During the third episode of WWE Unreal, Chelsea Green revealed a creative dispute over the finish of her match against Michin on WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in January. Green explained that while WWE’s creative team suggested she finish with a second-rope leg drop, she strongly opposed this idea and insisted on using her signature move instead. This disagreement was notable as Green rarely argues with creative but felt compelled to maintain control over her finishing move.
Green described the exchange with WWE creative as a back-and-forth discussion, highlighting her uncommon resistance to the alternative finish proposed. She stated,
“We went back and forth talking about the leg drop and whether we were still going to include it. I’m not someone who usually argues about finishes or what creative wants from me. I just go out and do it. But every now and then, there’s something I feel strongly about—and the leg drop, that was never going to happen.”
—Chelsea Green, WWE Superstar
The Importance of Personalizing Finishing Moves in Wrestling
The episode also included behind-the-scenes footage showing Green debating with Shane Helms. She expressed frustration that the planned match conclusion did not involve her defining move, the Unpretty-Her. For Green, a finishing move is deeply connected to a wrestler’s identity and history. She remarked,
“A finishing move is so personal. It’s part of who we are. It’s tied to my history as a wrestler. I’ve called it the Unprettier, the I’m Prettier, and now the Unpretty-Her. So to have a big moment that people will remember and not use my own finisher? That just felt so wrong.”
—Chelsea Green, WWE Superstar
Ultimately, Chelsea Green succeeded in standing her ground, executing the Unpretty-Her to close out the match, just as she intended. She reaffirmed her commitment by stating,
“I was always going to use the Unpretty-Her. To think that we would do anything other than use my finisher?”
—Chelsea Green, WWE Superstar
John Cena Celebrates Milestone as Undisputed WWE Champion
Meanwhile, John Cena has reached a significant milestone, marking 100 days as the Undisputed WWE Champion. Cena captured the title from Cody Rhodes in the main event of WrestleMania 41 on April 20th, achieving his seventeenth World Championship reign and surpassing Ric Flair’s long-standing record. This reign marks Cena’s first world title run since 2017 and occurs during the final phase of his career.
Cena announced at WWE Money in the Bank 2024 that 2025 will be his last active year, with his retirement match scheduled for December. With just fourteen appearances remaining before stepping away from in-ring competition, fans are closely following his remaining events. Since winning the championship, Cena has defended it successfully twice, defeating Randy Orton and CM Punk.
Looking ahead, Cena is booked for a high-profile rematch against Cody Rhodes at WWE SummerSlam, where the Undisputed WWE Championship will again be on the line.
Additional WWE Highlights and Backstage Updates
On the recently aired WWE Unreal, CM Punk also shared his experience with anticipatory anxiety ahead of his return match against Seth Rollins on the January 6th premiere episode of WWE RAW on Netflix. Punk described his nervous energy leading up to the match and how he feels entirely in control once the bell rings. He said,
“I’m looking at that RAW debut like, ‘holy sh*t.’ I constantly deal with what I call anticipatory anxiety. Right now, I’m just riddled with it. In a way, I’m almost waiting for it all to be over — and the only time I don’t feel that way is when the red light’s on and the bell rings. Then, I have no boss. I’m 100% in control. I can do whatever the f**k I want.”
—CM Punk, WWE Superstar
Following this, Punk defeated Rollins in the match, making a strong return.
Other ongoing WWE backstage stories involve tributes to Hulk Hogan, including a bar opening in New York City near Madison Square Garden as a homage to the late WWE legend, alongside statements from Eric Bischoff regarding Hogan’s final days. Additionally, discussions about ratings for recent WWE RAW episodes and upcoming event plans such as WWE SummerSlam continue to engage the wrestling community.
Significance of Creative Autonomy and Upcoming WWE Milestones
Chelsea Green pushing back on WWE creative over her match finish underscores the importance of wrestlers maintaining control over their signature moves, which reflect their unique identities and histories within the sport. This incident highlights the sometimes tense negotiations between talent and creative teams as wrestling storylines evolve.
John Cena’s milestone as the Undisputed WWE Champion cements his legacy as one of the sport’s greats during his farewell run, with major matches still ahead. The forthcoming SummerSlam event is expected to be a pivotal moment in WWE’s 2024 calendar, featuring Cena’s title defense against a familiar rival and further shaping his farewell tour narrative.
As WWE continues to adjust storylines and honor its legends, the combination of in-ring achievements and backstage dynamics ensures that fans remain deeply invested in the unfolding drama both inside and outside the squared circle.
