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 saw the finale of the Cruiserweight Classic. Lastly, we saw a few more episodes of ECW Hardcore TV come in. But what else was added? And how was it? Let’s take a look:
RAW Pre-Show
Oh no, no King this week. Jerry Lawler wasn’t part of the panel this week but instead he appeared coming from the arena itself. This is due to RAW being in Memphis. So now the panel consisted of just Scott Stanford, Booker T, and Lita. While King’s jokes might have been missed, the crew did well enough anyway.
The hook for most with the RAW Pre-Show this week was likely the Skype interview with the new Cruiserweight Champion, TJ Perkins. While many are rightfully, in my opinion, frustrated that the new champion didn’t appear on RAW, at least those of us who tune into the Pre-Show could see him.
Legends with JBL
I’ll first talk about my issues with this interview, then I’ll talk about what I liked about it. My issues are two fold, though semi-related. My first issue is as entertaining as Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, the Outsiders, are together, I would’ve much preferred two individual interviews instead. While it is possible we still see that happen, I felt like having them together made it feel more like a roundtable and less like an interview. That isn’t without its merit, but it isn’t preferred.
My other issue, which again relates to the first, is that it was just too short. The interview clocks in at forty five minutes. That is shorter than Sting’s, I believe, or roughly the same length, and even then I would have liked two episodes for Sting. Now to have that short of a run time with two guys? Disappointing.
With that being said, we could always see solo interviews in the future, and I hope we do. Because I can listen to Scott Hall and Kevin Nash talk all day. Sure, this wasn’t game changing. Most people likely know the stories they told. But with that being said, the two are just so intelligent and fun to listen to, it really makes for an entertaining show. Additionally, for all his issues as a commentator, I genuinely feel like JBL is the best interviewer on the WWE Network.
Smackdown Pre-Show
This week’s episode of the Smackdown Pre-Show had another guest, and it was one of the guests who appeared on Talking Smack last week. While I don’t know if it makes a lot of sense to double dip on the guests so quickly, it makes sense here. Alexa Bliss was the guest and with her being a relatively new character on the main roster, it makes sense to try to get her over to audiences as much as possible with her big match coming up.
As always, the group featured Scott Stanford, Booker T, and Lita. While Jerry Lawler was on assignment in Memphis for RAW, he was back in Stamford with the team for Smackdown. They had some interesting insight as always, and it made for a fun show.
WWE Talking Smack
WWE Talking Smack aired again, and again I felt like it delivered. The usual hosts were here with Renee Young and Daniel Bryan, and both did a good job as always. Bryan, in particular, is the highlight of the show pretty much every week. Additionally, the unscripted nature of the show can be a lot of fun.
Case and point, Dean Ambrose. The former WWE Champion was the guest on Talking Smack this week and he cut an excellent interview. When given the opportunity to just completely be himself with some shades of grey, Ambrose really delivers. The other guest was Carmella, and I thought she did well too, though not as well as Alexa Bliss last week. Watch Talking Smack.
This Week in WWE
This Week in WWE this week primarily focuses on the fallout of WWE Backlash. With AJ Styles winning the WWE Championship along with other new champions crowned, how was Smackdown and what’s next? This Week in WWE aims to tell you. As always, it also covers RAW although Smackdown had the bigger stories this time. Skip this if you’re up to date, but otherwise, it may be worth a watch.
Main Event
Main Event aired on August 30th of this year. As usual, it was added to the WWE Network on a delay. This was the 205th episode of the series. Two matches took place on this show, both with a tag team focus. In what still makes no sense, the Smackdown show featured RAW recap. Why? Anyway, Main Event is worth watching, just skip the recap.
Match List
Jey Uso vs. Konnor
American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) vs. Breezango (Tyler Breeze and Fandango)
RAW
This edition of RAW was the 1212th episode of the series. It aired on August 15th of this year and was the final episode of RAW before Summerslam. The show had a ton of matches, but truthfully I found the show to not be very good. You can check it out, but be warned. It did feature the Demon King and Brock Lesnar, though.
Match List
Sami Zayn vs. Sheamus
The Dudleys (Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley) vs. The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods)
Nia Jax vs. Rachel Levi
Kevin Owens vs. Big Cass
The Shining Stars (Primo and Epico) vs. The Prime Time Players (Titus O’Neil and Darren Young)
Neville vs. Jinder Mahal
The Club (Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows) vs. The Golden Truth (Goldust and R-Truth)
Charlotte vs. Alicia Fox
Rusev vs. Roman Reigns
Smackdown
The final addition being covered is the latest episode of Smackdown Live to be added to the WWE Network. This episode aired on August 16th of this year and was the 887th episode of the series. This episode is notable as it is the final appearance of Alberto Del Rio in the WWE before he was suspended. Smackdown has been excellent since the brand extension, so if you haven’t seen this episode, check it out.
Match List
The Usos, American Alpha, and the Hype Bros vs. The Vaudevillains, Breezango, and The Ascension
Heath Slater vs. Randy Orton
Erick Rowan vs. Dean Ambrose
Natalya and Alexa Bliss vs. Carmella and Becky Lynch
John Cena vs. Alberto Del Rio
Closing Thoughts
While the week wasn’t exactly stacked, it did have the bonus of a good episode of Legends with JBL. Then we have Clash of Champions and a new Ride Along still to come. While we aren’t being overwhelmed with content, enough is coming in where I can’t complain too much. Still, I hope classic content shows up 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!