WWE is pulling back the curtain like never before with its upcoming Netflix docuseries, WWE: Unreal, premiering July 29th. But not everyone is thrilled about this peek behind the scenes. Wrestling legend Jake 'The Snake' Roberts has voiced strong concerns about the show's potential impact on the wrestling product itself.
In a recent episode of his Snake Pit podcast, Roberts was asked about his thoughts on WWE: Unreal, which promises to take fans into the writers' room and reveal how TV tapings and Premium Live Events are created. Initially, Roberts admitted he hadn't heard of the series. After the concept was explained, his response was laced with sarcasm: "Like everything else, they make money with it, might as well do that too."
However, Roberts' skepticism deepened when discussing the concept of breaking kayfabe – the presentation of professional wrestling as genuine – in modern WWE. He stated bluntly, "I think it's foolish. I don't think that product will ever warrant enough money being made as for the damage it'll do." He essentially agreed that the potential rewards might not outweigh the risks involved in revealing too much of the inner workings of the business.
Roberts isn't the first wrestling icon to express reservations about the show. Steve Austin previously criticized the documentary, suggesting WWE had already lifted the curtain too far. Austin compared pro wrestling to magic, arguing that revealing the secrets could ruin the illusion for fans. While acknowledging his "old-school" mentality, Austin's comments echo Roberts' concerns about preserving the mystique of professional wrestling.
What Can Fans Expect from WWE: Unreal?
Despite the criticism, WWE: Unreal is generating significant buzz. The five-episode series is a co-production involving Omaha Productions, NFL Films, Skydance Sports, and WWE. Details have emerged regarding the content of each episode, including:
- A focus on the WWE Raw premiere on Netflix at the Intuit Dome, highlighting CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, and Rhea Ripley.
- Coverage of the men's Royal Rumble match and the Cody Rhodes-Kevin Owens feud.
- An episode dedicated to the female talent, including Chelsea Green, Charlotte Flair, and Bianca Belair.
- An episode covering John Cena's heel turn at Elimination Chamber and the New Day's heel turn.
Will WWE: Unreal be a groundbreaking success or a damaging exposure? Only time will tell. But the concerns raised by legends like Jake Roberts and Steve Austin highlight the delicate balance between entertainment and preserving the magic of professional wrestling.