AJ Styles Pushes Back on WWE Unreal, Says Fans Haven’t ‘Earned the Right To Know’

vishalbhawaniTue, August 4, 2026 at 3:32 AM UTC

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Photo Credit: WWE

AJ Styles isn’t holding back when it comes to WWE’s behind-the-scenes series Unreal. The retired WWE star recently shared why he believes some parts of the wrestling business should remain behind the curtain, even as the Netflix show continues to grow in popularity.

Speaking on the debut episode of The AJ Styles Show with Tony Giles, Styles offered an old-school perspective that sharply contrasts with the modern approach WWE has embraced. While he acknowledged the show’s success, he made it clear that he isn’t buying what Unreal is selling.

AJ Styles explains why he disagrees with WWE Unreal

Asked about the Netflix series, Styles didn’t hesitate with his answer.

“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 said.

Styles explained that wrestlers pay a physical price for the knowledge they gain inside the business. “They don’t get the opportunity to get into the ring and hit the ropes… I paid a price,” he said, adding that the injuries and abuse he endured throughout his career are something he’ll “have to deal with for the rest of my life.”

The former WWE Champion, who retired in January after losing to Gunther at the Royal Rumble, believes those sacrifices give performers a unique perspective that not everyone should have access to.

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“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. It’s just my opinion.”

Despite his criticism, Styles admitted he understands why the series exists. “If there’s a way that they can make money off this, they’re going to… It’s all about making money and finding ways to do that.”

He also acknowledged that he once shared the same curiosity as today’s fans, recalling watching a masked television personality explain how wrestling worked in the 1990s. “We were blown away,” Styles said, before adding that Unreal may simply be a modern version of that experience.

Styles closed the topic by recognizing WWE’s current direction. He noted that talent have become performers rather than wrestlers. When asked whether that bothered him, his response was brief and telling: “They’re not wrong.” Like a perfectly timed Phenomenal Forearm, his comments landed with plenty of impact and are sure to keep the debate rolling.

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The post AJ Styles Pushes Back on WWE Unreal, Says Fans Haven’t ‘Earned the Right To Know’ appeared first on Wrestlezone.

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