The latest WWE Network additions are here! Truth be told, this article was never intended to be weekly, however with content coming in as slowly as it does, it just sort of took shape to a pattern. This week had no surprises, with the exception of First Look not being added. Other than that, it was more of the usual.
Like every week, we also had the latest episodes of some of WWE Network’s in ring shows. This includes a NXT review which can be read here and a Superstars review which can be read here. Neville appeared on both shows, so if you’re a fan of the Man That Gravity Forgot, be sure to check them out. Now let’s see what else has been added, shall we?
RAW Pre-Show
The latest RAW Pre-Show was pretty amusing. After a GI Bro crack by Scott Stanford, Booker T either sold anger well for the episode or, as some people think, was legitimately annoyed, and it made for a fun and somewhat awkward show. You gotta love that kind of material.
Beyond that, we had Corey Graves and David Otunga with their usual banter and the group looked at RAW last week, previewed RAW this week, and then also previewed both Roadblock and Wrestlemania. There was plenty to discuss and the panelists are fun together. Worth having on in the background at least, but really, they put on a good show period.
Edge and Christian Show
The Edge and Christian Show is a hit. People keep tuning in and it is one of the higher viewed items to hit the service each week. Last week had some controversy due to the comments made towards Sunny at the end of the episode. This week? A little more tame but with a lot of shots at former talents and a lot of gags.
This show isn’t must see, necessarily, but it is quite entertaining. I do wish we had more content for those who don’t enjoy this kind of humor, but for what it is I think this show absolutely delivers in spades. I suggest everyone at least give it a shot. You might not like it, but you might love it.
This episode focuses on gimmicks. Titled “The Madness!”, they set up March Madness style brackets for this gimmick tournament featuring the likes of Gillberg, The Boogeyman, Bastion Booger, and numerous others. As usual, we had a plethora of guests as well. The only thing missing was their assistant. I need more interviews! ..And maybe some more mean Tweets.
This Week In WWE
This Week in WWE continues to serve the purpose it intends to achieve. That means for most, the show can be skipped. But for those not following the big shows, this is a way for you to be caught up on all the action. This week’s edition focuses on the Undertaker’s return to RAW and the Triple H and Dean Ambrose story leading in to WWE Roadblock this Saturday, which will be previewed and reviewed right here on WWE Network News.
Main Event
This episode of Main Event took place on February 16th of this year and it was the 177th edition of the series. This was quite the strong edition too. With New Day being a top act and Paige being a big name Diva, we had some star power on this show. But more importantly, we just had some good overlooked talent mixing it up with some better booked guys. In particular we had the extremely entertaining Social Outcasts and the extremely entertaining New Day interacting before having a match. Watch this, but skip any recaps.
Match List
Neville and Zack Ryder vs. Stardust and Tyler Breeze
Summer Rae vs. Paige
The Social Outcasts (Curtis Axel, Heath Slater, and Adam Rose with Bo Dalas) vs. The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, and Big E)
RAW
RAW 1184 was from February 1st of this year. This was before the Fastlane event and as a result the show was fairly focused on building that show. This was okay. I can’t praise this show too heavily as there wasn’t much in terms of excellent work, but it did have MizTV with AJ Styles, which was at least interesting. Watch if you haven’t seen it already, but it isn’t must see or worth re-watching.
Match List
Kalisto vs. Rusev
The Social Outcasts (Adam Rose and Curtis Axel, with Heath Slater) vs. The Usos (Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso)
Charlotte (with Ric Flair) vs. Brie Bella
Erick Rowan (with The Wyatt Family, Luke Harper and Braun Strowman) vs. Big Show
Tyler Breeze vs. Titus O’Neil
Dolph Ziggler vs. Kevin Owens
Sasha Banks (with Team B.A.D., Naomi and Tamina) vs. Becky Lynch
Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose vs. New Day (Kofi Kingston and Big E, with Xavier Woods)
Smackdown
This episode of Smackdown aired on February 4th, 2016. It was the 859th edition of the show and the highlight was on Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose as they prepare for their Fastlane triple threat match with Brock Lesnar. This show is fairly strong with a United States Championship match and AJ Styles in action. Not the best Smackdown for this year by any means, but perfectly solid.
Match List
Roman Reigns vs. Rusev (with The League of Nations, Alberto Del Rio and King Barrett)
United States Championship: Kalisto vs. Kevin Owens
Ryback vs. Erick Rowan (with Braun Strowman)
AJ Styles vs. The Miz
The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, and Big E) vs. The Social Outcasts (Adam Rose, Heath Slater, and Curtis Axel)
Charlotte (with Ric Flair) vs. Alicia Fox (with Brie Bella)
Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns vs. The League of Nations (Alberto Del Rio and Rusev, with King Barrett)
Closing Thoughts
Another decent week. The Edge and Christian Show continues to deliver in my eyes, although to many the show doesn’t deliver anything worthwhile. It is those fans in particular I feel badly for as the service does not offer much variety in terms of fresh content these days. The week ahead looks a little better with a First Look that will hopefully air on Thursday and Roadblock this weekend.
Stick to WWE Network News 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!