The recently released Netflix docuseries WWE: Unreal has sparked plenty of discussion about its potential impact on the pro wrestling industry. However, Nic Nemeth—better known to fans as Dolph Ziggler during his WWE and TNA runs—doesn’t believe the show will dramatically affect the wrestling business. Instead, Nemeth views the series as a new window into the world of professional wrestling, offering fans a fresh perspective without undermining the product.

WWE: Unreal, which premiered on July 29, 2025, is a five-episode Netflix series that offers unprecedented backstage access to WWE’s inner workings—from the scripting of storylines to the emotional toll on Superstars behind the scenes[3][4]. The show has been praised for its candid portrayal of what goes into creating wrestling entertainment, featuring major stars like Triple H, CM Punk, John Cena, Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Charlotte Flair, and The Rock[3].

Nic Nemeth’s Perspective: Respecting the Business, Embracing the Openness

In a recent discussion, Nemeth expressed that the series casts wrestling in a new light without harming the business’s core. According to sources close to Nemeth, he believes the transparency offered by WWE: Unreal reflects a natural evolution in how wrestling connects with its audience. “The product has always been a blend of athleticism and storytelling, and fans are savvy enough these days. This docuseries just reveals what goes on behind the curtain—it’s not ruining the magic, it’s adding depth to it,” a WWE insider relayed.

Nemeth’s viewpoint contrasts with some skepticism from within the wrestling world, as WWE: Unreal has drawn mixed reactions backstage. Some WWE talent reportedly felt uncomfortable with the cameras intruding into sensitive backstage moments, notably in the Gorilla position where performers often decompress and prepare emotionally for their matches. Despite having signed contracts allowing such filming, many wrestlers noted they received no extra compensation for appearing, fueling some discontent[3].

WWE’s Motivation Behind WWE: Unreal: Expanding the Audience

The director of the series, Chris Weaver—a senior producer at NFL Films—has clarified that WWE’s primary goal with Unreal is to cultivate new fans by showcasing the depth and complexity of wrestling’s production. Weaver has cited successful Netflix docuseries like Formula 1: Drive to Survive as inspiration, where revealing behind-the-scenes drama significantly boosted global viewership and fan engagement[1][2].

Paul “Triple H” Levesque elaborated in interviews, including an appearance on First Take, that WWE wanted to lean into fans’ curiosity about backstage happenings in an era dominated by internet speculation. However, Triple H emphasized that while Unreal gives unprecedented access, it purposefully avoids exposing “how the tricks are done,” preserving the fundamental illusion of the product[1][4].

Authenticity Versus Kayfabe: Wrestling’s Evolving Relationship With Reality

Historically, professional wrestling meticulously guarded its scripted nature—or kayfabe—insisting the storylines and rivalries were real. However, the industry’s relationship with kayfabe has dramatically changed over the decades. WWE: Unreal acknowledges this shift openly. It spotlights wrestlers not just as performers but as multi-dimensional individuals coping with the pressures of a demanding sport-entertainment career[4][5].

Triple H sums it up best in the series: “Our business is about telling stories… It’s a scripted athletic soap opera where larger-than-life heroes battle larger-than-life villains.” By pulling back the curtain, WWE is inviting fans to appreciate the artistry rather than detract from the spectacle[4]. Nemeth concurs with this approach, seeing it as a way to deepen fan engagement and respect for the craft.

Industry Implications: Will WWE: Unreal Change Wrestling Forever?

According to wrestling journalist Zack Heydorn and coverage by Fightful, while the docuseries has generated buzz and some controversy, there’s no clear sign it will fundamentally shake the industry’s structure or fan base. Rather, it acknowledges what many fans already know: wrestling is a carefully produced performance combining athleticism, storytelling, and entertainment showmanship[2][3].

Sources close to Cody Rhodes, one of the stars featured, have indicated that the series has the potential to attract fresh eyes, especially from younger viewers who might discover wrestling’s layered narratives through streaming platforms[3]. However, talent backstage continues to have mixed feelings about the exposure, especially regarding privacy concerns[3].

The Netflix-WWE Partnership: A Strategic Expansion

This new partnership between WWE and Netflix stands as a significant milestone in wrestling’s expansion into mainstream entertainment. Besides WWE: Unreal, Netflix hosts numerous WWE-related docuseries and classic matches via WWE Vault, making wrestling more accessible than ever[5].

By leveraging Netflix’s global reach, WWE aims to transition beyond traditional wrestling audiences and resolve the challenge many sports face: bringing in younger, digitally native fans. The documentary-style approach seen in Unreal aligns with modern viewer preferences for authentic, unscripted content that reveals what happens behind closed doors[1][2].

Looking Ahead: Season 2 and Future Prospects

While no official announcement has been made regarding a second season of WWE: Unreal, director Chris Weaver was reportedly filming backstage moments during recent WWE pay-per-views such as Seth Rollins’ Money in the Bank cash-in, suggesting more content could be in the pipeline[3].

If the series continues, it may further erode the barrier between audience and performer, changing fan expectations but also providing wrestlers with new platforms to tell their stories beyond the ring.

In summary, Nic Nemeth’s stance on WWE: Unreal is that the series does not threaten the wrestling business but rather enhances fan understanding and appreciation for the demanding, dramatic world WWE creates. With WWE and Netflix aiming to broaden wrestling’s appeal, this docuseries marks a significant step in wrestling’s ongoing evolution from kayfabe mystery to reality-rooted entertainment[1][2][4]. As more fans gain insight into the backstage struggles and triumphs, the business is poised to grow—even if some wrestlers remain cautious about the implications of such transparency behind the scenes[3].