If you have the WWE Network, there’s a chance you have seen everything offered on this set, as it is a compilation of the first ten episodes of the show the set is named for, in their entirety. If you haven’t seen it yet, however, it’s a pretty interesting series overall.
Previously, WWE released a set of the same name that was a documentary with a handful of matches included on it. While it was a big seller and well-received, it also received a lot of criticism due to Vince McMahon’s penchant for rewriting history when it comes to his former biggest competitor. Also, because it was only around 90 minutes long, a whole hell of a lot was glossed over (you can’t fit a six-year war into 90 minutes), and some stuff was left out completely. This time, the war is covered way more in-depth, with a lot more information being included. Each episode of the show, instead of focusing on the war overall, instead focuses on one aspect of the war, meaning there’s a lot more material covered, and a lot more time to do it.
As I said, there are ten episodes included here, and each one focuses on a different aspect: The war itself, the nWo, the Attitude Era, D-Generation X, Mick Foley, Bret Hart, WWE & WCW’s most loyal employee (The Undertaker & Sting, respectively), Steve Austin, Goldberg, and finally, the cruiserweight division. Each story is covered in documentary format, with accounts from personalities who were involved at the time (far too many to list here). Also included are accounts from current (or current at the time of the recording) employees who were not part of the war, but instead offer the perspective of fans watching at home, which most of them were at the time. A lot of WWE sets include these accounts more as filler than anything else, but most of the talents here actually offer some interesting and entertaining perspective.
At the end of each episode, Renee Young sits down with representatives of each company at the time, Triple H and Sting, getting their take on the events being discussed. Both guys are very candid, entertaining and respective of both products, regardless of what their personal feelings were at the time. It’s really nice to see Sting being so involved in some of these projects. Say what you will about the last ten years or so of his in-ring career, but he’s still a great storyteller, and listening to him chat is an enjoyable experience. I would have liked to hear more from him, honestly. During each segment, Triple H tends to do most of the talking. Not that he isn’t entertaining or informative, but often times, it felt like he was taking over the segment, whether he intended to or not. Still, it’s a minor gripe, and does nothing to diminish the quality of the set.
While there is still some bias in favor of WWE over the course of the set (surprising, no?), this time around, it’s kept somewhat to a minimum. This set is much more fair and balanced overall, with plenty of input from men and women who worked for both companies during the war, as well as several ECW employees, who were kind of caught in the crossfire during the war. The stories from numerous key players are fun to listen to, even if some of them are just archival footage (Eric Bischoff and Ted Turner, for example). And, thanks in no small part to Keith David, one of the best voice-over men/voice actors out there, the production values are top notch, with the set having a very professional, dramatic feel.
If you haven’t seen the show, this is definitely a set you want to pick up, especially if you were a fan during the war. And even if you have, you might still want to pick it up, as it’s a very nice addition to any wrestling DVD collection.
DISC 1
The War Begins
– WWE’s Evolution
– NWA to WCW
– Raw Entertainment
– Eric Bischoff’s Impact
– Monday Nitro
– Dirty Tactics
Past Episode Analysis with Renee Young, Triple H and Sting
The Rise of The nWo
– Scott Hall & Kevin Nash
– Outsiders Invade WCW
– The Third Man
– Fake Razor & Diesel
– Popularity of the nWo
– Overexpansion
– Making Their Mark
Past Episode Analysis with Renee Young, Triple H and Sting
DISC 2
Embracing Attitude
– A Declaration of Change
– Sex Sells
– Violence Rules
– Audience Participation
– nWo Getting Stale
– Austin vs. McMahon
– Raising the Stakes
– New Heights
Past Episode Analysis with Renee Young, Triple H and Sting
A New D-Generation X
– Are You Ready?
– Going Too Far
– Reigns Come Off
– A New D-Generation X
– DX Invades WCW
– Bischoff Calls Out Mr. McMahon
– DX vs. Nation of Domination
– DX Army
Past Episode Analysis with Renee Young, Triple H and Sting
DISC 3
Have A Nice Day
– Cactus Jack
– Mankind
– Three Faces of Foley
– Foley Goes Through Hell
– Mr. Socko
– Champion
– Rock ‘n’ Sock
– Stepping Away
Past Episode Analysis with Renee Young, Triple H and Sting
The Hart Of War
– Dependable Champion
– Hit Man vs. HBK
– Weighing the Options
– Fallout with WWE
– Arrival in WCW
– Return to WWE
Past Episode Analysis with Renee Young, Triple H and Sting
Foundations Of War
– Captivating the Audience
– Changing the Landscape
– Rising to the Top
– Evolving
– Leaders
Past Episode Analysis with Renee Young, Triple H and Sting
DISC 4
The Austin Era
– “Stunning” Steve Austin
– ECW
– Ringmaster
– Austin 3:16
– Injury to Opportunity
– The Face of WWE
– Trailblazer
Past Episode Analysis with Renee Young, Triple H and Sting
Who’s Next?
– A Need for New Stars
– The Look and Presence
– The Streak
– Champion
– 173-1
– WCW’s Biggest Creation
Past Episode Analysis with Renee Young, Triple H and Sting
Flight Of The Cruiserweights
– A Need to Stand Out
– Cruiserweight Division
– Top Talent
– Light Heavyweight Division
– Being Ignored
– Land of the Athlete
Past Episode Analysis with Renee Young, Triple H and Sting
WWE Monday Night War, Volume 1 Shots Fired on Amazon.com
WWE: Sting – Into the Light on Amazon.com
WWE: Daniel Bryan: Just Say Yes! Yes! Yes! on Amazon.com
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