The Miz Defends ‘WWE Unreal’ Amid Industry Criticism
While many in the professional wrestling world have pushed back against the new Netflix reality series WWE Unreal, Mike “The Miz” Mizanin is taking a different stance. Since the show’s debut in 2025, it has become a polarizing topic among the locker room, but The Miz believes the series provides a necessary window into the grueling reality of the business.
- Industry Divide: Performers like CM Punk and Seth Rollins have expressed that they aren’t fans of the series.
- The Miz’s Perspective: He argues the show helps fans appreciate the effort required to make WWE productions look seamless.
- Production Praise: The Miz highlighted the immense pressure and strategic planning required of WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque.
A Polarizing Look Behind the Curtain
The transition of WWE content to Netflix has brought a new wave of storytelling, but WWE Unreal hasn’t been an immediate hit with everyone. Industry veterans and top-tier performers have been vocal about their dislike for the show’s approach. Notably, stars such as Seth Rollins and CM Punk have admitted they aren’t fans of the series.
However, speaking on “NotSam Wrestling”, The Miz explained that he doesn’t share those sentiments. He noted that while “old-timers” might dislike the format, he finds value in how it pulls back the curtain for the audience.
“A lot of people don’t like ‘Unreal’ – a lot of the old-timers don’t. I love it,” Miz said. “It allows people to appreciate exactly how hard we work to make sure it looks seamless and simple, but you guys don’t understand what is actually going on behind the scenes.”
Giving Credit to the Production Machine
For The Miz, the value of WWE Unreal extends beyond the wrestlers themselves. He believes the show fosters a “new appreciation” for the entire production ecosystem, emphasizing that the magic of a WWE event isn’t just about the people in the ring.
A significant portion of his praise was directed toward Paul “Triple H” Levesque. Serving as the booker and WWE Chief Content Officer, Levesque operates in a high-pressure environment that The Miz claims often goes underappreciated by the general public.
The Miz pointed out that Levesque must constantly think “five steps ahead of everyone,” noting that “no one understands how hard that seat is.” He explained that creative decisions in wrestling carry wide-reaching ramifications that aren’t always obvious to the viewer.
The Complexity of Booking
The Miz admitted that even he can sometimes view WWE’s booking from a short-sighted perspective. It is only after being filled in on the larger picture that he understands the strategic intent behind certain creative choices. By showcasing these dynamics, he believes the show helps fans understand the complexity of managing a global sports entertainment brand.
Final Thoughts
Despite the criticism from his peers, The Miz views WWE Unreal as a tool for education and appreciation. While he acknowledges the show can’t reveal every secret of the industry, he believes the transparency helps bridge the gap between the polished final product and the chaotic hard work required to produce it.
As the series continues to air on Netflix, it remains to be seen if more of the locker room will come around to the concept or if the divide between the “old-timers” and the new reality format will only widen.