Since the launch of the WWE Network, over 600,000 fans have subscribed to the service. While it’s a bit below the one million subscribers they were hoping for, it’s still an admirable number for a service that is still only available in the United States.

With live access to every pay-per-view and a vault containing every special event in WWE, WCW, and ECW history, it is safe to assume that most fans signed up in order to gain access to the special events, and at the reduced price of only $9.99 per month, who can blame them?

There is a lot more to the WWE Network than just a vault of old events and live access to each month’s pay-per-view, however. There is also a boatload of original content. Here is a list of some of the must-see original content on the Network.

5. Legends of Wrestling: Families – Watching a bunch of old-timers talk about the good old days is usually about as exciting as watching paint dry, but some of these are actually pretty entertaining. One of the best round-table discussions includes a panel consisting of Sergeant Slaughter, Jim Ross, Ted DiBiase, and James J. Dillon. The group discusses the importance and prevalence of families in the WWE. It is interesting to hear DiBiase discuss how having a father in the business influenced him to become a professional wrestler.

Daniel Bryan’s journey to WrestleMania is something most fans will be able to enjoy.

4. Journey to WrestleMania: Daniel Bryan – This is obviously one of the newest pieces of original content on the Network. It follows Daniel Bryan on his week leading up to this year’s WrestleMania and provides a number of exclusive interviews leading up to the event. It also discusses his rise to the top after initially being terminated from the company, with commentary from William Regal and Pat Patterson discussing how the company made a mistake in his firing. The most interesting parts of this documentary are the backstage scenes and hearing his fellow wrestlers praise him for his accomplishments.

Due to TNA’s live event crowds being so small, the company reportedly has to write checks to the arena to settle out. In most cases, when wrestling shows run arenas, they simply give the building a cut of the profits generated from the shows. In TNA’s case, because they don’t generate enough income off of their shows, they end up writing a check to the building.

A good example is the TNA live event at Temple University last December. Apparently TNA had to write a $15,000 check to the building because the money they took in that night wasn’t enough to cover what they owed to the arena for renting the place.

– The entire cast of the new WWE Network original series “Legends House” appeared in Orlando on Wednesday to film additional material for the show.

– Depending on the agreement between WWE and the USA Network, the 2014 WWE Hall Of Fame induction ceremony may air live and unedited on the new WWE Network. If USA Network plans to air the ceremony on television this year, depending on their arrangement with WWE, the Hall Of Fame ceremony may not air on the WWE Network in its’ entirety until after the USA Network airs their special edited version first.

– The pre-sale for tickets to the WWE Hall Of Fame 2014 ceremony will take place this Thursday. The pre-sale password for tickets is WM30TW.

– WWE Hall Of Famer Hulk Hogan posted the following tweet on his official Twitter account today:

Shooting a really cool Superbowl commercial today!! Brother HH

— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) January 15, 2014

– WWE Hall Of Famer recently confirmed the report we published on Tuesday that noted WWE’s intentions on inducting the WrestleMania I main event into their Hall Of Fame this year. Piper also confirmed the rumors as to why he had issues with WWE officials recently.

You can check out more from “The Hot Rod” by checking out his official Twitter account @R_Roddy_Piper.

– The latest edition of Chris Jericho’s “Talk Is Jericho” has been added online. The seventh edition of the show features part two of Jericho’s interview with WWE Hall Of Famer Bret “The Hitman” Hart. Following a lengthy discussion in part one of their discussion about Hart’s time in the Stampede promotion in Canada, part two features Hart talking mostly about his legendary run in WWE.

You can check out the latest edition of “Talk Is Jericho” online at PodcastOne.com.

– There is a cage reportedly hanging above the ring at the arena in Providence, Rhode Island, the site of tonight’s live WWE RAW show. With the cage being set up for use, one would expect a cage match of some sort on tonight’s show.

– Earlier today, WWE announced that tickets for the 2014 WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony from New Orleans go on sale this Saturday. To kickoff the ticket release, WWE is expected to announce the first inductee for the Class of 2014 tonight on RAW. Our friends at WrestleZone.com are reporting that the announcement will most likely be none other than the Ultimate Warrior.

• Huge *SPOILERS* & Confirmed Matches For Tonight’s WWE RAW
  

– Following the ratings success of Monday’s Old School RAW, WWE is planning to make the themed show an annual event every January.

– According to a source in WWE, Jake “The Snake” Roberts is a lock to be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame during WrestleMania XXX weekend in April. There is still no definitive word as to whether or not Roberts will appear in the Royal Rumble match later this month.

• Update On Plans For Batista, Royal Rumble Surprises, New WMXXX Matches
  

– People who are considered to be “in the know,” who were aware of Chris Jericho’s previous WWE returns, say they have heard nothing about Jericho returning any time in the near future. Basically, Jericho seems to be telling the truth when he says he has no plans to return to the company at any point in the forseeable future.

– WWE legend The Ultimate Warrior is expected to have some type of role at WrestleMania XXX. Many expect Warrior’s role to be an induction into the WWE Hall Of Fame.

WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin recently shared his thoughts on the possibility of the late Chris Benoit being inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame. Regarding the subject, Austin said on a recent podcast, “Well first and foremost, what I think about Chris Benoit is that guy was one of the most nicest guys I ever met in my life. He’s one of the most talented, hard working cats I’d ever seen in the squared circle. Anybody who knew Chris would tell you those exact two things. That guy loved the damn wrestling business, he was born to be a wrestler and was absolutely phenomenal. Drawing a lot of his influence from The Dynamite Kid, he blazed a path as the Pegasus Kid and his legacy as The Crippler Chris Benoit was just one hellacious career.”

Austin continued, “One night, Chris ended up killing his wife and his kid. That is an act so terrible and horrible I can’t even comprehend or guess as to what happened in that house. That will always overshadow any accomplishment Chris had in the ring. He’ll never be in the Hall of Fame, it will just never happen. His career will speak for itself but his record as a human being, his first and foremost, and those actions will never be forgotten. That’s my feelings on that, we don’t even need to talk about the Hall of Fame. Speaking for myself, Chris Benoit as the person I knew, loved him. Chris Benoit as a wrestler, loved him. Chris Benoit as the person who did what he did, unforgivable. Bottom line.”

You can listen to Steve Austin’s podcasts online at PodcastOne.com.

The following are highlights from a recent interview with WWE Hall Of Famer Booker T:

On WrestleMania compared to other events: “WrestleMania is the biggest deal of them all [major sporting events.] I mean its the spectacle of a lifetime. If you ever have the chance to be a part of it. I mean you guys got to experience the SuperBowl and now you’re going to be able to experience WrestleMania. It’s going to be awesome. Compared [to the SuperBowl] as far as what’s the biggest. Let me tell you WrestleMania is the biggest spectacle that I’ve ever seen and been a part of.”

On the new WWE Performance Center: “I haven’t had a chance to get there as often as I need to. I have my own facility in Houston. I’m trying to filter the wrestling business. You know, more and more students are trying to get it from all different perspectives. But I’ll tell you the training center is something that we’ve needed for quite some time just so the avid fan always wonders ‘How do I get into this business?’ And for us to promote it! Now, we have our own form of something that you can come down and be a part of, try to get into this business. You know there are a lot of kids out there that I feel like we might be losing. We need to advertise a little more and show these guys that you can have a great career in professional wrestling, and the longevity is great as well.”

On The Ultimate Warrior in the WWE Hall Of Fame: “Everybody’s wondering if the Ultimate Warrior is going to go in [the Hall of Fame,] that’s one thing… Ultimate Warrior is probably the one guy that people have been wondering for many, many years, just like Bruno Sammartino. It would be great to take his place in immortality. He deserves it. Hew was great for what he did for the time in wrestling… Back in the day, those guys really were trailblazers, they were one of the reasons that I wanted to be one of those guys.”

On his prediction for the WrestleMania 40 main event: “Dean Ambrose versus Dolph Ziggler.”

Check out the complete interview online at NOLADefender.com

Several KEY Segments For RAW Tonight REVEALED In GREAT DETAIL — Click Here!

-Former WWE Superstar Stevie Richards was at the house of fellow former WWE Superstar Diamond Dallas Page this week in Atlanta, Georgia. Apparently Richards was receiving his certification to become an official DDPYoga trainer. Richards will be doing classes in multiple markets.

-Next week’s edition of the Top Chef show on the Bravo Network will feature a Lucha Libre theme. The show will also feature appearances from multiple Lucha Va Voom personalities.

-WWE Hall Of Famer “Iron” Mike Tyson was a guest on the Conan show on TBS on Wednesday night.

-Speaking of WWE Hall Of Famers, Pete Rose is back in the news, as he’s currently dealing with another tax lien from the IRS.

UPDATE: 2 MAJOR Stars From WWE’s Past RETURNING At WrestleMania XXX! [READ >>]

-WWE legend The Ultimate Warrior appeared at the PAX Convention in Seattle, Washington this past weekend. When asked about the possibility of being inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame in the near future, Warrior replied by simply saying, “Probably not, but we will see.”

-The official WWE website recently added an article that features a look at a list of the top 15 World Heavyweight Champions in company history. Coming in at number one, of course, was Triple H. Rounding out the top five were Batista, Edge, The Undertaker and Booker T. Check out the complete list online at WWE.com.

-Former WWE Superstar and ECW original Tommy Dreamer revealed in a new tweet on Monday evening that he will be tagging with hardcore icon and WWE Hall Of Famer Terry Funk, for “the last time ever”, at the House Of Hardcore event on November 9th. Dreamer and Funk will team up to take on the duo of Lance Storm and Sean “X-Pac” Waltman. For more information, visit HouseOfHardcore.net.

CONFIRMED: Ultimate Warrior To Be Inducted Into 2014 WWE Hall Of Fame [READ >>]

-WWE Superstar CM Punk recently made his argument for The Ultimate Warrior and Randy Savage to be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame. In a new tweet, Punk wrote:

“Ultimate Warrior. Better be hall of fame bound. Savage too. All them Poffos.”

-WWE posted the latest edition of “Backstage Fallout” for this week’s RAW on their official YouTube channel. The description for the video reads: “Miz tangos with Fandango, and the Divas division breaks down.”

Check out the RAW “Backstage Fallout” for this week below:

“Stone Cold” Steve Austin vs. CM Punk “99% Likely” For WrestleMania XXX [READ MORE >>]

The following are highlights from a recent Q&A with WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:

On rumors that he was drunk at the WWE 2K14 symposium: “I wasn’t but thanks for asking.”

On Daniel Bryan not holding the WWE Championship for any real length of time: “I think Bryan is more popular today than he ever has been. I’ll enjoy the chase.”

On whether or not Bill Watts ever owned a part of Georgia Championship Wrestling, and talent-sharing in those days: “WATTS at one time owned a piece of Georgia. Talent trades were not unusual in those days either way. JYD & others wrestled in Atlanta.”

On what The Undertaker’s reaction was following the infamous Hell In A Cell match at King Of The Ring 1998: “That was 15 years ago. I really don’t recall. He was likely spent.”

On chances of a Steve Austin vs. CM Punk match in WWE: “Seems like that ship has sailed but I’m merely guessing. I’d love to see it.”

On politics in WWE: “I think politics are overrated and discussed usually on hearsay & by disgruntled individuals. Cream always rises to the top w/ few exceptions.”

On the subject of wrestling newsletters back in the day: “Newsletters weren’t a big topic of open discussion back in the day. Most guys tried to distance themselves from wrestling while traveling.”

On who will replace John Cena as the face of WWE and if a “streak” storyline would work: “I’d say Daniel Bryan is next man up. Don’t see Streak launching a new face of WWE.”

On if Owen Hart will ever be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame: “Likely so. Don’t know when.”

On the career of “Rugged” Ronnie Garvin: “Ronnie was a tough, highly skilled, intelligent in ring talent. Also a pilot. I thought the sharpshooter was a Japanese submission.”

On past WWE Divas in the new WWE 2K14 video game: “I’m not aware of the Diva involvement. Sorry.”

Check out more of JR’s Q&A online at JRsBarBQ.com.

Possible 2014 WWE HOF *SPOILERS* + Austin vs. Punk HAPPENING At WMXXX? […]

The following are highlights from a recent Grantland.com interview with WWE’s Triple H:

On his role as head of talent relations for WWE: “Everything that has to do with talent, from the legends to the developmental system, to the live events and all of its operations and the towns we book, to where the pay-per-views are, all of it. Obviously I have a massive team that does all that, but they report to me.

“I started in the office full-time a few years ago. Vince had been bugging me for a while, saying ‘When are you going to stop messing around in the ring and come get a real job?’ So one time when I was injured, I shadowed him in the office for three months. I did everything he did. When I finally started full-time, he was like, ‘Take a few months. I want you to dig into everything. Have meetings with finance, dig into every part of this company and see what you think needs work.’

“And the thing I came back to him with was we have this huge global marketing juggernaut, but we’re a victim of our own success. We’ve shut down all the other territories. There’s almost no place for guys to go learn, and when they do, they’re learning how to work in a junior high in front of 50 people. It’s a completely different thing than working in front of 10,000 or a million on TV with a camera in your face.

“So I started this little division called talent development. It was basically to build a bridge between creative and the developmental wrestlers. Now, other than Vince saying, “OK, you can have that amount of money,” he doesn’t have anything to do with it. Honest to god, he hasn’t even seen the Performance Center yet. He’s supposed to go next week.

On Stephanie McMahon’s role in WWE: “Technically, creative reports to Steph, but Steph is kind of the aggregator. Her office does everything from the magazine to digital to the shows, so it’s funny when people will say, ‘Oh, Steph and the creatives.’ She really doesn’t have anything to do with the day-to-day. I mean, she’ll weigh in on something if Vince asks or if the writers ask her what she thinks before they bring something to Vince.”

On a physical WWE Hall Of Fame building: “Halls of fame are not a lucrative business. But here’s the bigger reason: If and when the time is right to do a Hall of Fame, it’s not just going to be a place where you walk in and say, “Oh, look, there’s a pair of trunks.” If we do it, it’ll be an immersive experience. With technology the way it is, a 4-D experience, whether it’s a ride, or, picture this: You walk into a locker room, lights go down, smoke comes out, and Andre the Giant walks out in a hologram and stands there and talks to you. That’s what it has to be. But is the Hall of Fame the priority? Absolutely not. It’s out there someplace in the stratosphere. But if we do it, it takes a lot of research because we want to do it right.”

On what is written about him on the internet: “I wish I had the brainpower and the wherewithal and the drive to be as maniacal and devious as people f—-ing think I am. I’d be f—ing Darth Vader. I’d run the Empire, and I guess maybe that’s how some people see it, right? They’d say ‘Oh, he went in there and he buried this guy,’ and it’s like, f—, I had nothing to do with that. I didn’t even know he was coming in until I saw him that day.”

Check out the complete interview online at Grantland.com.

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