Stone Cold Steves Turns Around On Netflix's 'Unreal' After Initial Skepticism
Steve Austin admitted he initially expected to dislike WWE Unreal due to his background in the old-school wrestling era, but ultimately found himself won over by the show's talent. Speaking with Zack Heydorn on Sports Illustrated's The Takedown podcast earlier this month, Stone Cold explained that while kayfabe was strictly protected during his time as a performer and wrestler stayed true to what fans saw on television times have changed significantly since then Austin noted he thought I would hate it when the show premiered but ended up enjoying behind-the-scenes account of how WWE shows are...
Key Points
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1Steve Austin initially expected to dislike 'WWE Unreal' due to his old-school wrestling background where kayfabe was strictly maintained.
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2Despite entering with skepticism, Steve Austin found himself enjoying the series because of how likable and authentic the featured talent appears on screen.
Developments
Perspectives
Steve Austin thought he would hate 'WWE: Unreal' because his old-school wrestling background made him skeptical about modern television production methods.
— [Mar 18, 00:07] Steve Austin says he thought he would hate WWE unreal (Pwtorch)'I Thought I Was Going To Hate It,' said Stone Cold in a new interview with Zack Heydorn on Takedown on SI where the show is airing its second season.
— [Mar 18, 00:07] Steve Austin says he thought he would hate WWE unreal (Pwtorch)'WWE Unreal' has received polarizing responses from pro wrestling veterans and Stone Cold was one of those with a mixed reaction to the show after admitting his initial dislike.
— [Mar 18, 07:32] Why 'Unreal': The Show That Changed Wrestling Forever (Pwtorch)'WWE Unreal' has been launched by WWE in 2025 and gives fans a behind-the-scenes account of how the shows are put together.
— [Mar 16, 17:23] Stone Cold Steve Austin On The Pros & Cons Of 'Unreal', Talent Being Likable (411mania)'WWE Unreal' has been part of a significant change in wrestling television as it takes fans behind the scenes to see how shows are put together.
— [Mar 16, 07:32] Why 'Unreal': The Show That Changed Wrestling Forever (Pwtorch)Steve Austin praised *WWE: UnREAL* as an entertaining and likable series that shifts audience perception of wrestlers by revealing their humor, contrasting with his past belief in strict kayfabe. The show's second season is currently airing on Netflix after being renewed for a third installment set to premiere later this year.
Steve Austin admitted to being captivated by Netflix's 'Unreal' despite his initial expectation and reservations about WWE revealing its secrets because he finds the wrestlers likable; however, other stars like Seth Rollins have expressed critical views of similar reality shows while several veterans generally dislike them.
Steve Austin initially disliked *WWE Unreal* due to his old-school belief that wrestling should maintain strict kayfabe and protect business secrets, but he ultimately found himself enjoying it because of the likable talent featured on show. Although traditionalists argue against revealing too much about behind-the-scenes realities, WWE now embraces this candid approach with its current series available for streaming while a third season is scheduled to premiere in 2026.
Stone Cold Steve Austin recently discussed his mixed views on WWE: Unreal after watching its first season and midway through the second; while he initially expected to dislike exposing behind-the-scenes details, he noted that it has a positive side because wrestling talents are highly likable. He contrasted this with older industry standards where protecting kayfabe was paramount over revealing business information or engaging in real-life conflicts outside of ringside events.