AJ Styles critiques WWE Unreal, argues fans haven't earned behind-the-scenes access

Cageside Seats3 min read • Latest: Aug 4, 2026, 2:35 PM

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

AJ Styles critiques WWE Unreal, argues fans haven't earned behind-the-scenes access
Summary

AJ Styles expressed strong objections to WWE Unreal during the first episode of his revamped podcast on August 4. He emphasized his 'old school' view that fans have not earned the right to know the inner workings of wrestling and dismissed the show for revealing too much behind-the-scenes content. Styles shared his own experiences and injuries sustained from his career, stating that fans do not have the opportunity to understand the realities faced by wrestlers. He also noted that WWE is primarily focused on monetization, suggesting that if there's a way to profit from such shows, the company would pursue it. His comments come after he has openly criticized WWE's ticket pricing strategy previously. A follow-up discussion on WWE Unreal and fan reactions is expected as the conversation develops.

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Status Watch
  • AJ Styles released a new episode of his podcast on August 4.
  • Styles criticized WWE Unreal for dropping kayfabe.
  • He stated fans haven't earned the right to behind-the-scenes knowledge.
  • He expressed concern over WWE's focus on monetization of content.
  • Styles previously commented on WWE's ticket pricing strategy.
Latest Updates
  • 2:35 PMCageside SeatsAJ Styles says WWE fans haven’t earned the right to see wrestling behind the scenes
What they're saying
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On Monday, a revamped version of AJ Styles’ podcast was released, and the WWE Hall of Famer kicked off the new iteration of the show with a hot take on WWE Unreal. Styles said he doesn’t like the Netflix program that drops kayfabe in favor of a peak behind wrestling’s curtains. He cited his “old school” mentality for his stance that “the outside hasn’t earned the right to know what I know and be where I’ve been.” Since retiring in January following a loss to GUNTHER at the Royal Rumble, Styles hasn’t been shy about sharing his opinion about the business, even that means being critical of his former employers. Last month, he addressed reports of low tickets sales for SummerSlam on his podcast by noting that WWE tickets are expensive and the company should make nosebleed seats “dirt cheap” as a remedy. When asked by co-host Tony Giles on The AJ Styles Show (formerly The Phenomenally Retro Podcast) if he likes WWE Unreal, Styles didn’t hold back. “Here’s my here’s my take on it: Do I like it? I do not, because the outside hasn’t earned the right to know what I know and be where I’ve been,” he responded. The Phenomenal One continued: ‘They don’t get the opportunity to get into the ring and hit the ropes, as much as they would like to. I paid a price, right? And it’s something that I’m gonna have to deal with for the rest of my life with these injuries that I’ve accumulated that the abuse that I put on my body.“ Styles then said that “in my old school opinion, they don’t deserve, they haven’t earned the right to know what goes on, what is said, and all these things. And it’s just my opinion.” He also acknowledged “if there’s a way that they [WWE/TKO] can make money off this, they’re going to. That’s kind of where we’re at in this business. It’s when it comes to WWE, and who is owning WWE, it’s all about making money and finding ways to do that. That’s what this is.” What do you think of Styles’ take on WWE Unreal? Let us know in the comments.

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