Access:
The WWE Network is available on a lot of platforms. Personally I haven't ventured off my PC, because it does everything I need it to, but many people use their video game console or Roku device as their primary entertainment streaming device. For most people, after the initial frustrations during the launch window, the Network is running like a dream.
However, there are still some issues WWE and their partners need to fix. The XBox 360 support is being worked on, and they are putting out notices all the time to help ease the transition. But XBox One support – or lack thereof – has been relatively quiet since the Network was announced. That will come with time. It's likely the hold-up is on Microsoft's end, as WWE would have wanted their product on as many devices as possible, as soon as possible.
The one major hole in WWE Network distribution is a lack of Nintendo platforms. You might not think much of these quiet juggernauts, but the Wii is among the top five video game systems ever sold. Almost 200,000,000 Nintendo DS and 3DS handheld systems have been sold. Again, the issue could be on Nintendo's end – in the past they have been very slow to receive third party applications. Either way, offering the WWE Network through one of the biggest gaming families in the world today should be a top priority. Plus, they missed out on a killer marketing opportunity with WWWii or WWE U.
Sorry, Too Busy Watching WCW:
I couldn't think of a short, professional sounding term to basically say "I'm sorry Smackdown, I'm too busy watching the Attitude Era to care about you anymore."
I don't mean to take cheap shots at Smackdown. More often than not I actually prefer the "B Show" to the flagship Raw because it's not three hours long, and focuses on good matches and some of the talent you don't get to see on the "A Show". My point here is pretty obvious: there is so much content, including the 24/7 stream that plays during Raw and Smackdown, that I now have to choose between watching the live product, and looking up something I find more interesting.
This really isn't a problem with the WWE Network, although airing NXT and Main Event definitely help reign in my wandering eyes. Rather, it should force WWE's creative and management teams to pick up the pace on Raw and Smackdown. Every time they come back from a commercial break, they want my eyes on the show, not browsing for something else. It's the same principal as flipping channels on TV, but WWE is actually providing me with the distraction. I'll admit that Monday Night Raw has been better than usual since the Network launched, but that's a momentum they need to carry going forward, or else risk me watching WCW instead…again.
The Vault is Empty:
"THE VAULT" is the one category I was really excited about – more than the others, anyways – but was honestly the most disappointing. I know there's still years and years of content to be added, and WWE didn't want to jump the gun with too much, too fast. But those old Madison Square Garden events and classic WCCW shows are something I can't easily find on the internet. They are wrestling history that the hardcore fan like myself has been dying to watch since VHS players stopped being a thing.
There are a handful of shows available. Legends of Wrestling is a great throw-back from the WWE Classics On-Demand era with a few stellar tapings I suggest checking out. MSG and WCCW is listed, as is ECW Hardcore Television, but the pickings are slim for the moment. Again, I can't be too upset with WWE for not immediately offering something they didn't advertise. The fact that any of these things are available at all is more than what we initially thought would be included with the Network launch, so I'm grateful for that. I just hope more content continues to roll out in the coming weeks and months, and at an increased rate.
