WWE’s CM Punk & Rhea Ripley Reveal How Storylines Really Come to Be

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The WWE is pulling back the ropes on what really goes on before their superstars step in the ring.

Featuring wrestling stars such as CM Punk and Rhea Ripley on Netflix’s “WWE: Unreal,” debuting July 29, provides fans a glimpse into the development process of ideas from the Connecticut headquarters to the road, as CM Punk shared with TopMob News in an exclusive interview.

In a five-part documentary series, narrated by WWE legend and Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque, viewers will follow along as the experts grapple with a novel concept for Monday Night Raw or Friday Night Smackdown, according to CM. They’ll also get to witness how this idea sprouts and evolves over time.

In contrast to the scripted storylines and routines decided upon by the writers during private discussions prior to their performances, Rhea finds the unpredictable moments to be the most thrilling aspect.

She informed TopMob that circumstances can swiftly shift. These unexpected events occur frequently, causing those in the spotlight to adapt instantly—they must perform live on air with minimal or no assistance.

Which is why their superstars need to be stone cold. 

Rhea observed that sometimes things don’t go as planned,” she said. “That’s why you often feel anxious when you venture out, yet you make an effort to push those concerns aside.

It’s no secret to WWE fans that being part of this world often means dealing with actual injuries. In April 2024, Rhea had to give up the Women’s World Championship due to a shoulder injury sustained during a tussle with Liv Morgan. Then, about six months later, while performing on NXT, Rhea suffered a broken right orbital socket. Both injuries necessitated time away from the ring for recovery.

Rhea confessed that standing on the sidelines was one of the most unpleasant situations she could imagine. It’s painful to watch others at work or with family enjoying themselves and pursuing their dreams, leaving you feeling like you urgently want to rejoin them—you can literally feel the urge.

Besides keeping track of the action within the ring, this Netflix documentary additionally focuses on significant emotional events happening behind the scenes. Specifically, it covers John Cena‘s final season with the WWE, as he gears up for retirement after more than two decades as a key figure in the franchise.

CM fondly referred to John Cena as his wrestling counterpart over their decade-long friendship. After departing from the WWE in 2014 due to creative differences, he made a triumphant return in 2023. He confessed, “A piece of me wishes I hadn’t left because we could have accomplished even more.” However, it adds to the sweetness that I’m back now and had the chance to collaborate with him one last time.

He’s preparing for the annual SummerSlam 2025, happening at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on August 2 and 3. Although this year’s show includes appearances by Jelly Roll and Cardi B, he’d be thrilled if a few more well-known personalities joined in the wrestling action.

CM humorously suggested a tag team match involving himself, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and Jon Hamm at some point. He proposed they could perform a switch while the referee wasn’t looking, making it unclear who was in the ring. However, he acknowledged that his tattoos might give him away, but for this scenario, they would overlook that detail and utilize their creative freedom.

WWE: Unreal premieres July 29 on Netflix. For more shows debuting this year, keep reading…

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After the tumultuous years of World War I, London was no longer the city I had left behind. Upon my return as a soldier, I found a society in flux, significantly shaped by a rising tide of empowered women. This transformation was most evident in Soho’s burgeoning nightlife scene, where clubs were springing up like stars in the night sky.

In this vibrant underworld, women started to seize opportunities – both legal and illicit – and mold the very fabric of the nightlife industry. They were the architects of change, shaping a new era that would forever alter the city’s social landscape.

Telemundo’s hit show Top Chef VIP is ready for its most challenging season yet, as it introduces ten new faces to its roster. The 20 competitors vying for culinary supremacy on Spanish-speaking TV are now all set, each bringing their unique personality into the toughest kitchen on television. Hosted by Carmen Villalobos, this season will push these celebrities to their limits with weekly cooking competitions airing every weeknight and Sundays. Each episode is brimming with unexpected surprises that promise to make every moment exciting. A group of experienced professional chefs, who will soon be unveiled, will serve as judges, all working towards the same goal: selecting the winner who will receive the prestigious Top Chef VIP title and a $200,000 cash prize at the end of the competition.

In “The Challenge: Vets and New Threats“, a fresh epoch commences, and the competition has never been more uncertain.

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In this compelling three-part television series, the thrilling tale of one of New York City’s most significant manhunts unfolds – Chats with a Serial Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes. This gripping show provides an intimate look at the NYPD’s frantic pursuit of the notorious .44-caliber killer, as well as delving into the troubled mind of David Berkowitz, the man behind the terror. Remarkable recordings recently discovered offer a unique glimpse into his twisted psychological state, shedding light on the thoughts and motivations that drove him during his reign of fear in the late 1970s. Featuring firsthand testimonies from police officers, journalists, and survivors, the series examines how anxiety swept through the city streets due to cryptic letters, sensationalized media reports, and a seemingly omnipresent yet elusive killer. Renowned director Joe Berlinger, who has won Emmys and been nominated for Oscars, brings us this chilling new installment of Chats with a Serial Killer, offering an in-depth examination of one of the most notorious cases in American history.

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Leanne experiences an unforeseen change when her husband of 33 years departs, choosing another woman instead. Given that she is a grandmother and experiencing menopause, starting over wasn’t part of her plan. However, with the support of her family, she will face this new phase of life with poise, respect, and perhaps some jello salad as well.

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When fishermen find a colossal red king crab in the remote west, it sparks a gold rush-like competition among the Dutch Harbor fleet. Eager to claim a piece of the estimated billion-dollar prize, captains and crews risk treacherous 50-foot waves to reach the isolated Adak Island, a location unvisited by anyone in over three decades and beyond the limits of rescue. Braving unfamiliar waters for the lucrative catch, the crews confront harsh conditions and significant ship malfunctions that jeopardize their lives, leaving the fleet under the control of the unpredictable western Bering Sea.

During his second HBO stand-up special, humorist and podcast producer Marc Maron shares his insightful viewpoints about the progressively complex world we live in.

In the vein of the popular Zen book series, the animated show “Stillwater” focuses on a sagacious panda character named Stillwater who guides three young siblings – Karl, Addy, and Michael – through life’s complexities and their relationships with each other. The narrative revolves around these siblings as they grapple with various hurdles, some of which seem overwhelming at times. Luckily for them, Stillwater, their neighboring panda, is a source of wisdom and insight. By demonstrating mindfulness, sharing stories, and employing gentle wit, Stillwater instills the children with an appreciation for mindfulness while helping them grasp their emotions better and equipping them with practical tools to navigate their personal daily challenges.

Nestled against the stunning scenery of the Hawaiian Islands, a captivating new drama is unfolding. This drama, created, produced, and penned by Jason Momoa, narrates the tale of warrior Ka’iana, played by Momoa himself, as he endeavors to bring unity to the islands, prior to Western colonization in the late 18th century.

The revival of season 14 finds us catching up with the Hill family several years later, as Hank and Peggy have retired and come back to find Arlen significantly altered following their long stint working in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, their son Bobby is 21 and thriving while juggling maturity as he explores adulthood by honing his culinary skills in Dallas.

Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, renowned hosts of the hit podcast “Las Culturistas,” are set to present the fourth Las Culturistas Culture Awards. This event will be aired on Tuesday, August 5th at 9 p.m., initially on Bravo, followed by streaming on Peacock the next day.

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Televised for the first time, the show will be taped on July 17 in Los Angeles.

This show offers a behind-the-scenes peek into some of the most iconic college football programs in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). You’ll get unfiltered glimpses of their coaches and players, both on and off the field, whether it’s on buses, in locker rooms, at barbershops, around fire pits, or running out of the tunnels. It provides an exclusive perspective on crucial games throughout the 2024 SEC season to highlight the intense passion and drama that characterizes college football’s top conference.

Jenna Ortega’s character, Wednesday Addams, once again haunts the eerie corridors of Nevermore Academy, facing fresh challenges and troubles. This term, Wednesday finds herself juggling family, companions, and past enemies, leading her towards another year filled with dark humor and quirky chaos. Equipped with her characteristic sharp humor and dry wit, Wednesday is also thrown into a chilling supernatural enigma that will surely send shivers down one’s spine.

In the second season, we find ourselves rejoining our beloved pair of friends (Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne) as they navigate fresh mid-life challenges such as work pressures, weddings, and partners in trouble. Despite their best efforts to be strong for one another, these close companions can occasionally cause more damage than support.

Back in 1984, I, an obsessed fan of justice, found myself in a chilling dance with the infamous serial killer, Ted Bundy. He offered his assistance to investigator Robert Keppel in capturing The Green River Killer, a ghostly figure who was terrorizing women in Seattle, Washington – a place where Bundy had claimed many of his victims a decade prior.

The game of cat and mouse between us continued until the day Bundy was executed. I couldn’t help but feel a twisted sense of satisfaction, knowing that even from behind bars, he was contributing to bringing a ruthless murderer to justice.

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In a new take on the Outlander universe, we encounter two fresh pairs of lovers who struggle against immense obstacles as their romantic journeys unfold through different eras. From the tumultuous battlefields of World War I to the untamed landscapes of 18th-century Scotland’s Highlands, these destined couples must resist forces trying to keep them apart, creating unexpected and unanticipated connections.

In the course of his second extended comedy performance, Ralph Barbosa discusses his experiences with dating, managing anger, automotive work, and his perspectives on contemporary issues.

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2025-07-27 14:18