So I'm signing up for the Network

[saintpat]

Taking advantage of the free November and plan to stick around -- only way I'll cancel is if I just find I'm not using it enough to get my $9.99 worth.

Can some people who have subscribed tell me what to expect? Some interesting features or content you've come across that may not be so obvious from the start?

One of my main questions is with things like NXT -- do you have to watch it when it "airs" or can you click on the latest at any time? What about recent Raws or SDs? And after a PPV, how long before it's available if you don't watch it live -- soon as it's over or is there a lag?

Mainly just anything you can provide by way of a primer.

I'll be using it primarily on my iPad, if that makes a difference.

[Boo!]

It'll be a happening

#oldprofilepic

[saintpat]

Gobbledygooker's Greatest Hits on Thanksgiving or I riot

[Mayonnaise]

RAW and SD are completely out of the question because of their TV deals. There is at least a 30 day delay on them. Classic RAW and SD just seem to be thrown on at WWE's whim with no real schedule.

The first chance you'll have to see NXT will be when it debuts on the livestream at 4e/3c on Thursdays. Say you get home at 4:15, you'll have the option to watch it live or start it from the beginning (same with everything on the livestream including PPVs). Once that has happened, you can go into the archives and watch it. It is the same with any new programming that debuts on the livestream, debut and then into the archive for replay. PPVs, once they're over, they go into the archive with virtually no delay and lately they've had an immediate replay on the livestream as well.

For a hidden gem, WWE Slam City is a real fun little cartoon series, maybe 2 minutes long each.

[Hawk Hart]

Oct 31, 2014 14:59:55 GMT -5 saintpat said:

Taking advantage of the free November and plan to stick around -- only way I'll cancel is if I just find I'm not using it enough to get my $9.99 worth.

Can some people who have subscribed tell me what to expect? Some interesting features or content you've come across that may not be so obvious from the start?

One of my main questions is with things like NXT -- do you have to watch it when it "airs" or can you click on the latest at any time? What about recent Raws or SDs? And after a PPV, how long before it's available if you don't watch it live -- soon as it's over or is there a lag?

Mainly just anything you can provide by way of a primer.

I'll be using it primarily on my iPad, if that makes a difference.

Lemme fill ya in my brother.

First off, the live stream is pretty fun to watch if you're in the mood for wrestling but it's an aimless craving. There you can expect reruns of original programming as well as random ass PPVs and more recent events. There's also fun little bumpers that include stuff like random matches along with features on guys both good and bad.

NXT can be watched on demand immediately after it happens. If want to watch live but are a few minutes late, there's a "start from beginning" open on all live programming. Raw and SD are a month after they air, PPV is on demand as soon as it ends with a replay on the live stream as well.

Overall, it's a fantastic product that just keeps improving. Streaming quality depends on your internet speed obviously but with more content being added as well as the fun stuff like what you get between programs, it's definitely entertaining at all times.

[saintpat]

Cool.

Also, is there a search function where you can look for a specific wrestler?

[Hawk Hart]

Oct 31, 2014 16:03:57 GMT -5 saintpat said:

Cool.

Also, is there a search function where you can look for a specific wrestler?

There is, yes.

[mrbananagrabber]

I subscribed the day it came out and I still have it now. Even if you watch nothing but the monthly PPV's you're still quids in.

But the documentaries, interviews, round the table discussion programmes (and Total Diva's) make it ridiculously good value for money. The Monday Night Wars series is solid gold,

[saintpat]

Oct 31, 2014 16:42:39 GMT -5 mrbananagrabber said:

I subscribed the day it came out and I still have it now. Even if you watch nothing but the monthly PPV's you're still quids in.

But the documentaries, interviews, round the table discussion programmes (and Total Diva's) make it ridiculously good value for money. The Monday Night Wars series is solid gold,

One of the reasons I haven't ordered until now is that a good friend of mine has it and I like going over to his place for "PPV parties" -- usually either just a handful of us or for WM or RR or something maybe seven or eight people. We grill out or order pizza and have a good time. I'll still watch those that way, but i can rewatch or catch up on the ones I have to miss due to work or whatever.

But I agree it's a value.

[Jiren]

the PS3 is irritating as it has no "Search company by year" function.

It'd be nice to have a timeline so we know what order the clashes/Nitro/PPVs come in without having to go online.

But other than that I like it

[IMPRESSIVE knightwing1047]

Oct 31, 2014 16:42:39 GMT -5 mrbananagrabber said:

I subscribed the day it came out and I still have it now. Even if you watch nothing but the monthly PPV's you're still quids in.

But the documentaries, interviews, round the table discussion programmes (and Total Diva's) make it ridiculously good value for money. The Monday Night Wars series is solid gold,

I couldn't agree more. It's an incredible product for the money. I've had a lot of fun going back and watching old ppvs, total divas and my favorite wrestling show, NXT. I'd love to see some more original programming added, but just for having access to every single ppv ever, it's worth the money. No need for DVDs anymore!!



What to expect... every now and again I'll have issues with the live feed. It's usually just buffering issues and they resolve quickly. That's really about all I can think of, though. I've never had any other issue. (I stream from PS4)

[MiLB Fan]

The best way to discover hidden gems is to watch the live stream. Since Network programming runs with limited interruptions, an hour-long show will typically end early. To fill the time, WWE will run short segments from its video vault. You might get a segment from Confidential, an interview from the Brother Love Show, or my personal favorite, Best of the Worst, which highlights a silly gimmick or match.

Definitely watch the documentaries on Daniel Bryan, The Shield, and the buildup to Cena vs. Lesnar at SummerSlam. Some of WWE's finest work.

Video Vault is great if you just want a quick fix of wrestling. Reminds me of the Shorties section from Classics on Demand.

I think the best part about the Network is that WWE makes a real effort to present classic shows as close to the originals as possible. Now sure, you'll come across some instances where theme music is changed--such is the beast that is music licensing. But at least we no longer have to put up with blurry logos or "the WW(mute) champion." Yes, WWE's former name and the scratch logo are there in all their original, uncensored glory.

[mrbananagrabber]

I can't believe in my original comment I didn't mention NXT. Yes it's available in the UK, but it cuts stuff out every week. The pre and post stuff after the NXT specials are always fun.

[Mayonnaise]

Oct 31, 2014 20:11:51 GMT -5 devondragon said:

So, are the one-shot documentaries the same as the DVDs I can buy in stores? Obviously, the Monday Night Wars isn't but like the Ultimate Warrior one, for instance

The one from Warrior Week is a Network exclusive that follows him around from signing with WWE for the HOF until RAW the night after. There is also a Daniel Bryan on that follows him on Mania week that I cannot find at the moment. 

The ones that were DVDs originally are labeled as "WWE Beyond the Ring: "

[MiLB Fan]

Oct 31, 2014 20:11:51 GMT -5 devondragon said:

So, are the one-shot documentaries the same as the DVDs I can buy in stores? Obviously, the Monday Night Wars isn't but like the Ultimate Warrior one, for instance

Some docs, like the ones on Daniel Bryan and The Shield, are created just for the Network. Hence, they are listed as "Original Specials." Others, which WWE airs under the title of "Beyond the Ring," are the documentary portions of DVDs. The Warrior one may have used clips from his newest DVD, but WWE filmed most of the footage during 'Mania weekend.

[saintpat]

Oct 31, 2014 18:27:20 GMT -5 MiLB Fan said:

You might get ... an interview from the Brother Love Show.

Jumpin' Jehosephat, I never even thought of that.

It would be worth $9.99 a month just to have a continuous stream of Brother Love Show segments.

And I ordered it this afternoon and played around a bit. I'm quite impressed. No doubt I'll keep it. Watched a Dirty Dick Slater match and Superstar Graham vs. Bruno just to get a taste. I'll crank it back up when I get home ... and search for Brother Love!!!!

[MiLB Fan]

Oct 31, 2014 21:41:41 GMT -5 devondragon said:

Oct 31, 2014 20:17:42 GMT -5 Mayonnaise said:

The one from Warrior Week is a Network exclusive that follows him around from signing with WWE for the HOF until RAW the night after. There is also a Daniel Bryan on that follows him on Mania week that I cannot find at the moment. 

The ones that were DVDs originally are labeled as "WWE Beyond the Ring: "

Oh, well, then building on that (and forgive the sidetracking) but what is the Warrior DVD like? I watched the memorial doc on the Network thinking it was the same thing

I haven't actually seen it but The Ultimate Collection (from which some of the clips are taken) is exactly what it sounds like: a collection of his greatest matches. It's similar to other DVDs that have a few talking points from the disc's subject but not an actual documentary.

If you've ever seen Rob Van Dam: One of a Kind, the Warrior collection has much the same format.