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. But was it enough?
It should be noted that what you see below isn’t all of what hit the WWE Network this past week. 2002 and 2003 RAW was completed, with several dozen episodes of RAW hitting the service. Additionally, both Superstars and NXT have been added to the service which we have reviewed on the site here and here. But enough of that, let’s take a look at what’s new:
RAW Pre-Show
The RAW Pre-Show is a pretty cool show, honestly. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Worst case, it makes for some quality background noise. Best case? It offers insight and breaks down character motives and stories better than the main show sometimes. Scott Stanford, Booker T, David Otunga, and Corey Graves all offer something different and they have nice chemistry, especially the trio of Stanford, Otunga, and Graves.
This week’s edition has an added perk: An interview! While we’ve had interviews from the arena, guests in the studio, and phone calls, this was the first ever Skype video interview and it featured Enzo Amore and Big Cass, which of course means it was quite entertaining. Give the show a chance sometimes, even if its a tall task with a three hour RAW looming.
Edge and Christian Show
This was a great episode, I thought. An episode all about TLC, tender, love, and care, but there were some great moments and a ton of guests including Pete Gas, Kyle Edwards, Bayley, Tommy Dreamer, and Brutus Beefcake among others.
But the big story for this episode will likely be a WWE program acknowledging some TNA talent and former TNA talent including Magnus, Velvet Skye (sic), Angelina Love, Davey Richards, and Michael Bennett. Of course, if you blinked you missed it, but nonetheless the Edge and Christian Show continues to do some entertaining and sometimes controversial things. Check it out.
First Look
This was excellent. For those unaware, First Look is exactly what it implies. It is a first look for an upcoming DVD and Blu-ray release. This is a first look at Straight Out of Dudleyville: The Legacy of the Dudley Boyz. And while some First Look episodes can be a drag and mostly show content already on the WWE Network, this one did not do that.
Instead we had a look at the excellent documentary, which took us through their childhood up until their return. In twenty minutes we had plenty of time to sink our teeth into both of their backgrounds, hear from their family, and even get guest appearances by legends including Tazz. I highly recommend people check this out.
This Week In WWE
This Week in WWE is what it is. It is a recap show, but a well produced one. If you miss RAW, this is the show for you. If you watch RAW, you probably should skip this or have it as background noise at best. This week naturally focuses on Wrestlemania and the RAW following it with Shane in charge. Not much else to say, this isn’t for everybody but it serves its purpose.
Main Event
It is worth noting right away that Main Event, episode 182, is incorrectly dated as being from April 9th. The actual date of the event is March 23rd, 2016. This was a good episode of Main Event, but of course the biggest reason is it featured the main roster return of Emma! I’m a huge fan of Emma and she’s extremely talented, so that’s all well and good. But more than that, a return on Main Event?! And one with Wrestlemania implications? Something important happening on Main Event is a nice change up and it makes the show just that much better.
Match List
Zack Ryder vs. Stardust
Paige (with Alicia Fox and Natalya) vs. Naomi (with Tamina and Lana)
Ryback vs. Sin Cara
The Social Outcasts (Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas with Adam Rose and Heath Slater) vs. Big Show and Kane
RAW
This episode of RAW aired on March 7th of this year and it was the 1189th episode of the series. This episode had a lot of good, but the big thing here was the amazing match between The New Day and Y2AJ. Seriously, check this match out, you won’t be disappointed. The opener was quite good too, but the tag was.. well… phenomenal. No, I’m not proud of that.
Match List
Neville vs. Kevin Owens
Brie Bella vs. Summer Rae
The League of Nations (Sheamus, King Barrett, and Alberto Del Rio) vs. Dolph Ziggler
Team B.A.D. (Tamina and Naomi) vs. Team B.A.E. (Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks)
WWE Tag Team Championship: The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, with Xavier Woods) vs. AJ Styles and Chris Jericho
Tyler Breeze vs. Kalisto
Ryback vs. Curtis Axel (with the Social Outcasts, Heath Slater, Adam Rose, and Bo Dallas)
Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt (with The Wyatt Family, Braun Strowman and Erick Rowan)
Smackdown
The 864th episode of Smackdown aired on March 10th of this year. This episode of Smackdown was great because after Sami Zayn returned on RAW to attack Kevin Owens, they opened things this week on Miz TV. Beyond that, the entire show was quality, as Smackdown usually is. Give it a chance.
Match List
The Miz and Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn and Neville
Brie Bella vs. Summer Rae
The League of Nations (Sheamus and King Barrett with Rusev) vs. The Lucha Dragons (Sin Cara and Kalisto)
The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, Erick Rowan, and Braun Strowman) vs. The Usos (Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso), Dolph Ziggler, and Dean Ambrose
Closing Thoughts
This wasn’t an amazing week, especially after the incredibly strong Wrestlemania Week we just had, but it was still a step above most weeks thanks to First Look and the Edge and Christian Show both airing, and being quite strong. Beyond that, it was a lot of the same.
Looking ahead, next week’s entry will likely be worse. The only piece of content we know is coming this week was the Edge and Christian Show, with another likely airing next Monday. Beyond that, nothing fresh in terms of original content is scheduled. Maybe we’ll get a surprise?
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!