12 Most Popular Shows On WWE Network (3 July 2016)

WWE periodically releases information on the most popular shows currently airing on the WWE Network. With over a million paid subscribers, the service continues to produce an array of original programming, and after a shaky first year or so, the company seems committed to pouring resources into the Network to ensure its success.

The list of shows is interesting, revealing the enormous popularity of an often criticized original series, as well as reinforcing the fact that NXT remains a big selling point for subscribers, and showing that the major events amass interest among viewers, regardless of how well they're initially received. Again, the fact that the archive footage isn't the selling point we hardcore fans like to think of it as is made obvious. The programming of the live streams no doubt also plays a role in helping viewers chose what programming to settle in and check out as well.

Let's take a look at the 12 most popular shows currently airing on the WWE Network as of 1 July 2016.

WWE was finally able to break the streak of disappointing Royal Rumbles this year after the abysmal critical reception the previous two years' events received.

Headlined by the popular 30-man match, this time with the added twist of champion Roman Reigns defending his belt against the other 29 competitors, the 2016 edition featured a much more cohesive match from a storytelling standpoint.

In addition to the improved booking, we saw the phenomenal debut of AJ Styles - something many fans thought would never happen, especially in such a prominent spot - as well as Brock Lesnar entering the match for the first time since his return to WWE.

The real story was Triple H's surprising win, made even more shocking due to the fact that Dean Ambrose was the final man eliminated rather than Reigns.

Clearly this is a show that the WWE audience is enjoying revisiting.