Roku Orders ‘WWE: Recruits’ Docuseries With John Cena Producing

[Dale]

The WWE is expanding to another platform.

The sports entertainment company, which on April 3 unveiled plans to merge with Endeavor’s UFC, is producing a new docuseries called WWE: Recruits for The Roku Channel, with WWE legend John Cena set to produce and appear in the eight-episode series.

WWE: Recruits will follow a group of men and women hoping to become WWE superstars. Other stars set to appear in the series are Paul “Triple H” Levesque (who also leads WWE creative); Ric Flair; Shawn Michaels; and Bianca Belaire. Filming is already underway, with some content produced at Wrestlemania last weekend.

A. Smith & Co. Productions (Hell’s Kitchen, American Ninja Warrior) is producing the series for Roku Channel.

WWE: Recruits also gives the WWE its own docuseries giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the development of new talent, something that the UFC has long done through its Ultimate Fighter series. The deal with Roku Channel also means that the WWE now has original content on NBCUniversal, Fox, A+E Networks and Netflix (though its actual matches and events are only on USA, Peacock, and Fox).

The series is also an example of what the company hopes to do more of once its new venture with the UFC is completed.

“We expect in this new combination to launch non-scripted shows, docs and films, more fights, more events and and a mess of social media,” Endeavor president and COO Mark Shapiro told The Hollywood Reporter this week.

Roku Channel, meanwhile, gets a high-profile original series from a seasoned producer and a big star attached.

“Millions around the world watch and dream of it, but only a handful of extraordinary individuals can become a WWE Superstar,” Cena said in a statement. “I am so excited to bring WWE: Recuits to The Roku Channel and look forward to giving viewers an exclusive all-access perspective on how the WWE turns the dreams of talented young people into a reality.”

“Roku Original series WWE: Recruits not only unpacks how the WWE transforms unknown athletes into world-renowned stars, but also invites audiences into the lives of an unforgettable group of young people chasing their ultimate dream,” added Sean Boyle, the head of adventure and exploration programming for Roku Channel. “We could not be more excited to work with the icon himself, John Cena, as our executive producer and our outstanding partners, the WWE and A. Smith & Co Productions, to share the untold story of this high-stakes world.”​

So not too dissimilar to Tough Enough without the competition aspect I guess then? Could be interesting.

 

[Chris]

Sounds like the earlier seasons of Tough Enough especially but without the competition like you said

 

[Dale]

Gonna assume this is the trailer for this, albeit a different name​

 

[The Gipper]

They managed to get every competition show cliche in there, good for them!

 

[Cwalker]

In 2002, who would’ve thought Triple H, John Cena and Shawn Michaels would be producing a show about the next generation

 

[Deezy]

Watching them run the ropes and taking flatbacks the first time will be the only interesting thing for me.....I hate reality shows giving me sobs stories.....we all have one I don't need to hear about yours.

 

[Deadd2009]

Yeah but those sob stories are to convince you on why they should win, or why you think they should win. Its all to get people talking about the show on social media.

 

[Deezy]

I'd rather talent wins.

 

[Storm Trooper]

I loved the Breaking Ground series they did on the OG WWE Network. Looking forward to this.