CM Punk doesn’t exactly endorse WWE’s new Netflix docuseries, WWE: Unreal, and in fact, he challenges its whole concept. The series is promoted as a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into WWE’s creative process, but Punk has stated that it isn’t being marketed with the intention of making the wrestling environment a highly protected space from the cameras.
On the show Sportsmanlike with Evan Cohen, Chris Canty, and Michelle Smallmont, Punk was asked for his thoughts on the upcoming series, which launches on Netflix on July 29th. His response was candid and passionate.
Punk explained, “I’m probably the wrong person to talk about this show. That’s not to say I’m against it. In wrestling, you’re brought up to protect the old ways, to keep things under wraps, but honestly, most people already know the business.”
He added that the show’s concept seemed geared more towards fans from his point of view.
“What this show aims to do is reveal the behind-the-scenes parts of our world, how we interact, and it’s really for the fans. Similar to football shows like Hard Knocks, where you see the relationships between teams, coaches, players, and families. Outsiders wouldn’t be let in,” Punk said.
Although CM Punk appears in the series, which documents WWE stars leading up to major events like the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 41, he maintains his traditional outlook on safeguarding wrestling’s inner workings.
As WWE increasingly blurs the lines between entertainment and authenticity, Punk’s perspective may spark a broader debate within the wrestling community.
Fan Take: This insight from CM Punk is significant because it highlights the ongoing tension between transparency and tradition in WWE storytelling. For fans, it questions how much of wrestling’s magic should stay behind the curtain versus being shared openly, which could ultimately affect the sport’s future direction.
