Introduction to WWE Unreal
WWE is known for pushing the boundaries of sports entertainment, and in 2025, it introduced something no one saw coming: WWE Unreal. This latest WWE creative venture mixes elements of alternate realities, historical fiction, and popular culture—fused with the dramatic energy of wrestling. One of the most talked-about aspects of this unique show? The surprising inclusion of former NFL legend Peyton Manning in WWE Unreal Episode 1.
Whether you’re a wrestling fanatic, a Peyton Manning admirer, or just curious about what this buzz is all about, this in-depth guide covers everything: WWE Unreal’s plot, Episode 1 breakdown, Peyton Manning’s role, where to watch, and a detailed wiki-style overview.
What is WWE Unreal?
WWE Unreal is a new semi-scripted docufiction wrestling series that reimagines WWE legends and storylines in alternate timelines and fictional scenarios. The series was developed by WWE Studios in collaboration with Omaha Productions, Peyton Manning’s entertainment company, and debuted in July 2025.
Unlike typical WWE content, WWE Unreal dives into speculative “what if” scenarios, such as:
- What if The Rock never left WWE?
- What if Stone Cold Steve Austin turned heel in the Attitude Era?
- What if athletes from other sports entered WWE rings?
The series is both nostalgic and futuristic, making it a goldmine for long-time fans and curious newcomers alike.
Peyton Manning in WWE Unreal Episode 1
Why Peyton Manning?
NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning is an unexpected face in WWE’s new cinematic universe. Best known for his record-breaking football career with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos, Manning has steadily expanded into media since retiring in 2016.
Peyton co-produces WWE Unreal through Omaha Productions, the same company behind the ManningCast for Monday Night Football. Episode 1 doesn’t just feature him as a narrator or executive—he plays an active role in the episode’s story arc.
His Role in Episode 1
In WWE Unreal Episode 1, Peyton Manning plays a fictionalized version of himself in an alternate 2003 WWE timeline. In this universe, he chooses wrestling over football after college. The show asks: What if Peyton Manning joined WWE instead of the NFL?
Wearing a custom jersey-inspired singlet and adopting the moniker “The Sheriff of Suplex City,” Peyton trains at WWE’s Performance Center and even faces off against a younger version of John Cena.
Highlights from the episode include:
- Peyton training with Kurt Angle and Booker T
- A mock match at WrestleMania XX
- Cameos by Triple H, Ric Flair, and Edge
- Commentary blending NFL and WWE history
This blend of fiction and archive footage makes for a humorous, engaging, and oddly inspirational debut episode.
Episode 1: Full Synopsis
Title: The Sheriff of Suplex City
Air Date: July 24, 2025
Runtime: 44 minutes
Guest Stars: Peyton Manning, Triple H, John Cena (archive), Kurt Angle, Edge, Booker T
Plot Summary:
- Opening: The episode opens with Peyton Manning narrating from a sports lounge decorated with both NFL and WWE memorabilia.
- What If Premise: The narrator presents an alternate reality where Manning chooses pro wrestling over football. The episode flashes back to his college years and a twist of fate that leads him to WWE tryouts.
- Training Montage: Peyton undergoes training at WWE’s Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), where he meets young stars like Batista, Randy Orton, and Brock Lesnar.
- Main Event: The climactic moment features a fictional WrestleMania XX match between Peyton Manning and John Cena, using deepfake-enhanced archive footage and scripted segments.
- Closing: The episode wraps with Manning reflecting on the “paths not taken,” making a humorous nod to his real NFL achievements.
Where to Watch WWE Unreal Episode 1
If you’re wondering where to watch WWE Unreal, here are the official streaming options:
1. Peacock (U.S. Exclusive)
- WWE Unreal is available exclusively in the U.S. via Peacock.
- Subscribers of the Premium Tier can stream the episode ad-free.
- Episode 1 is featured on the WWE Hub under Special Presentations.
2. WWE Network (International)
- International fans can watch WWE Unreal on WWE Network.
- It appears under “Original Series.”
3. YouTube Sneak Peek
- WWE released a 5-minute sneak peek on its official YouTube channel, which includes behind-the-scenes footage of Peyton’s performance.
4. Omaha Productions App (Coming Soon)
- As of July 2025, Omaha Productions has teased exclusive bonus content from WWE Unreal on its new streaming platform, expected to launch later this year.
WWE Unreal Wiki Overview
Here’s a wiki-style breakdown of the new series for fans seeking a structured look.
Title: WWE Unreal
Genre: Docufiction, Sports Drama, Alternate History
Created By: WWE Studios, Omaha Productions
Premiere Date: July 24, 2025
Language: English
Seasons: 1 (8 Episodes Confirmed)
Network: Peacock (US), WWE Network (Global)
Starring: Peyton Manning, WWE Legends, Fictionalized WWE Superstars
Executive Producers: Kevin Dunn, Peyton Manning, Stephanie McMahon, Dwayne Johnson
Fan Reactions to WWE Unreal Episode 1
Critical Reception
Early reviews from wrestling critics and entertainment outlets have been largely positive. Here’s a sample of what media is saying:
- IGN: “WWE Unreal is the multiverse madness WWE didn’t know it needed.”
- Rolling Stone: “Peyton Manning is surprisingly charismatic as a fictional wrestler—equal parts muscle and media-savvy.”
- Bleacher Report: “Not for purists, but wildly fun for open-minded fans.”
Social Media Buzz
On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #WWEUnreal, #PeytonInTheRing, and #SheriffOfSuplexCity trended globally during the release week.
Top fan comments include:
“I didn’t know I needed Peyton Manning delivering promos like The Rock!”
“This is the best WWE original content since the Ruthless Aggression series.”
How WWE Unreal Ties into Broader WWE Lore
Episode 1 isn’t just about Peyton Manning—it cleverly ties into WWE’s storied legacy:
- Mentions of the Attitude Era
- Archival footage of The Rock and Stone Cold
- Teases for future episodes about alternate timelines for Roman Reigns and Sasha Banks
This allows WWE Unreal to serve as both entertainment and a tribute to decades of wrestling history.
Confirmed Future Episodes
Here are a few teased or confirmed episodes of WWE Unreal:
- Episode 2: Sasha Banks: If She Never Left WWE
- Episode 3: The Rock vs Roman Reigns: Clash in 2015
- Episode 4: CM Punk: If He Returned in 2014
- Episode 5: John Cena: If He Turned Heel in 2008
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
- Peyton Manning reportedly underwent 6 weeks of wrestling training to prepare for Episode 1.
- Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson helped script parts of the dialogue, giving Peyton advice on how to cut promos.
- The episode uses AI and deepfake technology to simulate matches that never happened.
Is WWE Unreal Canon?
According to WWE officials, WWE Unreal is not canon. It is classified as a “speculative fiction entertainment series,” but it borrows heavily from real WWE history. Still, some fans treat the show as a type of alternate universe canon, much like Marvel’s What If…?
Conclusion
WWE Unreal Episode 1 featuring Peyton Manning is more than just a gimmick—it’s a creative fusion of sports, fiction, and nostalgia. The show’s ambitious storytelling, high production value, and surprise celebrity involvement make it a standout in WWE’s evolving content universe.
If you haven’t watched it yet, head to Peacock or WWE Network and witness what happens when football royalty enters the squared circle in an alternate world where anything is possible.
FAQs
Is Peyton Manning really wrestling in WWE Unreal?
Not in a real match, but he portrays a fictional version of himself who became a WWE Superstar in an alternate universe.
Where can I watch WWE Unreal outside the U.S.?
You can stream it on WWE Network internationally.
How many episodes will WWE Unreal have?
Season 1 will feature 8 episodes, with potential for more if the series is successful.
Is WWE Unreal part of regular WWE storylines?
No. WWE Unreal is a standalone docufiction series exploring hypothetical wrestling scenarios.
