Nic Nemeth on Why WWE’s “Unreal” Won’t Affect the Wrestling Business

WWE’s ‘Unreal’ Series Pulls Back the Curtain, Sparks Debate & Appreciation

LOS ANGELES, CA – The world of professional wrestling is built on illusion, spectacle, and carefully guarded secrets. But with the release of “WWE: Unreal” on Netflix, the company is deliberately dismantling some of that mystique, offering fans an unprecedented look behind the scenes. The docuseries, which premiered July 29th and quickly climbed into Netflix’s top 10, is sparking both intrigue and a degree of discomfort among wrestling fans, as it reveals the intricate planning and artistry that goes into creating the moments they love.

The show’s unveiling of how wrestling “works” – the choreography, the collaboration, the sheer amount of effort – has been described as “jarring” by some, a sentiment echoing the initial reaction to Dorothy discovering the man behind the curtain in The Wizard of Oz. Though, many within the industry, like TNA World and Tag Team Champion Nic Nemeth, see it as a positive step.

“I didn’t grow up in the business like Paul Heyman did,” Nemeth explained on “Busted Open Radio.” “He was in that world where, yes, if you were in a bar fight and you lost, sometiems you got kicked out of the territory…because you were protecting this real thing at the time.” Nemeth acknowledges the old-school mentality, even recalling strict rules from figures like Jim Cornette regarding merchandise and self-promotion. But he argues that in an era where most fans understand wrestling is a performance, there’s value in showcasing the dedication and skill involved.

“Since everybody for the most part that aren’t children know that it’s real, and know that it’s a TV show, why not let them see all the hard work that we put into it other than the punches and kicks?” Nemeth posited.

The series, spearheaded by WWE’s Chief Content Officer and Hall of Famer Triple H, doesn’t reveal every secret. Instead, its aim is to foster a deeper appreciation for the complex process of crafting wrestling’s captivating spectacles – both by those in front of the camera and the often-unseen teams working behind the scenes.

The Evolution of Wrestling’s Presentation: From Secrecy to Transparency

For decades, professional wrestling thrived on kayfabe – the presentation of staged events as real. This carefully constructed illusion was vital for maintaining audience engagement and protecting the industry’s perceived legitimacy. However, the rise of the internet and social media irrevocably altered that landscape. Spoilers became rampant, and the veil of secrecy began to thin.

“WWE: Unreal” represents a significant shift in strategy. Rather than fighting against the inevitable exposure of wrestling’s inner workings, the company is embracing it, attempting to reframe the narrative.By showcasing the artistry and athleticism involved, WWE hopes to attract and retain fans who appreciate the performance aspect, even while understanding it’s not “real” in the traditional sense.

This approach isn’t without its risks. Some fear that demystifying wrestling will diminish its appeal. However, the series’ strong performance on Netflix suggests a considerable appetite for this kind of behind-the-scenes content. Ultimately, “WWE: Unreal” may signal a new era in professional wrestling – one where transparency and appreciation for the craft coexist with the enduring power of spectacle.

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “Busted Open radio” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

How does Nemeth believe the current wrestling landscape, particularly the role of social media, impacts the effectiveness of documentaries like “Unreal”?

The All Elite Wrestling Perspective on WWE’s New Documentary

Nic Nemeth (formerly known as Dolph Ziggler in WWE), now a prominent figure in All elite Wrestling (AEW), has publicly addressed WWE’s new docuseries, “Unreal,” offering a candid assessment of its potential impact – or lack thereof – on the professional wrestling landscape. His core argument centers around the cyclical nature of wrestling documentaries and the established loyalty of AEW’s fanbase. This article dives into Nemeth’s reasoning, analyzing the current state of professional wrestling, the competitive dynamics between WWE and AEW, and why a behind-the-scenes look at WWE likely won’t significantly alter the trajectory of the industry.

Understanding the History of Wrestling Documentaries

wrestling documentaries aren’t new. The genre has a rich history, with landmark productions like “Beyond the Mat” (1999) and WWE’s own “The Wrestler” (2008) offering glimpses into the lives of performers.

“Beyond the Mat”: Often credited with humanizing wrestlers and revealing the physical and emotional toll of the profession.

WWE’s Previous Documentaries: focused heavily on the company’s internal narratives and star power.

Impact of Past Documentaries: While generating initial buzz, these productions rarely led to long-term shifts in viewership or fan loyalty. They provided entertainment, but didn’t fundamentally change how fans consumed pro wrestling.

Nemeth’s point is that audiences familiar with the wrestling business already understand the inherent drama and complexities. “Unreal” is likely to confirm existing perceptions rather than reveal groundbreaking truths. The WWE Network and now Peacock have consistently offered behind-the-scenes content, diminishing the shock value of a new docuseries.

AEW’s Core Fanbase: Loyalty and Alternative Appeal

AEW has cultivated a dedicated fanbase that actively sought an alternative to WWE’s product. This audience isn’t driven by the same factors as casual WWE viewers.

Focus on In-Ring Action: AEW prioritizes wrestling quality and athletic performance, attracting fans who value technical skill and compelling matches.

Creative Freedom: The promotion’s emphasis on giving wrestlers creative control resonates with performers and fans alike.

Demographic Differences: AEW’s audience skews younger and more internet-savvy, less reliant on traditional media narratives.

Nemeth believes this core fanbase is unlikely to be swayed by a documentary showcasing WWE’s internal struggles. They’ve already made their choice, opting for a different style of sports entertainment. The AEW Dynamite ratings consistently demonstrate a loyal viewership base.

The Competitive Landscape: WWE vs. AEW in 2025

As of 2025, the wrestling landscape remains a two-company race, though other promotions like Impact Wrestling and NJPW (New Japan Pro-Wrestling) continue to carve out niches. WWE still holds a notable advantage in terms of global reach and financial resources. Though, AEW has established itself as a legitimate competitor, consistently challenging WWE’s dominance.

WWE’s Strengths: Brand recognition, established stars, extensive media partnerships (Peacock).

AEW’s Strengths: Innovative wrestling, strong roster of self-reliant talent, passionate fanbase.

The “Wednesday Night Wars” Legacy: The initial head-to-head competition between AEW Dynamite and WWE NXT, while diminished, highlighted AEW’s ability to attract viewers and generate buzz.

Nemeth argues that “Unreal” is primarily aimed at attracting lapsed WWE fans or appealing to a broader audience unfamiliar with wrestling. It’s a marketing tactic, not a game-changer. The core wrestling audience, particularly those invested in AEW, are already aware of the realities of the business.

The Role of Social Media and Openness

The rise of social media has fundamentally altered the relationship between wrestlers and fans. Wrestlers now have direct access to their audience, bypassing traditional media gatekeepers. This increased transparency has diminished the impact of carefully curated narratives.

Wrestler-Driven Content: Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube allow wrestlers to share their own stories and perspectives.

real-Time Interaction: Fans can engage directly with wrestlers, fostering a sense of community and authenticity.

Diminished Shock Value: The constant stream of details reduces the impact of revelations presented in documentaries.

Nemeth, himself an active social media user, understands this dynamic. He believes that fans are more discerning than ever, capable of forming their own opinions based on a variety of sources. The wrestling community online is highly engaged and critical.

The Impact on WWE stock and Investor Confidence

While the documentary might generate short-term interest in WWE, its long-term impact on the company’s stock price and investor confidence