Common Sense Media Review
By Jenny Nixon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Wrestling docuseries has fake violence, some swearing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
WWE: Next Gen
What's the Story?
WWE: NEXT GEN follows a group of aspiring wrestlers as they travel to Orlando, Florida, for the chance to win a contract with the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment, producers of mega-hit shows like Smackdown and Raw). Many of these hopefuls are hometown athletic stars -- swimmers, runners, and college football players among them -- who grew up watching matches on television, and now find themselves being mentored by the same superstars they idolized as kids. Whether they can successfully combine their athleticism with the kind of outrageous showmanship pro wrestling requires will be a tall order, especially considering that a tiny percentage of applicants are ever accepted to the WWE, and a tiny percentage ever end up participating in an actual wrestling match.
Is It Any Good?
The show's format will be nothing new to viewers familiar with reality shows that whittle down contestants one by one, and the series makes it kind of obvious from the jump who will and won't make it. That said, as you hear the backstories of the WWE: Next Gen wannabes you may find yourself getting sucked into the drama. Watching attractive people do impressive physical stunts is always a good time, but the real fun is seeing these amateurs try to develop their characters and confidence quickly enough to make a lasting impression on the pros. If crass humor and jock culture turn you off, this probably isn't the show for you -- but if you dig the swagger-filled soap-opera-with-sports that is the professional wrestling world, WWE: Next Gen is an enjoyable peek behind the curtain.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the enduring appeal of professional wrestling. What do audiences enjoy about seeing these fake-yet-real matches? How important is athleticism versus the ability to command an audience with your personality?
How do the contestants show perseverance? Why is this an important character strength?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 1, 2024
- Cast : Shawn Michaels , John Cena , Ettore Ewen
- Network : Roku Channel
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : April 24, 2024
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