CM Punk isn’t your average superstar. When he speaks, people listen and lately, he’s not thrilled about the upcoming Netflix series WWE: Unreal. Despite being featured in it, Punk’s been clear: the show clashes with everything he was taught in wrestling about protecting the business.
The Old School Mentality: Protecting the Secrets
Think of pro wrestling as a locked treasure chest only insiders get the map. Punk explained on the Unsportsmanlike podcast that growing up in the industry, wrestlers were never encouraged to expose behind-the-scenes details. That was part of the mystique, the allure of kayfabe. Even though fans know wrestling is scripted now, revealing too much feels like breaking the magic.
Mixed Feelings, Not Total Rejection
Before you assume Punk’s flat-out against the show, hold that thought. He admitted it’s not that he opposes it entirely just that it feels strange to him. He even compared Unreal to NFL’s Hard Knocks a behind-the-scenes peek at coaches, plays, and locker rooms. That genre makes sense in football, but weird in wrestling, where the illusion matters as much as the performance.
Physical Reaction He’s Not Cooling on Camera Time
Punk didn’t just talk discomfort he felt it. After watching the show’s trailer for the first time, he said his face went bright red and he began sweating. He had no idea when filming took place and said the experience left him feeling exposed, physically and emotionally.
CM Punk on WWE: Unreal
| Topic | Punk’s Take |
|---|---|
| Entertainment vs Exposure | Finds format strange, but not entirely opposed |
| His Grooming in Wrestling | Raised to protect the business and kayfabe |
| Comparison to Sports Docs | Similar to Hard Knocks, but awkward for wrestling |
| Emotional Response | Face turned red, sweating after trailer screening |
| Role in Show | Featured in trailer, though clearly uncomfortable |
What This Means for Fans and Wrestlers
Let’s be real Unreal may peel back the velvet curtain on WWE, showing creative meetings and backstage banter. That might excite casual viewers. But for guys like Punk, it feels like letting fans peek behind the wizard ruining the magic that sells the show. His discomfort may represent a broader unease among old-school performers.
Conclusion
At its core, WWE: Unreal pushes boundaries highlighting the backstage grind, personalities, and storytelling. CM Punk is willing to participate, but he’s not sold on selling the secrets. To him, wrestling’s mystique is powerful, and exposing too much could chip away at what makes it special. The series might intrigue fans and start debates but Punk’s position reminds us: not every tradition needs to be televised.