WWE producer Michael Hayes recently addressed controversy triggered by his remarks about Chelsea Green featured in the second season of Netflix’s documentary series WWE: Unreal. The series showed Hayes questioning Green’s potential to be a main-event star, suggesting her role was primarily to support established names like Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton. However, Hayes clarified on the Six Feet Under with The Undertaker podcast that the show failed to capture his full opinion of Green’s talent.
Hayes stated that during his recording with Netflix, he praised Green extensively but much of that footage was removed during editing. He accused the production of selectively cutting his positive comments to portray him negatively.
Michael Hayes Highlights Removed Praise for Chelsea Green
I’ve talked to Netflix about this because when we did that interview, and I recall this specifically, that when we started the interview, the first thing I said was, Chelsea, is as good or as talented and entertaining as anyone we have. But, of course, that never saw the light of day. That was on the cutting room floor because if you’re going to make me a heel, that’s the best way to do it, to say she’s not good enough. And that’s not really what I was saying,
Hayes explained on the podcast.
Despite this, Hayes reaffirmed his original stance that Green is not currently in a leading role within WWE. He compared her position to that of stars like Daniel Bryan and Kofi Kingston before they ascended to top-tier status, emphasizing WWE’s openness to elevating a performer who gains strong audience support.
I don’t regret what I said because her role at the time I said that, and even right now, is not the top role. It is to help make other people. And as you know, we all know that we’re only as good as the people that help make us. With that said, if Chelsea caught fire because of this following and the support that she has, we’d go with that in a heartbeat… We’re not there right now with Chelsea,
Hayes continued.
The Undertaker Offers Support for Chelsea Green’s Potential
During the same podcast, The Undertaker, who now works as a producer for AAA following WWE’s 2025 acquisition of the Mexican wrestling company, spoke highly of Green. He suggested she has an intangible quality that could elevate her status if harnessed properly, specifically recommending she explore opportunities outside WWE, hinting at the Mexican wrestling scene.
I think she, without a doubt, with just a hair more mean streak, I think she can be a top player. She has that thing, that ‘it’ thing. And I just think there’s a lot of great things coming for that young lady. I’m a big fan of hers. There’s certain organizations around that know how to use her. You got to go south of the border, you’ve got to go south of the border,
said The Undertaker.
Chelsea Green’s Current Status and Injury Impact
Green is presently sidelined due to a chipped ankle sustained during an Elimination Chamber qualifying match against Tiffany Stratton and Lash Legend on SmackDown. This injury has also forced her and partner Ethan Page to relinquish the AAA World Mixed Tag Team Championships, which they had held since November 2025.
Despite these setbacks and the surrounding media discussion, Green continues to be featured on WWE programming, signaling the company’s ongoing investment in her career.
Implications for Chelsea Green’s WWE Future
The debate surrounding Green’s role in WWE underscores the complex nature of wrestling stardom, where talent, character development, and audience reaction all play critical roles. Hayes’ defense of Green, combined with The Undertaker’s endorsement, highlights that while she is not at the pinnacle yet, there remains significant potential for her to rise if circumstances align.
Green’s injury recovery and return to the ring will likely influence how quickly she can ascend on WWE’s roster. Additionally, her ability to connect with fans and possibly embrace a different character edge could determine if she fulfills the promise Hayes and The Undertaker have recognized in her.
If Green can leverage these factors, her presence in WWE and potentially other wrestling promotions like AAA could increase, offering her a path toward higher-profile matches and storylines in the future.
Note: All quotes are from Six Feet Under with The Undertaker, with thanks to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
