The recently released Netflix docuseries WWE: Unreal has pulled back the curtain on some of WWE’s most pivotal creative decisions, including the behind-the-scenes deliberations on the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble winner. Newly surfaced footage from the show captures a candid roundtable discussion featuring WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque, where he directly asks the creative team, “Who should win this year’s Royal Rumble?” — revealing that CM Punk and John Cena were early front-runners in the creative pitches[1].

This unexpected revelation sheds new light on WWE’s approach to one of its flagship events. While the Royal Rumble has often been used as a launching pad for rising stars or a platform for established favorites, the prominence of legends like John Cena and CM Punk in early 2025 planning demonstrates WWE’s ongoing balance between pushing fresh talent and relying on proven draws with massive fan followings.

The Docuseries Offers a Rare Look Inside WWE’s Writer’s Room

WWE: Unreal premiered on Netflix in early 2025 with promises to provide unprecedented backstage access to WWE’s creative process. The five-episode series follows WWE as it prepares for marquee events like the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania. As covered extensively by various outlets, the docuseries spotlights the creative tension and discussions that go into booking matches and storylines, offering fans an insider’s perspective on the scripted nature of the sports entertainment giant[1][2].

During one particular segment, Triple H’s question about the Royal Rumble winner sparks a candid debate, revealing how the company contemplated leveraging the draws of megastars like Cena and Punk. Both men have long histories with WWE and have maintained immense popularity among fans across generations.

Why CM Punk and John Cena?

CM Punk’s resurgence in WWE has been a focal point for fans and insiders alike. After his tumultuous but compelling runs in WWE and other promotions, his presence in early Royal Rumble discussions signals WWE’s intent to capitalize on his continued relevance and charisma. Similarly, John Cena, a cornerstone of WWE for over two decades, remains one of the company’s biggest names and merchandise sellers, making him a natural candidate to headline marquee moments.

According to sources close to WWE’s creative team shared with Fightful and other wrestling news outlets, there was internal debate balancing between injecting new talent into the spotlight versus drawing on the established star power of Cena and Punk to ensure a major ratings boost and fan engagement in 2025[3].

What Ultimately Happened?

While the docuseries highlights Cena and Punk as early favorites, it stops short of revealing who the final Royal Rumble winner was. WWE often changes plans close to the event depending on injuries, fan reactions, and broader storyline arcs, a factor noted repeatedly in WWE: Unreal. This practice keeps fans guessing and maintains flexibility in crafting narratives that will culminate at WrestleMania.

Sources close to Cody Rhodes, a consistent top-tier star in recent WWE storylines, suggest he was also a major contender for the Royal Rumble win before final decisions were locked in. According to a WWE insider, “The creative team was seriously weighing who could best serve the endgame storylines heading into WrestleMania, and Cody was in strong consideration alongside Punk and Cena”[3].

Fan and Analyst Reactions to the Docuseries

The release of WWE: Unreal has sparked extensive discussion among fans and analysts, with many surprised by how much creative planning happens behind closed doors. Some critics, like Metro journalist Alistair McGeorge, highlight that while the docuseries surfaced fascinating moments, it also carefully avoids controversial backstage drama or deep conflict, acting as much as a spotlight on marketing as a genuine exposé[1][2].

Nevertheless, this peek inside WWE’s creative corridors has been praised for illuminating the complex decision-making process that balances star power, storyline continuity, and fan expectations.

A Strategic Move for WWE’s Streaming Era

The docuseries also coincides with WWE’s strategic move to deepen its partnership with Netflix, making Raw, SmackDown, and pay-per-views like the Royal Rumble available to a global streaming audience. WWE: Unreal serves not only as a documentary but also as a marketing tool designed to attract new viewers and build anticipation around WWE’s biggest annual events[1].

Triple H emphasizes this dual role in the docuseries, underscoring that “our business is about telling stories,” while also navigating the commercial realities of sports entertainment.

As WWE continues to evolve its creative vision in 2025 and beyond, revelations such as CM Punk and John Cena’s status as early favorites for the Royal Rumble add another intriguing layer to the company’s storytelling strategy. Wrestling fans should expect more surprises ahead as WWE balances legacy stars and rising talent in crafting its next chapter.

Sources close to WWE reveal that the full fallout from WWE: Unreal — along with how the 2025 Royal Rumble outcome shaped WrestleMania plans — will be closely analyzed across wrestling podcasts and news sites in the weeks to come. For now, the insight into WWE’s creative deliberations offers a rare glimpse into the complex machinery behind sports entertainment’s most thrilling moments[1][3].