WWE’s latest foray into the world of documentary series has sparked a mixed bag of reactions from its talent, with some embracing the behind-the-scenes look at the WWE universe and others expressing reservations about the level of exposure. One wrestler who has publicly shared her feelings on the matter is Lyra Valkyria, who recently appeared on the podcast Going Ringside to discuss her thoughts on WWE’s “Unreal” series.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at WWE
WWE’s “Unreal” series, released on Netflix, offers an unfiltered glimpse into the lives of WWE’s wrestlers, from the highs of a main event victory to the lows of dealing with injuries and personal struggles. While some have praised the series for its raw, honest portrayal of the wrestling industry, others have expressed concerns about the level of exposure.
Lyra Valkyria, a rising star in the WWE, was candid about her feelings on the series, stating that she “doesn’t even know how [she] feels about it.” According to Valkyria, the experience of watching her own life play out on camera has been both “surreal” and “difficult” to navigate.
The Double-Edged Sword of Reality TV
While some have praised the series for its authenticity, others have expressed concerns about the potential for exploitation. As Valkyria noted, the idea of putting one’s personal struggles on display for the world to see can be a daunting prospect. “It’s a weird feeling, knowing that people are watching you, watching your life play out on camera,” she said. “It’s like, are you being real, or are you just performing for the camera?”
Valkyria’s comments echo the sentiments of several WWE insiders, who have expressed concerns about the potential for reality TV to blur the lines between reality and performance. According to a source close to the WWE, the company has been working to strike a balance between providing an authentic look at the industry and protecting the well-being of its talent.
A Culture of Transparency?
While some have praised WWE for its willingness to showcase the behind-the-scenes struggles of its talent, others have questioned the company’s motives. As Valkyria noted, the idea of using reality TV to humanize WWE’s wrestlers can be seen as a marketing ploy. “It’s like, are they really trying to be transparent, or are they just trying to sell tickets?” she said.
According to a WWE insider, the company has been working to create a culture of transparency, one that prioritizes the well-being and safety of its talent. As one source noted, “WWE has been making a concerted effort to create a more open and honest dialogue between management and talent. The ‘Unreal’ series is just one aspect of that effort.”
A New Era of WWE Storytelling?
While the WWE’s “Unreal” series has sparked a mixed reaction from talent, it’s clear that the company is committed to pushing the boundaries of storytelling. As Valkyria noted, the series has forced her to confront her own feelings about being a WWE wrestler. “It’s made me realize that I’m not just a performer, I’m a person too,” she said.
As the WWE continues to explore new ways of storytelling, it’s likely that we’ll see more reality TV-style programming in the future. Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing remains to be seen. One thing is certain, however: the WWE’s “Unreal” series has sparked a conversation about the nature of reality TV and the role of the WWE in the world of entertainment.
The Future of WWE Storytelling
As the WWE continues to push the boundaries of storytelling, it’s clear that the company is committed to creating a more authentic and relatable experience for its fans. Whether that means more reality TV-style programming or a return to the traditional storytelling of the past remains to be seen.
One thing is certain, however: the WWE’s “Unreal” series has opened up a Pandora’s box of questions about the nature of reality TV and the role of the WWE in the world of entertainment. As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how the company navigates this new landscape and what the future holds for WWE storytelling.