Peyton Manning’s Surprising Pivot: Executive Producer of WWE’s Unreal on Netflix

The worlds of professional wrestling and NFL greatness rarely intersect, but Netflix’s new documentary series WWE: Unreal brings together two titans of American sports entertainment. Peyton Manning, a Pro Football Hall of Famer who has a passion for storytelling and a growing production empire, has been an executive producer on WWE’s roster.

Manning’s Role Behind the Curtain

The five-episode series was produced by WWE, NFL Films, and Skydance Sports as a joint venture between Manning’s Omaha Productions and WWE, NFL Films, and Skydance Sports. The show’s executive production team includes Manning, Jamie Horowitz, Ross Ketover, and WWE’s Keith Cossrow. Manning found the project to be a natural fit.

“Omaha is into fun stories. It’s something you can learn a lot from,” he explained. And while fans joked about whether the former quarterback might try his hand in the ring, Manning shut down the idea with a grin: “I’ve taken my share of hits.”

He keeps his focus on shaping the genre from behind the scenes, not taking a hit in the squared circle.

Pulling Back the WWE Curtain

WWE: Unreal is different from any previous WWE production. For the first time, viewers watch the creative process unfold in real time—from brainstorming sessions in the writers’ room to the infamous Gorilla Position, the backstage nerve center where matches are timed, storylines adjusted, and last-minute changes executed. Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque, WWE’s Chief Content Officer, and their creative team are portrayed through candid moments in the series, with intimate glimpses of celebrities like John Cena, CM Punk, and current champion Cody Rhodes. Fans are witnessing heated discussions about storyline pivots, including the possibility of a Cena heel turn, and the high-stakes pressure of organizing live television in front of millions.

Bridging Sports and Entertainment

Why would Peyton Manning, who has won two Super Bowls and is known for meticulous preparation, choose to play in the WWE? He has a deep appreciation for both athletic excellence and compelling narratives, which is where the answer lies. Both wrestling and football thrive on timing, teamwork, and performance under pressure. Manning has emerged as a media power, executive producing a range of sports and entertainment projects while working with personalities including Pat McAfee, who successfully moved from the NFL to WWE. His involvement in Unreal bolsters the growing trend of cross-platform storytelling in sports media.

The Impact of Manning’s Vision

Unreal transcends standard wrestling fare thanks to Manning’s credibility and business acumen, which helps audiences crave authenticity in this age. The series gives fans a rare glimpse of the humanity, creativity, and calculated chaos that shape WWE’s biggest spectacles. The depth of the film is being praised by early reviews, with praise given to the emotional impact of seeing superstars off-camera and the fast-paced work of the production crew. The expansion of WWE’s partnership with Netflix has resulted in WWE: Unreal becoming more than just a behind-the-scenes look; it’s a blueprint for how sports storytelling can progress. The collision of football and wrestling has never felt more natural with Manning’s guidance. WWE: Unreal’s streaming on Netflix is providing fans with a one-stop shop for the art, drama, and high-stakes production of the world’s most famous wrestling shows.