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.
With several collections now reviewed on WWE Network News of different varieties, it felt like going back to a basic core collection would be nice. I’ve recently covered an all match collection and also recently covered one without matches, so one with a mixture of the two will be a nice change in pace. I would have liked to have done this before Wrestlemania, but unfortunately it was just too busy of a time. With that said, for at least now Shane is still appearing on TV, so it is still relevant enough Let’s take a look:
Above and Beyond – Shane McMahon
Before I explain this clip, one issue I have with this right from the start is that this video and the next are placed in front of everything else. I suppose the logic behind it is that they are further introductions to who Shane McMahon is, however it goes against the other collections that have the clips fully in order. It isn’t a major issue, but it is a very slight annoyance.
Anyway, this clip comes from the WWE Network original series Countdown. The episode was titled High Flyers and aired September 23rd, 2014. The episode obviously counted down the best fliers in WWE history, and while Shane didn’t make the cut he did have a special segment dedicated to him.
This three and a half minute bit was good too. It featured a number of talent from the past and present along with a few celebrities sprinkled in discussing some of his biggest daredevil moments including Big Show, whom was one of his most notable rivals. If you didn’t know Shane, this is a good way of making him stand out quickly.
Everything You Need To Know
This is another video that came out recently and really doesn’t belong when it is listed. With that being said, it is fun enough. The video is part of the “Everything You Need To Know” series that the WWE’s Youtube and Facebook accounts usually show when somebody debuts, returns, or something big is made.
It is pretty simple with text instead of a voiceover and clips. Which sounds unappealing, but I actually like these videos quite a bit. In fact, the WWE put one out for Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows recently that I also quite liked. Besides, it has a clip of Todd Pettengill rapping with Shane nodding along. How could you dislike this?
The Golden Child
WWE European Championship
Shane McMahon and Kane (with Chyna) vs. Triple H and X-Pac
This tag match had the unusual stipulation where a singles title was on the line. This was during the buildup to Wrestlemania 15 and aired on February 15th, 1999 and was on the 299th episode of RAW. At about eight minutes long, the video is pretty easy to get through as it includes entrances and the match itself is basically just chaos.
The big story here is thanks to Kane, Chyna, and a belt shot, Shane McMahon becomes WWE European Champion. If this happened these days, a lot of complaints would be had. But the truth is, it was just fun. This is the start of Shane as a part time competitor, and there would be a lot of moments that come with it.
The match itself is fine for what it is. Shane tried staying out of it, Kane tried dominating, and Triple H wanted revenge on Chyna for betraying DX. Plenty of intrigue here to make the match worth watching even if you’re going into it cold.
Winners: Kane and Shane McMahon
Takin’ It To The Streets
This was being billed as a Greenwich Street Fight and took place on RAW 304. This March 22nd, 1999 segment was short and sweet at only a minute and a half long, with X-Pac going outside and beating on Shane, only for four Greenwich guys in sweater vests showing up to attack X-Pac and bail Shane out. Two of which are the legendary Rodney and Pete Gas. This was too short to be much, but how can I criticize the debut of the Mean Street Posse?
The Boy Wonder vs. The Degenerate
WWE European Championship
Shane McMahon (with Test) vs X-Pac
At thirteen and a half minutes long, this is the longest of the collection thus far. And obviously, taking place at Wrestlemania means it is the biggest of the collection thus far. In particular, this took place at Wrestlemania XV on March 28, 1999.
This match had a ton of smoke and mirrors. That isn’t a bad thing, by the way. It helps make the match more interesting, especially with Shane who was still a non-wrestler at this point. X-Pac has said publicly he believes this is the best match with a non-wrestler there has been. Personally, I prefer Mayweather and Big Show, but this is still quite a lot of fun.
The smoke in mirrors in this match included Test who did a lot ringside, Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco jumping X-Pac during his break, the Mean Street Posse interfering in the front row, and of course, the big swerve at the end. Earlier in the show, Triple H and Chyna made back up and DX was seemingly back together. Seemingly, because when they were out to help Shane from Test, Shane ate a Pedigree instead. Road Dogg and Billy Gunn ran out after Shane picked up the win to go after Triple H and Chyna but were beat down by Test and HHH. Then finally, Kane came out seeking revenge for being screwed by Chyna and Triple H, so the Corporation runs away. This was a lot of fun, although it may be confusing for those who don’t know the story going in.
Winner: Shane McMahon
Tales From The Mean Streets
This was just amazingly corny. Mean Street Posse vignettes featuring Rodney, Pete Gas, and the mysterious Willie Green. They discuss how tough they are while calling Shane McMahon, or “Mac Daddy” the toughest of them all. This is just too fun and at three and a half minutes of collected vignettes flies by. I won’t go too much into detail because honestly, you should watch these for yourself. Really amusing.
Corporate Takeover
This was from RAW 307 on April 12th, 1999. This was a Shane McMahon power trip with Vince McMahon being too focused on his issues with Stephanie to give the Corporation attention and Shane wanting control. As you can see, a large collection of people were in the Corporation before this segment, but we’d be down several by the end.
By the end, Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco would both be fired while Ken Shamrock would quit. Beyond that, Vince and Shane had a talk which led to Shane slapping Vince and telling him he isn’t “Mr. McMahon”, but he’s just Vince.
This was typical Attitude Era. A lot of talking, some bad acting, and stories that kind of don’t make sense. But yet, it was still entertaining. I didn’t love the shot at JR but that is what it is. Fine segment, and a decent way to showcase what Shane McMahon would become.
Closing Thoughts
This was part one of three reviews this collection will have, as it is quite full of content. And the first part was a lot of fun. Sure, it had issues. Most notably the opening two videos being placed where they were wasn’t satisfactory, but really, everything here was good and it helped put over who Shane McMahon is. From someone who worked backstage, to a punk trying to wrestle, to European Champion, to a power hungry corporate figure.
The next part will be the best of the three, as it features some of his most spectacular moments, the best match of his career, and perhaps the most notable. Until then, I hope you enjoyed the review and be sure to sound off in the comments section about your favorite Shane McMahon moments, either on this collection or otherwise!
As always stick to WWE Network News for the latest WWE Network news, rumors, reviews, polls, and more!