Even More Episodes of WCW Nitro, NXT and Other Additions to WWE Network

In what is one of the busier weekends in recent memory, the WWE Network is airing both NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn and SummerSlam along with their respective kick off shows. While it can be said this alone makes the $9.99 more than worthwhile, the Network didn’t stop there…

In addition to the big events we had our usual weekend action, including a Main Event replay and the latest edition of Superstars. All of this action is great, but for fans who want to relive the past can do so as well, with over ten episodes of Nitro added as well. Not a bad few days, right?

 

This Week In WWE sounds different this week. The reason for that is Scott Stanford did not do the voice-over work, instead Kyle Edwards (formerly known as Arda Orcal on The Score) took the duty. While I don’t feel like he brought the same enthusiasm to it that Stanford brings, Edwards did a fine job and the show still worked just as well as it always does.

The episode focused heavily on previewing this weekend’s big events, both TakeOver: Brooklyn and SummerSlam along with this past week’s build to said events. Additionally it looks at Tough Enough, Tough Talk, and even The Big Show’s newest WWE Studios production, Vendetta. If you’ve kept up with WWE this past week, the show is skippable, but for those who missed RAW it may be worth the half an hour, especially with SummerSlam tonight.

» Verdict: Skip it (unless you missed RAW).

 

The NXT Takeover: Brooklyn Pre-Show aired and while the NXT pre-shows never have exclusive matches, they always seem more exciting than the pay-per-view counterparts. I think the feeling in the air for the TakeOver events contribute to that, along with less exposure to the feuds and talent going in so the video packages feel less repetitive and the interviews always feel fresh. This particular one had the usual suspects in the panel: Renee Young, Corey Graves, and Byron Saxton. However, they were joined by Hall of Famer and Tough Enough coach Lita, which is always a nice change of pace when a legend can contribute, especially one not often used on these panels.

This is far from must-see, but it is fun to watch before the big show to get yourself hyped. There isn’t much of a point to watch it if you aren’t watching live, but there are worse things you can do with your time.You’d probably be best off skipping it though.

» Verdict: Skip it.

 

We have a full review of NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn right here, but for those who hasn’t seen the show yet and want a spoiler free run down, the show was quite good. One match in particular was absolutely excellent, but I feel like nothing was bad and even the match that seemed like it could be the worst going in delivered above my expectations. Plus, the biggest crowd in NXT history was live in Brooklyn for the show. History was made on a few fronts with a match of the year contender, several other moments, and even announcements for future plans. The future looks bright to say the least.

Matches

Tyler Breeze vs. Jushin Liger

NXT Tag Team Championship: The Vaudevillains (Aiden English and Simon Gotch, with a mystery valet) vs. BAMF (Wesley Blake and Buddy Murphy, with Alexa Bliss)

Apollo Crews vs. Tye Dillinger

Baron Corbin vs. Samoa Joe

NXT Women’s Championship: Sasha Banks vs. Bayley

NXT Championship Ladder: Finn Balor vs. Kevin Owens

» Verdict: Watch it.

 

This week’s episode of Superstars wasn’t a great one, but it did have some fun parts. Curtis Axel returned, no longer as Axelmania due to the recent Hulk Hogan drama, and in front of his hometown crowd he was very well received. Adam Rose matches are rarely ever anything too good, and Axel doesn’t have that many to his credit either, but this was fine. It also featured Rose’s new look, which wasn’t too bad. He seems like he’s getting himself in pretty good shape. Whether the fitness freak gimmick with Brad Maddox makes it to television or not is anybody’s guess, but he’s looking more… ahem… fit for the role.

Then to continue the story of Fandango trying out different partners against The Ascension, Fandango recruited another dancer. This time it was the hip thrusting R-Truth instead of the patriotic Jack Swagger. Did he have better luck this week? Give the show a chance and find out. The action won’t be great but it is fine enough wrestling.

Matches

Adam Rose vs. Curtis Axel

R-Truth and Fandango vs. The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor)

» Verdict: Watch it.

 

The August 4th episode of Main Event was a bit of a weird one. The show normally has three or four matches but instead it took a page out of Superstars’ book and only had two. One was a match that has taken place on TV a hundred times this year, with The Ascension and The Lucha Dragons going at it. They perform well enough together though.

Then the other match was very strange. The Big Show made a rare Main Event appearance, which is strange enough in its own right. Him taking on Jack Swagger wouldn’t be out of place as a brief RAW match, but instead they had over fifteen minutes of action. Between entrances, post match stuff, and promo work the two had about half the show altogether. Big Show also took a pay-per-view sized bump! This match really didn’t make sense, but it was cool and a nice little treat. Check this episode out.

Matches

Big Show vs. Jack Swagger

The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor) vs. The Lucha Dragons (Kalisto and Sin Cara)

» Verdict: Watch it.

 

Even more episodes of WCW Monday Nitro have found their way to the WWE Network! Over ten more additions of World Championship Wrestling’s flagship show have been added meaning the entire run is covered up until the end of September 1997 including Bill Goldberg’s WCW debut. Will they be finishing the year this week? Will they work on 1998? A few questions arise but the good news is we will be here at WrestlingDVDNetwork.com to fill you in along the way.

• Episode 93 – June 23, 1997
• Episode 94 – June 30, 1997
• Episode 95 – July 7, 1997
• Episode 96 – July 14, 1997
• Episode 97 – July 22, 1997
• Episode 98 – July 28, 1997
• Episode 99 – August 4, 1997
• Episode 100 – August 11, 1997
• Episode 101 – August 18, 1997
• Episode 102 – August 25, 1997
• Episode 104 – September 8, 1997
• Episode 106 – September 22, 1997

 

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