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. Additionally, we reviewed the latest Cruiserweight Classic. Unfortunately, what appeared to be July’s drop, RAW, hasn’t been since that one episode last week. But what else was added? And how was it? Let’s take a look:
RAW Pre-Show
The last RAW before the draft is here, and as a result, the last RAW Pre-Show before the draft is also here. The team consists of the usual suspects. That means Booker T, Corey Graves, and Scott Stanford discuss what’s coming up for RAW, and what’s coming up for Smackdown the following day.
This episode in particular is fun because they had a brief mock draft. It wasn’t a full draft by any means, but only a few picks each between Corey and Booker, but it was a ton of fun. Different perspectives make for a more fun product, but also a more realistic product. The Pre-Show isn’t must see, but it is a fun watch and generally helps the product. Give it a chance.
The Ambrose-Rollins Controversy
This was the unadvertised continuation of Monday Night RAW. While people are upset, and rightfully so to a degree, that RAW slipped up and didn’t advertise it, I do enjoy things like this. Below, I will discuss how I’d like to see Draft Center Live style programs more regularly, and this could be a good continuation of that. A post-show would make sense and be an alternative for those unable to watch RAW. This covered the Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose controversy, which I won’t spoil for those who wait to watch RAW.
Smackdown Pre-Show
The Smackdown Pre-Show return was an hour long, as opposed to the half an hour long RAW Pre-Show. And I assume, provided the Smackdown Pre-Show returns weekly, and it should, it will return to thirty minutes going forward. Hopefully that happens, as the show would go a long way in making RAW and Smackdown feel equal. Plus, the more content the better.
Anyway, I’ll be honest. With five hours of content between Smackdown Live and Draft Center Live, you could probably skip this. However, it was fun build to the event and there are worse things you can do. This was a fun enough little program, but not must see. Pre-Shows never really are, but they’re still fun and necessary.
WWE Draft Center Live
Who would have thought? They did the supplemental draft on this program just as someone had stated they would. Go figure! Playful ribbing aside, I’m glad they did the supplemental draft on here as it made it feel more important than just a WWE.com article.
So how was the three hour program? It was a good one. While I don’t know if I’d recommend the second screen experience, as it was a lot to take in at once, I loved the concept of the analysis of each event. And while we probably won’t ever see it, something like this for RAW and Smackdown in general could be nice. You avoid clips to not upset the main networks, but have those not involved with the show (Booker T, Scott Stanford, etc.) discuss the events as they happen. It might be worth considering.
Anyway, this ruled. Not for the analysis, although that was good. Not for the supplemental draft results, though that was great too. But this ruled because we had so much excellent character development. Rusev and Lana’s promo in particular stands out as being excellent, but Kevin Owens, Enzo and Cass, Jericho, Cena, so many people delivered in interviews. This is long, but I still recommend you check it out.
This Week in WWE
This Week in WWE looked at the last week of the WWE before the draft would occur. While next week’s will focus on the draft itself, this week focused on the build to the Smackdown Live Draft and the upcoming Battleground pay-per-view. The big focus was on the announcement that Stephanie McMahon and Shane McMahon would both need a General Manager to represent RAW and Smackdown respectively. This is nice if you miss the main show, but otherwise skippable.
Main Event
This week’s episode of Main Event is the 196th episode of the series. It took place three weeks ago, on June 28th of this year. The theme for this edition seemed to be tag teams, with all tag action on the show. At four matches, the show is loaded with action and while the names might not be the biggest, there are a lot of talented people here and I definitely recommend you check it out.
Match List
The Lucha Dragons (Kalisto and Sin Cara) vs. The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor)
Breezango (Tyler Breeze and Fandango) vs. The Golden Truth (Goldust and R-Truth)
The Shining Stars (Primo and Epico) vs. Jack Swagger and Zack Ryder
Big Cass and Enzo Amore vs. The Dudles (Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley)
RAW
This edition of RAW is episode 1203. It aired on USA on June 13th of this year. This episode of RAW featured two major segments. The first, was Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns joining Dean Ambrose on the Ambrose Asylum. The other was a Money in the Bank contract signing between John Cena and AJ Styles. As always, the delayed show won’t appeal to some, but it is good for those who follow the program on a delay.
Match List
The Club (Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows) vs. The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Big E, with Xavier Woods) vs. The Vaudevillains (Aiden English and Simon Gotch) vs. Enzo Amore and Big Cass
Charlotte vs. Paige
Zack Ryder vs. Sheamus
Cesaro vs. Sami Zayn
Kevin Owens and Alberto Del Rio vs. The Lucha Dragons (Kalisto and Sin Cara)
Dean Ambrose vs. Chris Jericho
Smackdown
The final WWE Network addition for this week is the latest edition of Smackdown to hit the service. It aired on June 16th of this year. The 878th episode of the series fell into a bit of a pre-Draft lull, but it was still fun. Smackdown always delivers a decent show, if not a really good one, so I can always recommend it being checked out.
Match List
Aiden English (with Simon Gotch) vs. Luke Gallows (with Karl Anderson) vs. Big Cass (with Enzo Amore) vs. Kofi Kingston (with New Day, Xavier Woods and Big E)
Baron Corbin vs. Zack Ryder
AJ Styles vs. Xavier Woods
Charlotte vs. Natalya
Dean Ambrose, Cesaro, and Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens, Chris Jericho, and Alberto Del Rio
Closing Thoughts
I have mixed feelings with the WWE Network right now. I am very pleased with how they handled the draft coverage, and hopefully a Smackdown Pre-Show joins the lineup regularly. On the other hand, a total lack of original content with shows they’re sitting on and a lack of classic content is extremely frustrating.
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!