WWE Network additions, ahoy! The past two days have featured a number of original pieces of content added to the service. This includes the hit Table For 3, which is highly rated among fans, and the always fun WWE List. Besides the original content, we also received last month’s RAW added to the archives for some added in-ring action. One item not covered is an episode of Smackdown from March 16, 2000. The two schools of thoughts on this upload was that it was simply a random one WWE already had ready, or that it was the start of Attitude Era Part III that will likely finish the Attitude Era up until the Invasion. Naturally, I hope it will be the latter but until we know more, treat it as just a random upload. Now let’s get to the WWE Network additions, shall we?
The WWE List
The WWE List this week was all about factions. In particular, ones that weren’t successful. “Failed Factions” brought a lot of memories back with focus on different groups from the past like the J.O.B. Squad, the Blue World Order (B.W.O.), the Misfits in Action (M.I.A.) etc. while also giving focus to more recent acts such as 3MB. So many initials and so many ridiculous factions. Some were a lot of fun, some were just downright bad.
The appeal to this show might not even be the topics, though. It is the collection of individuals commenting. This week had a plethora of guests ranging from comedians and celebrities such as Corey Taylor from Slipknot, Fluffy, Brian Quinn from Impractical Jokers, etc. to NXT talent like Solomon Crowe and Dash Wilder with pretty much everyone else in between. The show may not be must see, but it is one of the more fun shows that Network offers.
First Look: Ring In The Holiday
For those unaware, First Look is a twenty to thirty minute long series that gives you, wait for it, a first look at the latest WWE DVD or Blu-Ray coming out. Just like DVDs, they vary in quality as some have a focus on new content, such as the First Look on the Monday Night War’s first release. This featured an interview with Sting and Triple H discussing major moments. Some, on the other hand, just feature matches or moments from the vault that will appear on the disc. Personally, I am less interested in those.
This one was a bit of a mix of the two ideas. WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley and his daughter whom frequents Network shows, Noelle Foley would appear and be on a hunt for Santa Claus. Mick is one of the most entertaining talents in wrestling history and Noelle has a very charming personality and it comes across well here. As for the footage from the vault they used, it was a nice contrast between moments and matches from the 80s, the 90s, and recent footage. For what is essentially a preview to a DVD, this one delivered in spades.
Table For 3
Table For 3 has been very well received by fans and critics alike. And why wouldn’t it be? Three Superstars, Divas, or legends sitting down and discussing a number of topics, sometimes reminiscing and sometimes talking about their goals in an out of character and different from the norm setting. It has a format that just works. Add in it being short enough for anyone to take in, and it should surprise nobody that the show has been such a hit. Don’t believe me? At one point this weekend FIVE different episodes were on the Most Popular list.
This week’s episode was all about former King of the Ring winners, all of whom happen to be European as well as William Regal, King Barrett, and Sheamus sat down together to discuss a number of topics. They poked a lot of fun at their “success” as King of the Ring winners, the UK wrestling scene, among other topics. Regal alone talking is a thrill and worth listening to but all three were very entertaining and interesting and I could have listened to them for hours. Oh and you’ve got to love the Foley shout out at the end. Watch this.
NXT
This week’s NXT was very good. It had a big moment or two, some really quality action, and some build towards the next Takeover event, NXT Takeover: London which is just over a month away. Without giving anything away, we see the NXT Women’s Champion Bayley in six-person tag action while the NXT Tag Team Champions, the Vaudevillains, put their tag gold on the line. Additionally we hear from Samoa Joe after his assault on the NXT Champion Finn Balor last week.
Beyond the six-person tag, we get a clue on the next NXT Women’s Championship match while more questions arise over other women’s goals and plans for the division. Add in The Ascension giving an answer to Chad Gable and Jason Jordan and both Balor and Crews seeking revenge and we have a busy but very entertaining hour of action.
Match List
Bayley and The Hype Bros (Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley) vs. BAMF (Alexa Bliss, Blake, and Murphy)
Nia Jax vs. Deonna
NXT Tag Team Championship: The Vaudevillains (Simon Gotch and Aiden English) vs. Dash and Dawson
RAW
Another episode of RAW hits the video-on-demand service, and this one comes from October 12th of this year. The main hook of this show is Kane’s antics with Seth Rollins, which thanks to Triple H and Stephanie McMahon being stuck in traffic allows Kane to terrorize Rollins however he pleases. From a personal standpoint, I can’t say I loved the show, but John Cena’s United States Open definitely delivered in spades.
Match List
The New Day (Big E and Kofi Kingston, with Xavier Woods) vs. Dean Ambrose and Randy Orton
Naomi (with Team B.A.D., Tamina and Sasha Banks) vs. Nikki Bella (with Team Bella, Brie Bella and Alicia Fox)
United States Championship: John Cena vs. ???
The Dudleys (Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley) vs. The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor)
Neville and Cesaro vs. King Barrett and Sheamus
Braun Strowman (with The Wyatt Family, Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper) vs. Roman Reigns
Rusev (with Summer Rae) vs. Ryback
Kevin Owens vs. Kalisto
Team Bella (Brie Bella and Alicia Fox) vs. Team NBC (Charlotte and Becky Lynch, with Natalya)
Lumberjack: Kane vs. Seth Rollins
Closing Thoughts
Not a bad few days, huh? These original series deliver in spades and NXT hype is unnecessary at this point as just about everybody knows how good the show is. For those not caught up, make sure you watch just about everything listed, with the exception of the RAW replay, as I highly recommend each piece. It was a very strong few days in terms of quality content. Now we look ahead to the weekend and see if WWE ends up adding more than the usual or if we keep a normal pace.
Stick to The WWE Network Chronicle for more WWE Network news, reviews, and previews! Also be sure to follow me on Twitter at http://www.Twitter.com/AWWENetworkGuy and to join in on the discussion with your opinions, predictions, and desires about the WWE Network!