"My first call is to Nick" - WWE: Unreal's latest sneak peek brings to light key details about John Cena's shocking 'heel turn' 

WWE: Unreal is Netflix’s new docuseries that throws the curtain wide open on WWE’s inner creative world. Unlike kayfabe-heavy shows that focus on in-ring storylines and gimmicks, this series zeroes in on what really happens behind closed doors. It covers how WWE storylines are built, who’s pitching what, and how major decisions involving top stars get made.

Produced by Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions along with NFL Films, Skydance Sports, and WWE itself, the series promises direct access to the writers’ room, phone calls between executives, and creative discussions that usually stay hidden.

Directed by Chris Weaver and run by Erik Powers, WWE: Unreal features commentary from major names like Triple H, Nick Khan, The Rock, and John Cena himself. It’s not just another puff piece about WWE history, it’s a real-time look at how business and storytelling come together in the company’s biggest moments.

The series specifically highlights Cena’s heel turn at Elimination Chamber, which helped him win a record-setting 17th World Title. The new clip that just dropped on Netflix is a taste of how big decisions like that come to life, and it reveals the group of six people who kept it all under wraps. WWE: Unreal premieres July 29.

WWE: Unreal - How John Cena’s heel turn was orchestrated in complete secrecy

The clip from WWE: Unreal starts with Triple H saying,

“My first call is to Nick,”

referring to WWE President Nick Khan. That call set off a chain reaction that would lead to one of the most shocking decisions WWE has made in years—turning John Cena's heel.

According to Triple H, Khan immediately approved the pitch. From there, Triple H took the idea to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The clip from WWE: Unreal shows how careful they were during this process. Triple H had no idea how The Rock would react, but after hearing the entire plan, The Rock called it “genius” and started offering ideas within seconds.

Things moved quickly after that. Travis Scott was brought in next, and he was also immediately on board. Then came Cody Rhodes. Rhodes was surprised, especially given Cena’s reputation and long-standing babyface status.

But even he agreed the move made sense, especially considering the stakes at Elimination Chamber and the broader push to refresh WWE’s long-term storytelling. Once Rhodes was looped in, Triple H made the most important call, he rang John Cena himself.

Triple H didn’t approach Cena as the Head of Creative. He made it clear he was calling as Paul Levesque, asking Cena as a friend, not as a boss. Cena’s response wasn’t dramatic.

He said, “If this is what you believe in, I’m in.”

But Triple H pushed further, reminding him that a heel turn would affect his personal image, film career, and public perception.

Cena paused and gave his honest reaction, he liked the idea a lot. Within a minute of ending the call, Cena started texting multiple ideas. That was the sign Triple H needed to know Cena was fully invested.

What makes this even wilder is how tightly the entire plan was guarded. Triple H, Cena, Rock, Rhodes, Khan, and Scott agreed not to loop in anyone else. Even within WWE, most people had no clue until the moment Cena turned during Elimination Chamber.

The secrecy wasn’t just for dramatic effect, it was about protecting the credibility of the move. They knew it would only land if nobody saw it coming. And it worked. The shock on fans' faces wasn’t staged. It was real.

The clip closes with Triple H explaining how rare it is to get that level of genuine surprise in wrestling anymore. This move pulled it off, and that’s exactly what WWE: Unreal wants to highlight.

Trending

Follow for more updates.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback