The WWE Network Collections section featured collections of different subjects. These are essentially playlists of whatever theme happens to be discussed. For example, the TLC Tag Teams Collection focuses on the feud between the Dudleys, the Hardys, and Edge and Christian. The WWE has stated new collections will be added to the service every month, with most likely not to be removed. The only real drawback for this series is a lack of an auto-play feature on the service, otherwise the collections have a lot of potential.
This is a bit of different collection than we’ve seen thus far. All of the collections thus far reviewed have a lot of matches. Sure, they might not all be matches, but they have more than their fair share. But this is a look at a WWE Network original series, and a controversial one at all. Some people love the show, some people hate it, and others find it hit or miss. Let’s dive in and look at some of the best moments of the first season, shall we?
Shock Stool Pt. 1
The first skit of this Swerved collection comes from the first episode of the series! While this was only a minute long and more of a teaser for what’s to come in the show, it was a nice introduction for those not knowing what to expect. Stupidity like Jackass and Bad Grandpa. And for those who enjoy it, this will probably be up your alley. I definitely prefer other’s reactions to Dolph’s though, so this was just okay to me.
The basic premise of the shock stool is pretty obvious. Someone sits on the stool and when someone hits a button or something of the sort, a shock comes out and zaps the person sitting on it. Simple but effective trolling and honestly, its a fun little gimmick.
Shock Stool Pt. 2
At four minutes plus, this is already less of a teaser and more of a look at the show and I enjoy that. Zack Ryder was hilarious here, taking so long to realize that he was being pranked and it made for really amusing TV.
My issue? Nothing to do with this but that they left out Tom Phillips’ shock stool experience. I thought he was the most amusing out of everybody and it was just really entertaining. So while I am happy to see this and the latter, for best moments, I think they left out the most entertaining. Still, this was good.
Locked Out of Venue
The second episode of Swerved has one of my favorite bits of the entire series. Locked out! Locked out featuring Wade Barrett was great, but the one they chose was certainly the best. Kofi Kingston comes out with Seth Rollins to record a video for Kofi’s brother or cousin, and then a “security guard” sneaks out. He stops them from coming back, and then allows Kofi but says he doesn’t recognize Rollins.
Oh, and Seth is the WWE Champion at this point and with a major chip on his shoulder he is furious at the guard. This is honestly one of the funniest things on the entire WWE Network and even if you don’t like the show, you’ll probably enjoy this bit.
Prank Wars: Air Mortar Anique
Clocking in at about two minutes, this clip from the second episode of Swerved is pretty enjoyable. While the New Day are one of the most over acts in the entire company now, they weren’t too far into their heel run here and many people still strongly disliked them.
Following their match at an event, Kofi Kingston is in the bathroom and as he walks out, he’s shot with baby powder out of some cannon by Xavier Woods. This was pretty funny. It wasn’t some amazing sketch or something super original, but it was short, sweet, and amusing. Plus, its the New Day. I approve of it, big time.
Spanish Promos
This was pretty amusing. On the fourth episode of Swerved, they had talent come in and give lines in Spanish for the WWE Network. Of course, it wasn’t really for the commercials they had in mind and instead they said ridiculous things, as pictured.
The truth is, this sketch was very hit or miss, but I found the one they chose to be decent enough. The weakest of the bunch so far, but decent enough for sure. And Kofi is always enjoyable for me so once again, I approve.
3DTV
3DTV was done on the sixth episode of Swerved and runs for under four minutes. Again, not a long video by any stretch. This sketch features The Miz, worried he himself is getting pranked working with Jeff Tremaine to get one on Slater.
Slater checks around the room to make sure he’s safe, then watches a bit with 3D glasses. Except the 3D doesn’t seem to work. And when it finally does, green liquid comes shooting out of the speakers and splashes Heath. Miz then runs in with a toilet paper gun and yeah, this was pretty good. This isn’t must see or anything, nor one of the best on the first half of the list, but it was fun and Slater and Miz are both very amusing.
Poor Microphone
Ah.. the poo mic. This skit from the first episode turned a lot of people off the show right away. Childish, poop humor simply doesn’t appeal to many. And I can understand, as in many ways poop humor isn’t my thing either.
This though? This was great because of Darren Young’s reaction. What this video doesn’t show is him reacting again later in the same episode, which is just as funny. So while the skit itself isn’t too good, his reaction makes it worth watching. Still, not one of the stronger skits on this half of the collection.
Dirty Old Lady
The final video in the first part of this collection review is from the second episode of the series. This is one of those that isn’t actually funny at all, in fact, I think the skit is pretty lame. But the reaction to it makes it pretty amusing.
The best for me was Erick Rowan’s bemused grin at her antics. He was just totally amused by her actions which made it quite funny to me. I also liked Kane’s anger and frustration toward her. Honestly, this is probably my least favorite skit of the first half, but it has some upside.
Closing Thoughts
Overall, I’d say this is a really good indication of what you’ll get from Swerved. There is a lot of really funny, but there is also some hit or miss or just downright misses. For a best of compilation, this has been fairly solid so far with a lot of strong videos early on. The second half looks to have a few really strong ones as well as some hit or miss, so it should be interesting to see how the entire collection comes together.
All in all, I’m happy with it thus far. The videos are all short so it is a very easy watch. The only real issue with this collection is that having such short videos means an auto play feature is even more necessary. Hopefully that comes in the future.
As always stick to WWE Network News for the latest WWE Network news, rumors, reviews, polls, and more!