The WWE: Unreal docuseries is set to debut on Netflix on July 29, and CM Punk has spoken out about the show with his typical straightforwardness. While he recognizes why fans are intrigued by this behind-the-scenes look, Punk finds the concept somewhat uncomfortable due to his respect for wrestling’s traditional, old-school principles.
The Clash Between New Exposure and Old-School Wrestling Values
During an appearance on Unsportsmanlike with hosts Evan Cohen, Chris Canty, and Michelle Smallmon, Punk explained his conflicted feelings about the series. Reflecting on his own experience in professional wrestling, he emphasized the longstanding rule to protect the business from outsiders.
I’m probably the wrong guy to put on this show to try and talk it up,
Punk admitted.
It’s not that I’m so much against it… but my entire existence in professional wrestling—you’re taught, and you’re brought up, and you’re old school—you protect the business. You don’t let the insiders in.
—CM Punk
WWE: Unreal promises rare access to the company’s writers’ room, revealing the creative process behind WWE storylines. Despite being known for blurring lines between reality and scripted drama, Punk said this level of transparency clashes with the mentality he grew up with.
It’s just really strange, for me at least,
he said.
Because I’ve always been taught to protect the business. That’s the world I come from.
—CM Punk
The Show’s Potential Appeal for Fans
Though Punk personally feels uneasy about exposing the inner workings of WWE, he acknowledged that the series benefits fans by offering a backstage glimpse. He compared WWE: Unreal to HBO’s NFL docuseries Hard Knocks, which provides viewers insight into the lives of professional athletes.
What this show is going to do is show us backstage in our environment, interacting with each other—and that’s really for the fans,
Punk noted.
You see it with football shows like Hard Knocks. That’s sort of what we’re doing. We’re following suit in a way.
—CM Punk
CM Punk’s Current Role and Upcoming SummerSlam Match
While wrestling with the idea of revealing wrestling’s secrets, Punk remains a dominant figure in WWE’s major storylines. Recently, he won a challenging gauntlet match on Monday Night Raw, earning the position of No. 1 contender for the World Heavyweight Championship.
This accomplishment sets him up for a major title match against GUNTHER at SummerSlam, taking place on August 2 and 3 in Cleveland, Ohio. This high-profile bout is expected to be one of the event’s standout matches.
Looking Ahead to WWE: Unreal and SummerSlam
As WWE: Unreal prepares to offer fans a rare look at the company’s creative side, CM Punk continues to lead the charge inside the ring. His reflections on the show highlight the tension between preserving wrestling’s secrecy and embracing greater fan engagement. Fans can anticipate intense action and inside stories as SummerSlam approaches, with Punk at the center of the spotlight.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did CM Punk apologize?
A. CM Punk said sorry to fans in Saudi Arabia because of a tweet he posted before WWE Night of Champions. When he showed up for the kickoff show, some fans booed him. As a fan yelled at him, Punk stopped to reply and used this chance to talk about his earlier tweet about The Miz.
Q. Does CM Punk support LGBTQ?
A. Punk is known for supporting trans rights both in and out of the wrestling ring. While briefly at AEW in 2023, he stood up for LGBTQ+ individuals. Punk, who calls himself the “Voice of the Voiceless,” used his platform to advocate for their rights.
Q. Was CM Punk actually hurt?
A. Even though Punk’s fall looked painful, it was planned. On the other hand, McIntyre was truly injured and needed 16 stitches.
Q. Why doesn’t CM Punk talk to his brother?
A. CM Punk’s brother, Mike Broox, discusses how he took money from the Lunatic Wrestling Federation. This incident happened over twenty years ago and caused their relationship to end.
