WWE's 'Unreal' Show Divides Opinions, Says 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin

The wrestling legend shares his take on the behind-the-scenes program that has sparked controversy.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:04pm

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In an exclusive interview, WWE Hall of Famer 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin shared his mixed review of the WWE Unreal show, which provides a backstage look at the wrestling company. While Austin initially thought he would hate the program for revealing too much of the business, he acknowledged that the likeability of the talent makes it an enjoyable watch. However, Austin also noted that the show changes the audience's perspective on characters like his own 'Stone Cold' persona.

Why it matters

WWE Unreal has been a polarizing show, with some current stars criticizing it for giving away too much of the business. As one of the most successful and iconic wrestlers of all time, Austin's perspective on the show carries significant weight and provides insight into how the program is impacting the wrestling industry.

The details

Austin said he was initially skeptical of WWE Unreal because of his background in the era of strict kayfabe, where revealing backstage information could get a wrestler fired. However, he acknowledged that the show's focus on presenting the talent in a likable way makes it an enjoyable watch. At the same time, Austin noted that the behind-the-scenes access changes the audience's perception of characters, potentially diminishing the mystique that was a key part of his own 'Stone Cold' persona.

  • WWE Unreal premiered in 2025 and the second season dropped at the beginning of 2026.
  • Austin appeared at WrestleMania 41 last year and is scheduled for multiple fan signings at WWE World in Las Vegas this year.

The players

'Stone Cold' Steve Austin

A multiple-time world champion, Hall of Famer, and one of the most successful characters in pro wrestling history.

Paul Heyman

A current WWE star who has spoken out against the WWE Unreal program.

Seth Rollins

A current WWE star who has also criticized the WWE Unreal show.

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What they’re saying

“I thought I was going to hate it. When you come from the era that I came from, especially if you were in a Bill Watts territory, it was kayfabe. You didn't smarten up anybody. If you smartened up anybody? You're going to get fired.”

— 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin

“The talent is so likable. Whether they're heels or babyfaces, the talent shines so much. You end up liking it just because the talent is so likable.”

— 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin

“I think it changes the ride for the audience. When I was doing my thing, you really thought I was that guy. I wasn't back there just doing interviews, laughing, and joking because I got a sense of humor. Back then, you didn't think I had a sense of humor.”

— 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin

What’s next

WWE and Netflix have not announced a premiere date for the third season of WWE Unreal, but the show has been picked up for additional episodes.

The takeaway

WWE Unreal provides an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the wrestling industry, which has both positives and negatives according to 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin. While the show makes the talent more likable, it also has the potential to diminish the mystique of iconic characters like Austin's own 'Stone Cold' persona, changing the audience's perspective on the business.