The WWE Netflix series Unreal is facing accusations of fabricating key behind-the-scenes moments. On a recent episode of the Dirty Sheets Wrestling Informer podcast, Billi Bhatti claimed that the docuseries is largely a “staged documentary,” alleging that pivotal booking scenes were filmed for dramatic effect long after the actual decisions had been finalized.
Bhatti specifically pointed to a segment depicting the creative discussion for the WrestleMania Night One triple threat match between Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, and CM Punk. He asserted that the on-screen debate about the match’s winner was inauthentic. “There was no real discussion about who was going to win between CM Punk, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns,” Bhatti stated. “When I saw that, and I saw all the writers sitting around the room discussing who was going to win that match after it was already booked, I knew the whole show was pretty much staged.”
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According to Bhatti, the outcome was predetermined for Seth Rollins to win and subsequently form a new faction with Paul Heyman. He argued that this prior decision rendered the entire writers’ room scene a fabrication for the cameras. This led him to question the authenticity of other segments, including the booking of the Royal Rumble winner. “Which makes me feel like they were fake booking the Royal Rumble winner as well,” he added.
These latest claims align with prior criticisms from a segment of the audience since the show’s debut. In a review from July 29, 2025, IGN described the series as an “overproduced” and “robotic version” of WWE’s creative process that lacked genuine drama. Similarly, feedback from hardcore fans on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb has often labeled the show a “controlled work and product” rather than a raw, unfiltered look backstage.
The series has also faced backlash from wrestling traditionalists for its premise of breaking kayfabe. In an April 2025 podcast, wrestling figure Jim Cornette called the exposure of the writers’ room “fucking embarrassing,” a sentiment echoed by fans who feel the show damages the illusion of professional wrestling.
However, Unreal has also been noted for capturing moments of genuine conflict. The series documented unscripted tension between Tiffany Stratton and Charlotte Flair, which included off-script personal remarks during a promo. This storyline, which highlighted the blend of real-life heat with on-screen narratives, was followed through their championship match at WrestleMania 41 and was seen by many viewers as one of the show’s more authentic elements.
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