Damian Priest has openly expressed his lack of interest in WWE Unreal, the Netflix series that offers a behind-the-scenes look at WWE’s creative process. The series, which airs alongside WWE Monday Night RAW in the United States and all WWE content internationally on Netflix, has sparked mixed reactions from WWE superstars.
During an appearance on the Sal Licata Show, Damian Priest discussed his feelings about WWE Unreal and explained why he chooses not to watch it.
No, I bet they’re still always going to be a little old school with me. Look, we’ve already seen the rabbit out of the hat. Like, we get it, but I think just overly doing it- like we’re not making movies. There’s a different- when you see the behind the scenes of how a movie was made, because that actor or the performers in that movie are already playing a different role by the time that comes out. We’re still us. I’m still Damien Priest. I just think it takes away a little of the lore, you know, because since we are these characters all year round, I don’t know. I feel like you lose a little bit of that. The way it makes you feel emotionally, you lose it a little bit when you see the other side. Now, even me just saying this out loud in an interview does the same. It’s the same problem, but you know, it is what it is. Like we’re in a different time and I totally understand why we’re doing it. There’s just a part of me, that’s just a little old school that doesn’t care for it. Like I’ve never watched it. I’ve never watched either season. I’d rather just watch what I see as a show, as a fan, then watch that and lose my interest in a character.
? Damian Priest, WWE Superstar
Context Behind Damian Priest’s Perspective
Damian Priest highlighted the difference between actors in movies and wrestling performers. Unlike movies, where actors portray characters but are separate from their real selves, wrestling combines character and performer continuously. He feels that WWE Unreal exposes the wrestlers’ real personalities, which diminishes the mystique and emotional connection that fans experience when watching the in-ring characters.
His stance reflects a traditional mindset within the wrestling world—valuing the preservation of character mystique over revealing the behind-the-scenes reality. This approach is not universally shared by all WWE talent but remains significant among wrestlers like Priest who prefer that fans engage with the entertainment without breaking the illusion.
Damian Priest’s Role During a Limited Wrestling Schedule
In the same conversation, Damian Priest also mentioned how he stayed involved backstage while working fewer matches toward the end of the previous year. Although he reduced his in-ring appearances, he contributed to behind-the-scenes efforts within WWE, showcasing his versatility beyond wrestling. This insight offers fans a glimpse of Priest’s commitment to the company even when not actively competing.
What This Means for WWE and Its Audience
Damian Priest’s reservations about WWE Unreal underline a tension between modern wrestling content strategies and traditional wrestling culture. As digital platforms and streaming services like Netflix provide more transparent access to wrestling’s production, performers and fans must navigate the balance between entertainment mystique and real-life storytelling.
For WWE, this dynamic may influence future content approaches, possibly leading to varied programming that respects the desires of old-school performers while appealing to audiences who appreciate behind-the-scenes perspectives. Damian Priest’s viewpoint highlights how the evolving nature of wrestling media continues to challenge long-standing wrestling traditions.
