The new Netflix docuseries WWE: Unreal has been a major topic of conversation, giving fans an unprecedented and often controversial look behind the scenes of WWE. Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes recently shared his perspective on the show, arguing that lifting the veil of secrecy is ultimately a positive for the industry.
For decades, the inner workings of WWE were a closely guarded secret. WWE: Unreal has changed that, with cameras in the gorilla position, the writers’ room, and talent locker rooms. While some veterans and fans have expressed concern that the show exposes too much of the business, Rhodes believes it’s a valuable tool for engaging a new audience.
Connecting with a New Audience
Speaking on the SI Media with Jimmy Traina podcast, Rhodes explained that he sees the show as a gateway for non-fans to understand and appreciate the personalities and the process behind what happens in the ring.
“My mom loves the show. My mom is essentially a wrestler herself. She’s been in the business. She’s seen all of the ups and downs and the highs and lows, I never got more text than when the first episode was the series hit from people outside my world saying, ‘Oh, I can’t this is unbelievable. This is so I didn’t know.’ I think that was the point for us to connect with a different audience if they don’t know. And Hunter does a little monologue at the beginning about what you might think this is, and then you find out what it is, because you find out what it is through the who, who these people are, who Rhea Ripley is, who CM Punk is.”
The Work Within The Work
Rhodes also presented a fascinating theory on how being transparent can paradoxically make wrestling more surprising. He believes that by showing the audience how the “sausage is made,” it creates new opportunities to execute a “work within the work,” blurring the lines and making the eventual swerves even more effective.
“I don’t think anything is good or bad for our industry. And I think anyone who’s saying hey, they’re exposing too much. The most old school fundamental principle is to sell a ticket. And you can sell a ticket in a shameless way, or you can sell a ticket because I want to see her. I want to see him… The show is very, actually old school, even though it’s showing things that you’d never expect to see. What I have found, and maybe I’m maybe I’m being optimistic, but I don’t think I am. I think if we show you something, that means you’re not looking over here, and if you’re not looking over here, then we can still surprise you, then we can still give you some magic that you absolutely were not expecting because you were so set on knowing it all here… By telling them everything, we’re actually able to surprise them even more.”
The first season of WWE: Unreal is currently streaming worldwide on Netflix. The full interview with Cody Rhodes is available on the SI Media with Jimmy Traina podcast.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit SI Media with Jimmy Traina podcast with an h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
