5 must-watch shows on the WWE Network

WWE's very own streaming service, the WWE Network was launched back in 2014, and four years later, it has become a staple for every hardcore WWE fan. The Network contains a huge database, with shows from the erstwhile WWF, WCW and ECW, in addition to original content shows.

The USP of the streaming service, however, is that fans get to watch every WWE PPV live on any streaming device if they have subscribed to the Network. Fans in countries such as the USA, with the pay-per-view model, find the WWE Network more economical at just $10 per month.

Fans in countries like India, where PPVs are aired live on their regular TV Cable network will still benefit due to the enormous content available.

With that in mind, if you are a new subscriber to the WWE Network, here are five shows you must not miss.

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#5 WWE Collections

The rise of AJ Styles in WWE

Technically, this is not one single show, but an entire category of shows on the Network. This is best suited for the more hardcore fans of pro wrestling. The shows here, more often than not, showcase only in-ring action in contrast to narratives and other productions values in the other original shows.

The 'AJ Styles: Beyond Phenomenal' collection for example, details Styles' entire journey after his arrival to WWE. The 'Rise of John Cena' chronicles his days right from then developmental territory OVW, where he had first fought Randy Orton, and then moves on to his most famous rivalries in WWE. Other notable collections are 'Bret vs Shawn', 'Becoming The Rock', 'Three Faces of Foley' and many, many more.

#4 WWE Rivalries

Perhaps the most personal rivalry in WWE

Yet another WWE Network original, this show aired a total of ten episodes, the last one being way back in October 2015. This show showcases not only on-screen, kayfabe rivalries, but delves into the personal lives of the stars as well.

There have been instances when real life hatred between Superstars have been turned into on-screen rivalries by WWE. Some episodes, like the one with Edge vs Matt Hardy, describe the whole timeline of the infamous events that transpired between Adam "Edge" Copeland, Matt Hardy and Amy Dumas aka Lita.

Another classic episode - Triple H vs Shawn Michaels, showcases how HHH first became friends with Shawn, HBK's later issues with addiction and his first retirement due to a back injury in 1998. It describes how HBK later went on to make amends in his personal and professional life, and once again returned to have one of the best rivalries in WWE, with his off-screen best friend Triple H.

#3 Stone Cold Podcast

One show that the fans want back on the Network

One of the most popular shows on the WWE Network, The Stone Cold Podcast is probably the most watched podcast in pro wrestling. With a plethora of guests from all walks of WWE, from Dean Ambrose (who was then the WWE World Champion), to John Cena, and the Chairman of WWE himself Vince McMahon, Austin in his own inimitable style, makes the episodes a must watch.

Some notable moments of the show which made headlines include: Vince McMahon stating openly that he does not believe Cesaro has what it takes to be the top guy, because of his poor mic skills; Stone Cold himself calling out Dean Ambrose for his attitude; Ambrose blaming Brock Lesnar for their lacklustre match at WrestleMania and calling Lesnar lazy, and many others.

If you've not watched it yet, do it now!

#2 Monday Night Wars

Arguably the best era in WWE TV history

The battle between WWE and WCW for TV Viewership ratings during the late '90s is the most well-known rivalry between two promotions in the pro wrestling world. WCW launched their own show on Mondays known as WCW Monday Nitro, in direct competition to Monday Night Raw of WWE.

The next few years saw a war of sorts, for TV rating supremacy, with each company trying to put the other out of business. This 20-episode series chronicles this war popularly known as the Monday Night War. Different episodes describe different aspects of the promotions, with full episodes dedicated to Superstars such as Chris Jericho, Mick Foley, The Rock and Stone Cold, describing how they played their part in the rivalry.

#1 WWE 24

There have been 15 episodes till now, and we cannot wait for more!

Undoubtedly the best show on the Network, the documentary-type show picks a subject in each episode and showcases all the events leading up to, and the aftermath of the said event. There are episodes involving individual Superstars like Goldberg and his return to the company after 12 long years, Kurt Angle's homecoming after he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2017, Finn Balor and his journey to become the first Universal Champion and how he was forced to give it up - are just a few examples.

The raw sequences, heartwarming emotions and backbreaking struggles of the Superstars describing their highs and lows, the chaotic backstage scenes during WrestleManias, are all captured in a beautiful way and makes the show one of the best ever on television.

The most recent episode entitled 'Empowered' aired just last week, showcasing the women's evolution in WWE, including their history-making matches such as the first ever Women's Hell in a Cell, Royal Rumble, their experience in Dubai, and the likes.

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