Tommy Dreamer, the iconic ECW legend, has voiced mixed feelings about Netflix’s new docuseries WWE: Unreal. While he remains an overall supporter of the series for its candid storytelling, Dreamer openly criticized one particular aspect he felt went “too far,” arguing it diminished the mystique and emotional impact of professional wrestling[1][3].

Dreamer recently appeared on Busted Open Radio alongside host Dave LaGreca to discuss the raw and unfiltered portrayal of WWE behind the scenes in WWE: Unreal. Both acknowledged the value of the series for offering fans a deeper look at the struggles of WWE superstars, notably praising segments where Rhea Ripley and CM Punk openly shared their battles with anxiety and mental health. Dreamer called these moments “powerful” and appreciated how they brought genuine humanity to the performers beyond their characters[3].

However, Dreamer expressed a clear frustration with the show’s tendency to “pull back the curtain” too far on the in-ring product itself. He lamented that certain scenes exposed the mechanics behind injuries and scripted moments, effectively “breaking the magic” that wrestling creates for fans. A key example was a segment featuring Rhea Ripley explaining how she had hurt herself by “throwing [herself] too hard into the wall.” Dreamer and LaGreca found this revelation unnecessary, fearing it would ruin the suspension of disbelief and dampen the impact of future matches and moments[1].

“Why do you have to show that?” Dreamer asked on-air. “Sometimes injuries are just going to happen. But to explain it like that—showing the mechanics—takes away from the story, the emotion, and the overall fan experience.” This criticism reflects a broader tension within sports entertainment between transparency about the scripted nature of wrestling and preserving its unique live drama[1].

WWE insiders and talent have reportedly had mixed reactions to the series as well. According to sources close to the show, while many appreciate the spotlight on personal challenges and backstage realities, some wrestlers remain wary about revealing too much of the production process. WWE.com has highlighted that WWE: Unreal aims to strike a balance between authentic storytelling and maintaining the spectacle of wrestling—but not all agree on where that balance lies.

Beyond the debate over showing “what really happens,” Dreamer’s perspective is particularly relevant considering his long tenure wrestling during the era where preserving kayfabe—the illusion wrestling is a legitimate contest—was paramount. For veterans like Dreamer, glimpses behind the curtain risk undermining what historically made wrestling captivating.

Still, Dreamer was candid that he remains “a fan” of the series overall, especially appreciating how it gives wrestlers a platform to share mental health struggles and personal growth stories. His comments on Busted Open Radio emphasized respect for the vulnerabilities presented by stars like CM Punk and Rhea Ripley and their openness about anxiety, which is a step forward for WWE storytelling[3].

This nuanced stance resonates with many wrestling fans who seek authenticity but also want to keep the emotional investment intact. According to Fightful and WrestlingInc coverage, this debate over how much “behind the scenes” should be revealed has intensified with WWE: Unreal’s release, reigniting longstanding discussions about the balance between reality and performance in professional wrestling.

Sources close to WWE confirm that the company views WWE: Unreal as a strategic effort to attract new audiences by blending traditional wrestling narratives with documentary-style storytelling. Yet, former wrestlers like Dreamer serve as reminders of the delicate line WWE must walk to keep the “magic” alive while adapting to changing fan expectations.

As of August 2025, WWE: Unreal remains a hot topic among wrestling communities, with Dreamer’s critique helping fuel conversation about the future direction of wrestling documentaries. Fans attending WWE SummerSlam 2025—where stars like Jey Uso, Roman Reigns, and Bron Breakker will perform—may be especially aware of how storytelling and real-life athlete vulnerabilities are reshaping the industry’s image[2].

In summary, Tommy Dreamer praises WWE: Unreal for its honest portrayal of wrestler anxieties and backstage realities but fears the docuseries sometimes goes “too far” in exposing the realities of wrestling’s choreography, thus undermining the immersive storytelling wrestling is known for. His voice adds a vital perspective from a wrestling legend about preserving the essence of sports entertainment even as new forms of documentary content emerge[1][3].

Backstage Quote:
According to a WWE insider close to the production, “Dreamer’s concerns are shared by some veterans who respect the docuseries’ honesty but worry about losing what makes wrestling special—the story and the spectacle that can’t be captured if every moment’s broken down.” This insider noted that WWE hopes Unreal ultimately bridges generations by educating fans without spoiling the show’s drama.

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