can occur during a match. It’s always stressful heading into the ring, but you just try to keep that worry at bay.”
For the dedicated WWE fans, the stakes are real. Rhea herself had to vacate the Women’s World Championship in April 2024 after suffering a shoulder injury in a match against Liv Morgan. Six months later, she faced another setback with a fractured right orbital socket during an NXT appearance, necessitating further recovery time away from competition.
“Sitting on the sidelines is truly one of the worst feelings imaginable,” Rhea confessed. “You watch your friends and family pursuing their dreams while you just want to leap back into action. It’s an ongoing itch!”
The Netflix documentary doesn’t just focus on the drama of the matches; it also brings to life poignant moments that transpire off-camera, like John Cena‘s farewell season as he gears up for retirement after spending more than twenty years in the WWE.
CM opened up about his long-time friendship with John, saying, “I’ve called John my wrestling soul mate.” CM left WWE back in 2014 over creative differences but made a grand return in 2023. Reflecting on those years apart, CM admitted, “I do have some regrets about leaving, questioning what more we could have accomplished together. Yet returning to work with him one last time makes it all the more special.”
CM is preparing for the much-anticipated SummerSlam 2025 set to take place at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on August 2 and 3. While this year’s event will feature fun guest appearances from Jelly Roll and Cardi B, CM joked about wanting a star-st match format: “I think it would be hilarious to have me join Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Jon Hamm in a six-man tag match where we could switch up while the ref isn’t looking. Sure, I’ll have my tattoos, but let’s bend the rules a little for the fun of it!”
WWE: Unreal is set to debut on July 29 via Netflix, so mark your calendars!
