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. Beyond that, we saw the classic content drop for the month continue with Smackdown from 2004 being completed and 2005 is currently in the process of being completed. But what else was added? And how was it? Let’s take a look:
RAW Pre-Show
The RAW Pre-Show is here again this week. While the panel has only consisted of three people for the past two weeks, we are back to the usual four. Lita returned, no longer being backstage at RAW. A lot of speculation exists about her possibly hosting RAW Talk, so it’ll be interesting to see if that comes to fruition or not.
Anyway, Lita joined Booker T, Jerry Lawler, and Scott Stanford. The Pre-Show didn’t stand out much besides that, however. Most of the focus was on the return of Goldberg, so if that excites you, it may be worth checking out. Otherwise, this episode was just okay.
Beyond The Ring
Be sure to check out our article about this edition of Beyond the Ring here. For a brief recap, this was a good documentary however it was also extremely disappointing. The reason? Over one third was cut out. While the content removed from Lawler’s was disappointing, it was relatively minor in comparison to the mass amount taken from this episode. It is disappointing to see and I think that’s about all that’s worth saying.
Smackdown Pre-Show
The Smackdown Pre-Show, much like the RAW Pre-Show, was relatively skippable this week. Not a lot happened, and they talked a bit much about RAW for my liking. I understand why, as they wanted to hype up Hell in a Cell, but I get enough RAW from the RAW Pre-Show and RAW, and soon RAW Talk, I want Smackdown shows to focus on Smackdown. Another fine episode, and once again Lita re-joins Jerry Lawler, Booker T, and Scott Stanford, but overall this was a bit of a nothing episode.
WWE Talking Smack
The latest edition of WWE Talking Smack had more guests than usual. While the series typically features two guests (one can be a tag team), this episode featured three. The first was Kane, who was reacting to major moment from Smackdown. The second was the duo of Heath Slater and Rhyno who are the WWE Smackdown Tag Team Champions. Lastly, there was James Ellsworth who also was in a major moment from Smackdown.
Daniel Bryan and Renee Young continue to be excellent and entertaining hosts. Bryan took several shots at RAW, which was entertaining. Talking Smack delivers every week and this was a good one. Check it out.
This Week in WWE
The latest edition of This Week in WWE had three main stories. The first was Goldberg’s return to the WWE for his match with Brock Lesnar. The second was the story between Kevin Owens, Chris Jericho, and Seth Rollins. The last was the situation with AJ Styles, Dean Ambrose, and James Ellsworth. As always, this is just recap of the events in the past week so if you follow the major shows you can skip it, otherwise, it may be a good tool to keep you up to date.
Main Event
This edition of WWE Main Event aired on October 4th of this year. It was the 210th episode of the series. Once again, frustratingly, the show featured Smackdown matches with RAW recap. My theory is that Sky Sports requested this, as I can’t imagine any other reason they would have Superstars be a completely RAW focused show and Main Event only be half focused for Smackdown. Anyway, the show is fun if you skip re-cap.
Match List
Naomi vs. Natalya
Rhyno and Heath Slater vs. The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor)
RAW
RAW 1217 has been added to the WWE Network. RAW 1217 aired on September 19th of this year. The show is most notable for the Steel Cage match between WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens and Roman Reigns. However, the show also featured the debut of the Cruiserweight division. I won’t pretend the show is great, but it may be worth watching for the Cruiserweight division alone.
Match List
Seth Rollins vs. Rusev
Sin Cara vs. Braun Strowman
Sasha Banks and Bayley vs. Dana Brooke and Charlotte
Bo Dallas vs. Gary Graham
Cesaro vs. Sheamus
The New Day (Big E and Kofi Kingston, with Xavier Woods), Enzo Amore and Big Cass, and Sami Zayn vs. The Shining Stars (Primo and Epico), The Club (Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows), and Chris Jericho
Brian Kendrick vs. Cedric Alexander vs. Rich Swann vs. Gran Metalik
Steel Cage: Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens
Smackdown
The final upload covered in this article is the latest episode of Smackdown to hit the service. This episode was Smackdown 892 and it aired on September 20th of this year. Any post-brand extension Smackdown is worth watching and this is no different. The hype here was toward the No Mercy event, which was two weeks or so away. This meant number one contenders would be crowned or agreed upon. Check this out if you haven’t already.
Match List
The Usos (Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso) vs. American Alpha (Chad Gable and Jason Jordan)
Apollo Crews vs. Baron Corbin
WWE Intercontinental Championship: The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler
Randy Orton vs. Erick Rowan
Naomi and Nikki Bella vs. Natalya and Carmella
John Cena vs. Dean Ambrose
Closing Thoughts
An okay week, though not one that is strong in any way. Unfortunately, one new show a week isn’t enough, especially with one edited with content removed. I hope to see more original content pop up in the future, as we could desperately use more shows more regularly. At least we have the rest of the 2005 Smackdown uploads to look forward to.
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