Can I just say that I love the WWE Network? Everything about it. Perhaps it’s where I live or the Apple TV I use as my primarily means of viewing, but I’ve never had a problem with the live feed as do my friends back east during pay per view events. I enjoy the content immensely, and I don’t complain about the amount thereof because it’s just enough for someone like me who’s interested in everything from WCCW to Madison Square Garden to old Clash of the Champions. But I can understand how a casual fan of the current product or maybe even just the Attitude Era can tire of the ‘Network within a matter of a month. The WWE needs more original programming for their Network to satisfy fans who aren’t necessarily going back and watching all of the Halloween Havocs and Heat Waves. Not only that, but they need to come up with content at a rate that allows for them to premiere new material on nights other than Tuesday and Thursday alone. That being said, I’ve come up with a list of 5 Shows that fans would actually like to see on the WWE Network.
WrestleCenter w/ Alex Riley & Byron Saxton
Although the name might be a bit on the nose, it’s merely a place holder for the overall idea. Every week when I see Alex Riley on the Raw pre-show, I say we need more guys like that. And what I mean by that are “Sports Center Guys”. Exciting broadcast journalists with the kind of personality and overt opinions to give you vital information, but in an entertaining way. The problem with a guy like that, is there isn’t a lot of room for it behind the announce desk, especially with John Layfield and to a lesser extent Jerry Lawler already filling that spot. That’s why I like seeing A-Ry on the pre-shows and panels every week. But why stop there? The WWE already has the studio set up in Connecticut, they have a Performance Center in Florida, there’s no shortage of places to record a daily wrestling news program. A 30-minute long Sports Center style show that can comment on the main roster shows as well as NXT. With in-ring shows debuting every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday nights, now is as good a time as ever to do a daily recap show so fans aren’t lost in the confusion. Not only would it give more casual fans an idea of what’s happening on Superstars and Main Event, it could help promote NXT, and serve as an interview forum for less visible superstars, much the way Live Wire use to do. Hell, call it Livewire! That’s not a bad idea at all! I know that the WWE Network already has their week in review show, but that’s basically just the same video packages we’ve all seen, and it’s a weekly show, not daily. Of course A-Ry needs a co host for the show, especially if it’s going to be a 7 day ordeal. In a perfect world, I’d like to see Matt Striker return for such an opportunity, but in the WWE Universe I think Byron Saxton would work just fine.
Tape Traders w/ Jim Ross & Guest
Like I said, the titles are just place holders. But I think “Tape Traders” is a good name and a nice homage to the days before the internet. Not to mention Tape Traders Pro Wrestling is my official Facebook page, but that’s not the point, it’s just a cheap plug. Good Ol’ JR isn’t currently with the WWE but after seeing him front and center at the Hall of Fame this year, and listening to his podcast, it seems to me that Jim Ross could possibly be interested in doing a pre-recorded series for the WWE Network. Should they offer up the idea, of course. JR is one of the most iconic voices and sharpest minds in the wrestling business, and I for one would love to hear him call some classic matches. And I don’t just mean black and white footage from the 60s and 70s. JR could do alternate commentaries for some of the biggest matches of all time, and even feature a different guest on every episode. For instance: a standard 52 minute episode could focus on three to four WCW Cruiserweight matches and Jim could have Chris Jericho or Dean Malenko as his guest. Another example could feature matches from the “Rock N Wrestling” era of the 1980s, a time when Jim was busy working for the NWA, he could share the broadcast booth with Roddy Piper and Hulk Hogan. This “custom card” formula could prove especially useful around Wrestlemania season. If Sting is a potential Hall of Famer, an episode of Tape Traders could feature JR and Steve Borden himself talking about his favorite matches. The show could work with just about any WWE commentator as host, as long as the guests fit the episodes content. With so much historic content available on the Network, exposition and context is always greatly appreciated. And who better to call classic matches than Jim Ross? I also think you could probably record an entire season over the course of 2 days, so it’d just be a weekend of work and Jim would be home in time to see the Sooners.
Extreme Endeavors w/ Paul Heyman
This is sort of a stolen idea but I’ve tinkered with it to make it my own. When the ‘Network launched in February, I was reading articles all over the internet. “Wish lists” of original programming compiled by the smartest of marks. One that still resonates with me now is the concept of a “Dirty Jobs” show featuring a WWE Superstar performing a variety of hazardous jobs outside of the squared circle. You know all the cliches: garbage man, plumber, repo man. Wait–that gives me an idea! How about every episode is based on a former WWE Superstar! We’ve seen alligator hunters, police officers, and even country musicians, all of whom could provide endless hours of inspiration and entertainment. And who do we get to host this show? Who do we choose to stick into unpleasant predicaments? Paul Heyman of course! Forget for a moment that he’s the best talker in the business, that’s just an added bonus to the show. Paul Heyman is almost always seen nowadays wearing a Tom Ford suit with his hair slicked back. I would much rather see a guy like that be forced to clean septic tanks and aid dog catchers, than someone who could actually get the job done. Extreme Endeavors with Paul Heyman could be the funniest thing the Network has to offer. But if Paul’s not interested, or the powers-that-be want to go a different way, my back up plan is: “Dirty Deeds with Dean Ambrose”.
The McMahon Mini Series
The WWE loves to make movies. But unfortunately it’s continued foray into film making is generally met with mixed to negative reviews. I think that has to do with three major factors: 1) wrestlers are acting; 2) the scripts are trite and predictable; 3) the production value isn’t up to par. My idea for WWE Studios is a multiple-part McMahon family mini series. The story of the first family of wrestling is that of intrigue and illusion and makes for just as provocative a tale as John Kennedy or Steve Jobs. I really think the WWE needs to stop wasting it’s time and resources on 100-page scripts that are only ripping off other movies. Perhaps some of those Hollywood writers in WWE Creative could come up with a silver screen style storytelling approach to how the WWE went from a New York boxing promotion to a billion dollar global enterprise. And then the producers and directors of WWE Studios can bring it to life. Cast the same no-name actors from See No Evil and similar movies, because if it’s a ‘Network exclusive, you don’t need a celebrity to sell it. It also doesn’t need to star a bunch of wrestlers trying to act, and should really only feature brief cameos from former superstars if, and only if, it makes sense. The WWE has proven they’re atleast capable of making films, how about a project within their field of expertise? I’ve read countless books and seen an endless number of documentaries on the McMahon family, but I’d be interested in seeing the story told in a cinematic sort of fashion.
Total Dudes/Diva Guys/etc.
I have to admit that Total Divas is a guilty pleasure of mine. I say, “Girl, bye” to people. Okay maybe not, but it really is a funny little sort of program. For what it is. As engaging as I find the lives of the women in the WWE, I’m constantly finding myself far more interested in their significant others. John Cena and Daniel Brian are just way more fun to watch than the Bella Twins. That’s a fact, you don’t have to ask Tyson Kidd. It’s a fact. But speaking of Tyson, he’s another aspect of the show that’s exceptionally enjoyable. I think the WWE would be smart to at least explore the possibility of a counter-show to Total Divas, tentatively titled “Total Dudes”. And it’s not just Cena, Bryan and Kidd. You’ve got guys like Fandango, and Justin Gabriel, and the Usos. There’s also the surprisingly hilarious boyfriend of Arianne AKA Cameron, Vinnie. Vinnie is an Armenian (I believe) LA party guy who gets wildly drunk and makes cringe worthy romantic gestures. I’d actually be happy with a show dedicated to just Vinnie. But I think Cena would help sell the idea. One major plus in favor of producing the show is that it would be relatively easy to do. Just keep the cameras rolling a little longer than normal. Or use the B roll from the divas footage. It seems like the kind of show they could make with a handful of deleted D-Bryan scenes.
There you have it. The Network’s Most Wanted. Agree or disagree, go share it on social media and tell me what you loved or hated about it. With new superstars debuting every day, the sky’s the limit as far as original content for the WWE goes. We can only hope that by this time next year, we have a streaming service that features brand-new daily content, thus giving us a reason to log on each day. Until next time, I’m Mark Adam Haggerty, and you are not.
