Former WWE star Tommy Dreamer and Bully Ray offer differing perspectives on how Netflix’s scripted wrestling show reveals behind-the-scenes aspects of the industry. There has been much backlash toward WWE, particularly from veterans unhappy with the portrayal in the show’s writing. Dreamer compared pro wrestling to magic, expressing that knowing the secrets behind the tricks ruins the wonder. He shared how after seeing magic tricks exposed, his appreciation faded until attending a Chris Angel show, where Angel preserved the mystery without revealing the methods.
Conversely, Bully Ray took a more straightforward stance, likening shows that uncover industry secrets to revealing that a romantic encounter was fake, which would spoil the experience. He explained that knowing wrestling is staged can still allow fans to invest if the story and characters feel authentic. For instance, when Goldberg grabbed the microphone from Gunther, Ray acknowledged it was scripted but still found it engaging. However, he noted that some fans watch with “morbid curiosity” about the behind-the-scenes realities, which is why he doesn’t discourage them from watching the show.
Fan Take: This discussion highlights an ongoing tension in WWE between maintaining the illusion of wrestling and revealing its scripted nature. Understanding this balance is crucial for fans who want to enjoy the drama without losing the emotional connection, impacting how the sport evolves in storytelling and presentation.
