Another week means more WWE Network additions are here! Like every week, we had several items added to the video on demand library, while we also had some original content. While original content has often been criticized as of late for being a week point for the service, we had a strong week.
In addition to what we have listed below, we have the usual reviews for NXT and Superstars respectively. Add in WWE Network’s latest special Roadblock also airing and it was a strong week. So let’s see what we have had added to the WWE Network:
RAW Pre-Show
If you don’t watch the RAW Pre-Show, you aren’t really missing much in terms of important storylines. At best, it usually has an interview that is exclusive to the program or some early match announcements for RAW. So in terms of importance, the RAW Pre-Show just isn’t there.
But what it does do is help flesh out stories and characters. With Scott Stanford, Booker T, David Otunga, and Corey Graves looking at all of the latest happenings, things can really be explained well. Additionally it allows the viewers to see angles from different..well.. angles. This week mostly focused on the fall out of Roadblock, which set the stage for Wrestlemania. The show may not be must-see but it is definitely enjoyable.
Edge and Christian Show
The Edge and Christian Show delivers again! After the controversy surrounding their Sunny comments, they kept up the theme of dancing on that fine line this week. As WWE advertised, this included referencing TNA, but it also meant some shots at some talent, in particular an Emma reference some may have forgotten.
The show just delivers. It is so funny. I know not everyone enjoys it, but it is absolutely absurd and it isn’t something that is supposed to be particularly smart but instead laugh out loud stupid. And it achieves that in spades. In a lot of ways, it reminds me of Swerved, Workaholics, or Impractical Jokers. These shows aren’t particularly smart, but dumb humor certainly has an audience. Check this episode out as it looks at Spring Break.
First Look
On Thursday, the WWE added a First Look for NXT’s Greatest Matches Volume 1 to the WWE Network. This was originally set to air and be added the week prior but simply didn’t air with no explanation given. Thankfully for those looking forward to it, it aired this week. But how was it?
It was okay. It featured no full matches although it did feature a few clipped. It primarily just had the talking heads discussing the formation of NXT as a developmental with some cool video of Triple H giving a speech as they launched. The progress they have made is very notable and in that respect, this First Look as a lot of fun. Still, those looking for some kind of exclusive match not already on the service will be disappointed.
This Week In WWE
This Week In WWE doesn’t exactly break ground. Wait, when will they do another season of Breaking Ground? That show was fantastic. Anyway, TWIWWE doesn’t exactly break ground, but it succeeds at what it does. As a result, each week the show is what it is. If you enjoy a fun recap show or if you need one due to missing major events, this is the show for you.
Main Event
Main Event 178 hit the WWE Network and it aired on February 23rd, 2016. Looking at this card, it definitely has some appealing matches. The Social Outcasts are extremely fun, Tyler Breeze is very overlooked by WWE, and of course Paige, Ryback, and Braun Strowman are fairly big names. Main Event may not be must see TV, but it is a lot of fun. Check this episode out.
Match List
Bo Dallas (with The Social Outcasts, Heath Slater, Curtis Axel, and Adam Rose) vs. Darren Young
Paige vs. Naomi
Tyler Breeze vs. Ryback
Fandango vs. Braun Strowman (with The Wyatt Family, Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, and Erick Rowan)
RAW
This was a sad one. RAW 1185 aired on February 8th of this year and it is best known for the retirement of Daniel Bryan. Regardless of what else appears on this show, and it was a decent enough episode, this is absolutely worth watching just for Daniel Bryan’s retirement speech. It is heart wrenching but one that is absolutely historic. It is happy and sad with tears and laughter. It is truly must-see.
Match List
Kevin Owens vs. Dolph Ziggler
Alicia Fox (with Brie Bella) vs. Charlotte (with Ric Flair)
Bray Wyatt (with The Wyatt Family, Braun Strowman, Luke Harper, and Erick Rowan) vs. Ryback
Titus O’Neil vs. Adam Rose (with The Social Outcasts, Heath Slater, Curtis Axel, and Bo Dallas)
Lucha Dragons (Kalisto and Sin Cara) vs. League of Nations (Alberto Del Rio and Rusev, with King Barrett)
Tamina (with Naomi) vs. Becky Lynch
Tables: The Dudleys (Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley) and The Usos (Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso) vs. The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, and Xavier Woods) and Mark Henry
Smackdown
This episode of Smackdown aired on February 11th of this year and it was the 860th episode of the series. The big hype for this show was on Chris Jericho and AJ Styles who would have a rematch from their RAW match that AJ won. Needless to say, this is a show worth checking out.
Match List
Chris Jericho and AJ Styles vs. The Social Outcasts (Curtis Axel and Adam Rose with Heath Slater)
Sasha Banks vs. Naomi (with Tamina)
The Cosmic Wasteland (Stardust, Konnor, and Viktor) vs. The Lucha Dragons (Kalisto and Sin Cara) and Neville
AJ Styles vs. Chris Jericho
Closing Thoughts
So this was a pretty solid week! If you take into account Roadblock, which was essentially a pay-per-view, and the week was quite strong altogether. While Ride Along is missed, everything we had was diverse enough for almost anyone to find something interesting.
Looking ahead, though, the rest of this week isn’t going to be so strong. Instead we will have our regular uploads and not much else. Hopefully ECW uploads still continue to pour in. But worst-case, we know Wrestlemania Week is going to be packed. So that will be exciting!
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!