Triple H compares ‘WWE: Unreal’ impact to ‘Drive to Survive’

The new Netflix docuseries based on the behind the scenes happenings of the WWE called WWE: Unreal marks a first of its kind project following the company that once founded itself on keeping its audience in the dark. But according to WWE Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque, better known for his WWE persona Triple H, opening the doors to behind the scenes footage is simply changing with the times of how sports entertainment is truly desired nowadays.

Levesque made the rounds on Wednesday, speaking on numerous media platforms to discuss the WWE: Unreal project. And the message was clear on each platform he discussed the docuseries on, explaining how he believes this project could bring an entirely different audience to WWE that may very well turn into “lifelong fans” of the wrestling business.

“You know, you could do things at that moment in time when you go back and you talk about Hulk Hogan,” said Levesque when asked about the challenges involved in operating the modern-day WWE during an appearance on The Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata Show on WFAN. “People didn’t know. They didn’t. They didn’t know the ins and the outs. They didn’t know what was going on behind the scenes. They maybe talked about it a little bit. Now, you know, you can’t… If you’re bringing in a new talent, you’ve got to hide him at a different airport. You can’t let him be seen at the building, because the second you do, it’s everywhere. People want to report on everything.

“And it’s the funny thing that you talk about Unreal. Like, people that are fans of our business are just as fascinated with the behind the scenes of what we do as they are seeing it take place and the entertainment that it provides in real time. And all the things that goes into it. And there, as you said with the show, there’s so much that goes into the creation of this. But fans are fascinated with it. The people that are complaining about us lifting that curtain and showing people behind the scenes are mostly the people that are already talking about it anyways. They’re on podcasts, they’re debating it with their friends. They’re already there talking about all of it.

“We’re just giving you a look into what really goes on and what happens behind the scenes. And I think much like Drive to Survive did for F1, I think this opens up the doors to a lot of people that aren’t necessarily fans, but that can watch this and appreciate all that goes into it and say, ‘Man, these people seem fascinating. They approach what they do with such an incredible passion. I want to see what the final product is that they put out.’ And hopefully that leads to them becoming WWE fans for life.”

While the project’s main goal was seemingly an attempt from the WWE to further it’s audience, Levesque further explained during an appearance on ESPN’s First Take that he believes fans of wrestling will also tune into the new Netflix docuseries because “half the fun” for wrestling fans is to speculate about the inner workings of the WWE.

“I think in today’s world with the internet, half the fun for our fans I think sometimes is speculating around what is going on behind the scenes anyways,” said Levesque. “So, we decided to let them take a look. We’re not exactly showing you everything and how the tricks are done. But we are giving you the behind the scenes. We’re showing you what goes into this. A lot of people think these athletes show up and they put on a show and that’s it. It’s all pre-determined, so it’s easy. It’s not that at all.

“There is a million things that go into this. And a lot of complex navigating. It’s a fascinating look. I think for people that are fans, it’ll verify why they are fans. For those that aren’t, I think it gives an interesting inside of what we do, and will probably make them more interested when they see all that goes on behind the scenes to make this show actually come to life.”

Chances are, it will likely take some time to determine whether WWE: Unreal does ultimately lead to more viewers on a regular basis on Monday Night Raw and WWE Smackdown. But it is quite clear that WWE isn’t afraid to change with the times as more and more viewers clamor for behind the scenes content.