WWE Details How Its Gorilla Position Actually Works

WWE is giving fans an “unreal” look at what goes on behind the scenes.

WWE: Unreal premiered on Netflix on Tuesday. The new docuseries gives fans an inside look at the inner workings of WWE creative. During one episode, WWE detailed how its “Gorilla position” functions during a WWE television taping. The “Gorilla position” refers to the backstage area just behind the stage. It functions as a control center for the show, and got its name as a tribute to the late Gorilla Monsoon.

“The Gorilla position is very unique. In every arena, it’s custom-built. However, the inside and the workings of it are the same,” Bruce Prichard said during a voiceover.

“There’s primarily three tables set up inside Gorilla position,” said WWE SVP of Creative Writing, Ed Koskey. “[It’s] one table where Triple H and Bruce Prichard are sitting. There’s another table where Billy Kidman, who is our producer responsible for timing out the show and keeping tabs on times, [will sit]. Next to him will sit the respective match producer.”

“It’s a whole other world in my earpiece”

Koskey highlighted all of the WWE producers being former in-ring talent, naming Park, Bobby Roode and Michael Hayes as producers, along with Prichard as the executive head of creative.

Chris Park (aka TNA’s Abyss) described his job as being a liaison between talent and the heads of creative, Triple H and Bruce Prichard. Park said he also communicates with the production truck to try and stay about 15 seconds ahead so they are in position to get the right camera shots.

“Another thing I am doing on that headset as well is I’m talking to the referees. The referees can hear me,” Park explained.

“It’s a whole other world in my earpiece,” WWE Referee Daphanie LaShaunn said. “So the fans, you guys are seeing just two wrestlers wrestling, but in my ear, I’m listening to at least, in a match, five different things.”

The full breakdown of WWE’s Gorilla position can be seen on Episode 1 of WWE: Unreal titled “New Era.”