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. The Smackdown drop from 2006 and 2007 has continued, with 2006 Smackdown nearing completion. Additionally, WWE Roadblock: End of the Line aired on the WWE Network. But what else was added? And how was it? Let’s take a look:
RAW Talk
RAW Talk had a second episode, this time following RAW’s most recent solo brand event RAW Talk – Roadblock: End of the Line. And the show again was a bit of a mess. RAW Talk is not Talking Smack. It is a colossal mess. And yet, I still find myself really enjoying it.
Sure, Booker T and Charly Caruso are no Daniel Bryan and Renee Young. Sure, the power went out and the format just doesn’t have the same magic. But guys being given time to work on their characters unscripted is something I will always approve of, even if the show isn’t on a high level. So I definitely recommend checking this out. The guests featured were Cesaro and Sheamus, Sami Zayn, and Charlotte.
Verdict: Watch it.
WWE Talking Smack
Another WWE Talking Smack in the can. And to nobody’s surprise, it was another great episode. This episode might not have delivered so much because of the regular panel of guests, but instead a new co-host that joined Daniel Bryan and Renee Young. Rhyno Claus was spectacular.
Words cannot properly describe this chaos. A drunk Rhyno dressed as Santa hitting on Renee Young and Becky Lynch, even rubbing a cookie on his chest was just… must see TV. In addition to Becky Lynch, Natalya and Baron Cobin were guests on the program. Always check out Talking Smack, you likely won’t be disappointed.
Verdict: Watch it.
WWE Story Time
WWE Story Time continues to be entertaining. And while viewership was initially slow, the series has picked up tremendously. If you check out our Top 20 Most Watched Programs post every Thursday, the latest one featured every single episode of Story Time thus far, and in fairly high spots. The show is entertaining, from the stories themselves to the animation. It just works.
This episode is all about ribs. The stories are told by a plethora of legends. This includes Scott Hall, Ricky Steamboat, Pat Patterson, D-Von Dudley and Mark Henry. The story by D-Von Dudley about Vince McMahon ribbing the Coach in particular was hilarious. Check this show out.
Verdict: Watch it.
Legends with JBL
Legends with JBL returned with another episode filmed quite awhile ago, featuring Alundra Blayze. Blayze, also known as Madusa, sat down and discussed her career. Naturally, a lot of focus was on her infamous issue during the Monday Night Wars, but it looked at a lot of her career, and truthfully, this was better than I expected. I know some people just didn’t bother watching, but I think Legends of JBL is always entertaining. A different perspective on her trashing the belt was interesting as well.
I do have to wonder what the deal is with the Jimmy Hart episode, though. It hasn’t aired yet despite being filmed long before several of the most recent episodes. Is it because of the Hulk Hogan content? Is it just going to be shown later? Is it never going to air? I’d really like to know what the story is there. Either way, Legends with JBL always delivers.
Verdict: Watch it.
This Week in WWE
This Week in WWE continues to offer more of the same. And that isn’t a bad thing. The show serves its purpose. And the purpose is to educate those who may not watch RAW and Smackdown each week on the happenings in the company. This episode was the final one before WWE Roadblock: End of the Line so as you’d expect the focus was primarily on that upcoming event. Check this out if you don’t watch the weeklies, otherwise you can skip it.
Verdict: Skip it if you watch the weeklies.
WWE 205 Live
We have a full review of 205 Live available here. My thoughts on 205 Live is that people have been harsh on it from the start, but it has really improved as time has gone on. It seems like each show improves on the last. This show continued that theme, with three really fun matches. The opener might be my favorite on the show, but I enjoyed all three. Give the show a chance, wait for them to develop personalities, characters, and rivalries, because it really is good fun.
Match List
Lince Dorado vs. Ariya Daivari
Cedric Alexander vs. Drew Gulak
TJ Perkins and Rich Swann vs. Brian Kendrick and Neville
Verdict: Watch it.
NXT
This episode of NXT isn’t the most recent, however due to the delay in getting this released I’ll still cover the one I was supposed to. The full show was reviewed previously here. Basically, I really enjoyed the main event but the opener just didn’t do it for me. It was a good match, but I’m over the Joe/Nakamura series. This NXT episode aired on December 14th and was the 368th edition of the series. Be sure to give it a watch.
Match List
Steel Cage NXT Championship: Samoa Joe vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
Tye Dillinger vs. Eric Young
No Way Jose vs. Andrade Almas
Roderick Strong vs. Elias Samson
Oney Lorcan vs. Bobby Roode
Verdict: Watch it.
Main Event
Main Event 218 was added to the WWE Network! This episode aired on November 29th of this year, and it was reviewed here. Much like NXT, a more recent edition is available on the WWE Network but due to this article’s delay, that will be covered in the next article on Tuesday. This episode was decent, as you can see from the match listing, RAW stars took over by this point. As a result, the show isn’t quite as good. Still, it can be a fun watch. Just always skip the recap.
Match List
Bo Dallas vs. Sin Cara
Curtis Axel vs. Darren Young
Verdict: Watch it, but skip recaps.
RAW
RAW 1225 has been added to the WWE Network! It aired on November 14th of this year. It is notable for being the final RAW before WWE Survivor Series 2016. As a result, the show featured Brock Lesnar, Bill Goldberg, and a stand off between Team RAW and Team Smackdown. While I don’t really recommend RAW usually, this one was pretty good, so check it out.
Match List
Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens vs. Sheamus and Cesaro
Bo Dallas vs. Sami Zayn
New Day vs. Braun Strowman, Chris Jericho, and Seth Rollins
Sin Cara vs. Brian Kendrick
Sasha Banks and Charlotte vs. Alicia Fox and Nia Jax
Big Cass, Enzo Amore, and The Club vs. Shining Stars and Golden Truth
Verdict: Watch it if you haven’t seen it already.
Smackdown
The final WWE Network addition I will cover in this article was Smackdown 900. It aired on November 15th of this year. This was the big 900th episode special, and it was also the final episode before WWE Survivor Series 2016. It featured The Undertaker, Edge, along with RAW’s Women’s Survivor Series team. Smackdown always rules, so needless to say, you need to check this episode out. Smackdown is a great show.
Match List
Intercontinental Championship: The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler
Kalisto vs. Oney Lorcan
Carmella vs. Nikki Bella
American Alpha, The Usos, The Hype Bros, and Breezango vs. The Spirit Squad, The Ascension, The Headbangers, and The Vaudevillains
Verdict: Watch it.
Closing Thoughts
I have to apologize for this edition being extremely late. Between technical difficulties and the holidays, this has been a trying week. Regardless, this covers the uploads prior to Wednesday, and as always, the Tuesday night edition will cover the most recent uploads. Once again, I apologize for the delay.
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!