WWE Unreal has returned for a third season on Netflix, and it opens with what may be its most revealing moment yet: a full breakdown of John Cena and Logan Paul practicing their Clash in Paris match move-for-move, discussing logistics in the ring. This unprecedented access continues the docuseries' tradition of pulling back the curtain on professional wrestling, but the opening scene pushes further than before, potentially dividing fans who prefer to maintain the suspension of disbelief.
Behind the Scenes of WWE's Biggest Matches
Season three of Unreal, released today, consists of five episodes that delve into the real-life trials behind WWE's storylines. The first episode, titled The Why, shows wrestlers discussing match choreography and practicing moves, which has been seen in previous seasons but never to this extent. According to the series, this kind of breakdown almost feels like something viewers shouldn't be seeing, highlighting the tension between exposing the craft and preserving the illusion.
Pro wrestling at its heart is rooted in suspension of disbelief, letting yourself embrace the theatre and the drama of it all, and getting swept up in the emotions. As someone who has been watching WWE for almost a quarter of a century, there is a part of me that doesn't want to be shown every little moment. However, the bulk of me finds this absolutely fascinating. Season three of Unreal makes it work, and will actually give viewers a deeper appreciation of the physical pain, heartbreak and logistical nightmare that goes into making everything tick from weekly episodes of Monday Night Raw to premium live events like the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania.
Emotional Depth and Personal Stories
Whether it is The Vision being cursed by constant injuries or CM Punk and AJ Lee rocked by the death of their beloved dog Larry, these latest episodes delve further into the real people behind the larger-than-life characters in a way that will help even non-fans appreciate the commitment that goes into a life in WWE. Bron Breakker in particular comes across brilliantly this season, showing genuine warmth and humility as he opens up about everything from living up to his family legacy to not wanting to let people down with the bad timing of his own injury struggles.
In a candid scene after Seth Rollins' injury late last year, Bron was visibly shaken and nervous about having to hit his Spear on the then-World Heavyweight Champion in case he hurt him. Seth and Paul Heyman had to give him a bit of a pep talk about the number of people relying on the move being hit with vigour. It is one of a number of fascinating moments this series, and several examples of why Bron should be positioned as a major star going forward.
Creative Decisions and Missed Opportunities
One disappointing moment comes in episode two, before the rising star's injury, when some of the creative team are advocating for him to win the Royal Rumble and get a world title shot at WrestleMania, but Triple H is apprehensive about taking the risk until he has been tested. That makes sense, but fans are calling out for WWE to challenge themselves. Thankfully, it is clear from Oba Femi and Trick Williams' treatment in the series that they know it is vital to embrace the future now.
Something Unreal continues to do well is breaking down the behind-the-scenes drama as something unexpected unfolds on screen, and it is great seeing Triple H, Michael Hayes and others coming up with a contingency plan in real time. This series is lacking in controversial moments, which is a bit of a disappointment as a viewer. Earlier seasons had LA Knight and Triple H's tense chat about Money In The Bank, or the uncomfortable scenes between Bruce Prichard and Chris 'Abyss' Park. This time round, it is more about the emotions, with John Cena's retirement and AJ Lee's comeback given plenty of attention, along with Trick Williams and Lash Legend's romance.
Sensitive Handling of Personal Tragedy
The producers deserve a lot of credit for handling Punk and AJ's heartbreak so sensitively too, with Larry getting a lot of airtime and tributes. Naturally, it is not perfect, and it feels like they really skirted around the controversy around Pat McAfee being injected into the WrestleMania build earlier this year. It is mentioned, and it is clear Cody Rhodes did not agree, but besides a blink-and-you-miss-it moment where Triple H says Pat was brought in to guarantee Randy Orton some boos, the insight is lacking.
Thankfully, the brutality of Cody's injuries at WrestleMania picks things up and offers a startling look at just how real wrestling is. If seasons one and two of Unreal were about the backstage drama, season three seems to shine more of a light on the people themselves. Trick, Oba Femi, Stephani Vaquer and Liv Morgan get to show more of their journey and personalities in a welcome way, even if these episodes feel like a tonal shift from the first two runs.
A Shift in Focus That Pays Off
At times, it is a welcome change. Diehard fans might want more of the backstage drama and unseen bits, but this show explores the Road to WrestleMania brilliantly. From injuries and disappointment to childhood dreams and storyline pivots, it is all here, and something that should appeal to everyone.
