The WWE Network Edition

Welcome back to Inside The Wrestling Ring and once again I would like to thank my partners at Club Kayfabe Podcast

We are now just days away from the launch of the WWE Network. It will launch as soon as Monday Night Raw goes off the air this coming Monday. I read there are plans to have a cliff hanger moment so that those who have the Network will be able to see what happens. I don't know how I feel about it, but I guess it is extra incentive to get in on the Network early.

To me the biggest selling point of the Network is the fact that every live PPV will be available as it airs. Talk about a huge savings. Instead of paying for six PPV's (more on the number six later) you pay basically for one. For any serious fan of the WWE, it really doesn't get any better then that. You will get WrestleMania, Extreme Rules, Payback, Money In The Bank, Summerslam and Night Of Champions. All for the cost of WrestleMania.

Not only do you get every live PPV, you will also get every single PPV on demand for free as well. Not just WWF/E pay per views, but every WCW and ECW PPV.

But that is not without controversy. A lot of people think that Over The Edge 1999 should not be available to watch. Obviously they will not mention the tragedy that happened that night. I believe that including the PPV is the right thing. I don't care about continuity. Going into the event, Stone Cold Steve Austin was champion. At the end of the night, The Undertaker was champion. And I don't think it should not be shown just out of respect for Owen. To me, if you have every PPV you can't skip one. As long as it is edited properly, it should be fine. Don't mention Blue Blazer vs Godfather in any way shape or form. Edit out any picture or any audio. WWE seems to be fine with editing history. So this is the one and ONLY time I agree with editing history (also more on this later as well).

In addition to every PPV, there are going to be original series such as a reality show starring greats of the past all living under one roof called "Legends House". There is an interactive show where superstars talk about their favorites in a Countdown show. It will feature top 10 lists such as top 10 catchphrase or top 10 superstars. There will also be a Best of Raw and a Best Of Smakckdown. Considering those are my favorite WWE DVDs I think it has a chance to be very interesting indeed. There will be more original content announced after the launch date.

I talked earlier about editing history. There is no greater example than Chris Benoit. I can understand why WWE doesn't mention him, but mentioning and acknowledging him are two entirely different things. For example, on the new Shawn Michaels DVD they include all of his WrestleMania matches with the exception of one. WrestleMania XX vs. Triple H vs. Chris Benoit. Well, I am proud to say that Benoit will be included on the network. But there will be a disclaimer before he appears. I am not sure what the disclaimer could possibly say. It might say something like this...

I have two minor issues with the WWE Network in its current form. My biggest issue is calling it a Network when it's only on the computer. I think it would have been so incredible if it were available as an On Demand channel on your television. It takes a little bit away for me. The argument will be that you can watch it literally anywhere. Except for those of us that don't have devices that offer free Wi-Fi. So that limits where one can actually watch it. My other minor issue is that it takes a six month commitment. Right now $9.99 isn't a lot, but $59.94 can be if, say, one doesn't have a job at the moment. For the WWE, financially it makes a lot of sense to charge that way. But from a fan's point of view, I have a bit of problem with it. Not that I speak from personal experience or anything. Nope. Not at all.

So there you have it. My thoughts on the WWE Network.

In other sad news, Nelson Frazier, better known as Mabel, Viscera or Big Daddy V, died Wednesday Morning after suffering a heart attack on Valentine's Day. He was never going to be the most graceful wrestler. It happens when you are 6'9" 487 pounds. But when you talk intimidating, you don't have to look any further. Even when he was a comedy gimmick wrestler known as The World's Largest Love Machine, as a wrestler you didn't want to look across the ring and see that man watching you and waiting for the bell to ring. Rest In Peace, big man.

Special thanks as always to my editor who makes my blog readable for you!

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