WWE: Here’s what the new free Network tier has, including Raw Talk’s return

WWE (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
WWE (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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The long-awaited, new WWE Network is live.

Earlier this year, wrestling fans were awaiting the new tiered WWE Network system, which had been in the works for quite some time. Because of COVID-19, WWE did release old Pay Per Views and documentaries to their fans for free, but they did not actually unveil a new tiered system for the Network, including the free tier.

On Monday, June 1 before Raw, WWE has officially released its first “free version” of the Network. Fans do not need to provide credit card information to use the Network for free.

WWE has announced that the free version of its streaming service will include recent televised episodes of Raw, SmackDown, and NXT. (But not 205 Live?)

The free WWE Network will also have certain original shows available, such as Table for 3 and Ride Along. Certain historic Pay Per Views and TakeOver Specials will also be free, and wrestling fans should absolutely take advantage of that offer.

Weekly highlights and discussion-based shows such as The Bump and WWE Now will be on the Network as well.

There is one big addition in available free programming to wrestling fans, and that’s the show Raw Talk. It used to air after PPVs only a couple of years ago, and it was used to advance storylines, such as John Cena’s mid-life crisis and the heated rivalry between Sasha Banks and Alexa Bliss.

Raw Talk will now air after Raw each Monday night, just as the incredibly popular Talking Smack did in 2016 and 2017. Talking Smack played a huge role in the Blue Brand’s popularity when the brand split first started, so it will be exciting to see how Paul Heyman uses the 30-minute Raw Talk to advance current storylines and help rising stars develop their characters. Keep an eye on Liv Morgan there.

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Hopefully, Raw Talk is a hit, and FOX will push the promotion to bring back Talking Smack alongside it.