Steve Austin admits he expected to dislike WWE’s behind-the-scenes series Unreal, but the WWE Hall of Famer says the show ultimately won him over.
Steve Austin comes from an era when kayfabe was strictly protected, and wrestlers rarely broke character outside the ring. The series, which gives fans a look behind the curtain at how WWE operates, represents a major shift from the way the business once functioned.
Speaking with Zack Heydorn of SI’s The Takedown, Austin explained that his background initially made him sceptical about the concept.
“I thought I was going to hate it,” Austin said. “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 were going to get fired. If you got in a fight with some guy at a bar and he kicked your a**, you were going to get fired, because you had to protect the business.”
Austin acknowledged that the show reveals far more about the inner workings of wrestling than would have ever been acceptable during his time coming up in the industry.
“They give away a lot of information, but that’s what it’s for, right?” he said.
Steve Austin Says The Personalities Of The WWE Talent Make The Show Enjoyable
Despite those concerns, Steve Austin said the personalities of the WWE roster helped make the series enjoyable.
“The talent is so likable. Whether they’re heels or babyfaces, the talent shines so much,” he said. “You end up liking it just because the talent is so likable. The old school part of me says, ‘Hey man, you can’t give away too much,’ but I think it’s a good show because of the freaking talent on there.”
The first two seasons of WWE Unreal are currently available on Netflix, with a third season scheduled to premiere in 2026. Austin last appeared on WWE television at WrestleMania 41, where he briefly announced the show’s attendance. WWE has not confirmed when he may next appear on television.
