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 there were a few more uploads aside from what you will see below. As always, we had both NXT and Superstars, which were reviewed elsewhere on the site. We also had Money in the Bank 2016 which was reviewed as well. Then we continued to have WCW Monday Nitro episodes pop up along with a lone Smackdown episode from 2005. But what else was added? And how was it? Let’s take a look:
RAW Pre-Show
The RAW Pre-Show isn’t the same without David Otunga. Well, it basically is. The format is the same and those who aren’t regular viewers won’t really notice much of a difference. But for those like myself who are drawn in by the show in part thanks to the chemistry of the hosts, a noticeable change has occurred with Otunga gone.
Of course, Booker T, Scott Stanford, and Corey Graves still make for a good group. You have the straight host with Stanford, the colorful villain with Corey Graves, and the Hall of Famer with a ton of experience in Booker T. It still works, and they make for a fun duo. Obviously, they focused on Money in the Bank.
Stone Cold Podcast
Honestly, this was awesome. I’ve been critical of some Stone Cold Podcast episodes as aside from the first two, most have been poor or let downs. Most notably, the Brock Lesnar and Paige episodes were quite bad and many just felt reserved. The Big Show one was probably the third best, but that was about it.
But this one? It delivered huge. The big question was how much TNA would be discussed and if it would be name dropped. Not to be a spoil sport, but they mentioned TNA a ton along with Jeff Jarrett, Frankie Kazarian, Daniels, and more. If you want insight on who AJ Styles is, this is a perfect start. Check it out.
Unfiltered with Renee Young
This episode of Unfiltered with Renee Young once again showed that the new format works. Before when we just had a five-ten minute interview, the show felt more like a Youtube series than a WWE Network series. And while that had benefits, and while it still isn’t quite full-feature length, the addition segments help make the show feel more complete.
Charlotte, the WWE Women’s Champion, was this week’s guest. I won’t pretend to be the biggest fan of Charlotte and her story is one we’ve heard a lot. It touched on her brother and why she got into the business, which a story many of us have heard a lot. Still, the interview was solid. Beyond that, we had a fun segment with R-Truth and Summer Rae that was very entertaining. At under 20 minutes, give the show a shot.
This Week in WWE
The latest This Week in WWE follows the same vein as other episodes. And for those who already saw Money in the Bank, following this episode may be pointless. It was all about hyping up the big event. Still, the show is useful as a last minute catch up before a PPV or for those are unable to follow RAW and Smackdown each week.
Main Event
Main Event 192 aired on May 31st of this year and was the second Main Event following Extreme Rules. Main Event’s future should be interesting. I assume it will remain taped on Tuesdays, and likely it will work as Smackdown’s B-Show. But surely Smackdown’s B-Show needs to be on the Network each week like RAW’s, right? I guess all we can do is wait and see. Main Event delivers, but the delay is going to turn most people off.
Match List
The Vaudevillains (Simon Gotch and Aiden English) vs. Enzo Amore and Big Cass
Zack Ryder vs. Viktor
Summer Rae vs. Sasha Banks
RAW
RAW 1200 was the first RAW after Extreme Rules and aired on May 23, 2016. The PPV saw the return of Seth Rollins, which means this is the first RAW back in some time for “The Man”. Add in Money in the Bank qualifiers and a controversial segment with Charlotte and Ric Flair and this was a memorable show. If you haven’t seen it already, I definitely recommend you check this RAW out. RAW 1199 was also added.
Match List
Sami Zayn vs. Sheamus
The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, and Big E) vs. The Social Outcasts (Curtis Axel, Bo Dallas, and Heath Slater)
The Miz (with Maryse) vs. Cesaro
Apollo Crews vs. Chris Jericho
Big Cass (with Enzo Amore) vs. Bubba Ray Dudley (with D-Von Dudley)
Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler
Kevin Owens vs. AJ Styles
Smackdown
This episode of Smackdown was the 874th episode of the series. It aired on May 19th of this year. It was the final episode of Smackdown before Extreme Rules and it felt like a fairly standard go-home Smackdown, which means not much interesting happens and a lot of matches we’ve seen already took place. The show is worth watching once, but I wouldn’t recommend rewatching it.
Match List
Cesaro vs. Kevin Owens
Paige vs. Dana Brooke
Dolph Ziggler vs. Sheamus
The New Day (Xavier Woods, Big E, and Kofi Kingston) and Big Cass vs. The Dudleys (Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley) and The Vaudevillains (Aiden English and Simon Gotch)
Roman Reigns (with The Usos, Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso) vs. Luke Gallows (with The Club, Karl Anderson and AJ Styles)
Closing Thoughts
I apologize for the delay in this week’s additions piece. Due to some unforeseen personal health issues, my time has been more limited. Still, the last week was solid in terms of uploads with a strong Stone Cold Podcast and Unfiltered being back. Looking ahead, we really need a Legends with JBL episode. It has been far too long.
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!