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. We’ve also seen a NWA drop begin! But what else was added? And how was it? Let’s take a look:
RAW Pre-Show
Booker T is back! After missing the first two weeks of the RAW and Smackdown Pre-Shows, he returned this week. He joined fellow panelists and Hall of Famers Lita and Jerry Lawler, while Scott Stanford was the host. As always, the RAW Pre-Show offers a look at the storylines going on leading into the event.
Stone Cold Podcast
Well, this was uncomfortable. But unlike the uncomfortable and awkward Paige edition of the Stone Cold Podcast, this being uncomfortable made it more interesting. You couldn’t help but wonder what the other was thinking, and on occasion they made it known. Dean Ambrose’ laid back attitude didn’t sit well with Steve Austin’s aggressive tone, and it made for quite the experience.
I definitely recommend checking this out, though. Ambrose has had quite a life. He really didn’t want to talk about his childhood, despite Austin continually pressing it, which made for even more awkwardness. Then of course, Austin criticized him near the end and I think that could have caught him off guard. Check this out.
Smackdown Pre-Show
As mentioned earlier, Booker T is back. That means that Smackdown’s panel consists of four people, three of which being Hall of Famers. Not bad. While the Smackdown Pre-Show doesn’t break much ground, it usually offers some fun promos and previews for the upcoming show. I’d say give it a chance.
WWE Talking Smack
Talking Smack is great. It is rapidly becoming one of my favorite WWE Network programs. What could just be essentially a post-show or a wrap up show has so many positives to make it more than that. First of all, Renee Young is a great host and Daniel Bryan being on weekly is excellent. Especially since Daniel Bryan is unafraid to speak his mind. Then we have interviews with talent who can sink or swim when ad libbing. While Eva Marie might not yet be too good at ad-libbing, this is a good opportunity to practice. All in all, this is definitely worth checking out.
Superstar Ink
Another week means another Superstar Ink has hit the WWE Network. This week’s guest is Paige. She and Corey discuss their tattoos, meanings for the tattoos, and her arrival into the United States at such a young age. This is a shorter than usual episode at four minutes, so its an even easier watch.
This Week in WWE
This Week In WWE covers both RAW and Smackdown now. Which works, since we have the Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton crossover feud to deal with. So naturally this covered that, along with the major stories of both brands. This isn’t must-see by any means, but if you miss a major show, it can be a useful tool in catching up.
Main Event
This episode of Main Event was the 199th episode of the series. Wow, so in real time, we’ve passed 200 episodes. Hopefully the older episodes get added soon. Anyway, this took place on July 19th and it was the final episode before the brand extension took into effect. As you can see, the show was jam-packed with a lot of talent into a forty minute program.
Match List
Baron Corbin and The Dudleys (Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley) vs. Apollo Crews and The Golden Truth (Goldust and R-Truth)
Viktor (with Konnor) vs. Kalisto
Breezango (Tyler Breeze and Fandango) vs. Mark Henry and Jack Swagger
Alberto Del Rio, Sheamus, and The Shining Stars (Primo and Epico) vs. The Usos (Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso), Titus O’Neil, and Dolph Ziggler
RAW
RAW 1206 is now available on the WWE Network. It took place on July 4th of this year. As a result of it taking place on a holiday, it featured a United States Championship match, a huge sixteen tag team main event, and a party. And like all WWE parties, it ended in chaos. This is skippable, but a fun enough show nonetheless.
Match List
United States Championship: Rusev (with Lana) vs. Titus O’Neil
The Social Outcasts (Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel, with Heath Slater) vs. Enzo Amore and Big Cass
Dean Ambrose vs. The Miz (with Maryse)
Dolph Ziggler vs. Seth Rollins
The Golden Truth (Goldust and R-Truth) vs. The Vaudevillains (Simon Gotch and Aiden English)
Summer Rae vs. Becky Lynch
The Dudleys (Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley), Apollo Crews, Big Show, Kane, Mark Henry, Jack Swagger, and Zack Ryder vs. Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Chris Jericho, Sheamus, Alberto Del Rio, Cesaro, Sin Cara, and Kalisto
Smackdown
The final upload listed for this week is Smackdown 881. This was aired on July 7th of this year and was on the road to Battleground and the new WWE Brand Extension. While Smackdown was treading water a lot prior to the brand extension, it was still a really fun show. And the card below reflects that.
Match List
Seth Rollins vs. Jey Uso
Zack Ryder vs. Sheamus
AJ Styles vs. Enzo Amore
Kalisto vs. The Miz (with Maryse)
Sami Zayn vs. Chris Jericho
Closing Thoughts
Talking Smack and the Smackdown Pre-Show each week has added a lot to this list. Additionally, some Superstar Ink, despite being short, is nice to see as well. The more content we receive, the better. In addition to everything above, we also had a lot of NWA episodes dropped since Saturday, with possibly 50 more episodes to come. Not bad!
I apologize that reviews and even this article are either absent or not up to the usual quality presented, however due to personal issues and family health issues, my time is a bit more taken up than usual. Hopefully I will be able to return to the previous quality soon.
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!