Josh Lawless
WWE fans have been left stunned and fascinated by a new Netflix documentary which gives unprecedented access into the inner workings of the wrestling business.
Produced by NFL films and with Peyton Manning as an executive producer, the five episode 'WWE Unreal' completely pulls back the curtain in a way that has never been done before.
Beginning for the premiere of Monday Night Raw on Netflix and running up until WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, the show features behind the scenes footage of Paul 'Triple H' Levesque and his team of writers discussing storylines - as well as top stars like John Cena and CM Punk going through the finish of their matches.
Viewers get to see Triple H's relationship with his talent and how he motivates and reassures them for a big match, but perhaps the most interesting element is the delve into the area where every WWE show is controlled from.
Advert
In episode one, the series lifts the lid on 'Gorilla Position', named after former wrestler and ring announcer Gorilla Monsoon - who became synonymous with organising proceedings in the backstage area.
WWE documentary drops on Netflix
Prior to his departure, long-time WWE owner Vince McMahon would orchestrate the show from his seat backstage until he was replaced by son-in-law Triple H, who directs and liaises with the production truck through his headset for shocking moments like Cena's heel turn.
Triple H explained: "Years ago when TV production started to become a thing, Gorilla Monsoon, a very famous wrestler, was timing things and controlling things from the area right before talent would walk out to go to the ring. "That became known as Gorilla Position. In today's world, it is the epicentre of everything we do."
The area is custom-built and is present in every arena or stadium WWE take over, with three tables.
As highlighted in a diagram, sat next to 'The Game' is right-hand man Bruce Prichard, the executive director of the creative writing team.
Former wrestler Billy Kidman sits at another table and times every show which takes place, while being accompanied by one of many ex superstars who have transitioned into producers.
Their job is to oversee the action in the ring, communicating with the referees to ensure everything is going to plan with regards to timings and any potential legitimate injuries to those in the ring.
But as the series shows, it can get incredibly chaotic - with Chris Park - formerly known as Abyss - panicking as he tries to push for Seth Rollins and CM Punk to complete their main event and apologising to his boss Prichard for the "overbooked" bout.
Nonetheless, fans are already lapping up the new level of access and detail.
One far commented: "So far the most compelling thing I’ve seen. This was amazing."
A second stated: "Bro producers job looks hard."
A third added: "This is too much insight….can’t stop watching."
A fourth wrote: "I love and hate this so much."
WWE Unreal is playing on Netflix now