Title This: WWE Smackdown Reaction 7-13

July 14, 2012

Ryback def. Tyler Reks

What I Liked:

Finally, we get a match that focuses on the vulnerability of Ryback. For months, it has been the same routine. I loved the fact that Ryback had to actually struggle to get the victory here. It does so much more for the progression of his character if he has to overcome some sort of struggle. Reks was a great pairing and put on a good show. He has the strong and powerful look, and could be used more effectively after this match. Ryback does a great job hitting his arsenal of moves, continuing his dominance, but not in the way where nobody cared. Ryback looked great here.

What I Disliked:

I still felt like this needed to be a bit longer of a match. For a good portion, it seemed rushed and forced on the crowd. Nonetheless, I cannot complain because they finally gave us something different!

Grade: B-

Damien Sandow def. Justin Gabriel

What I Liked:

We definitely needed to see Damien here since his involvement in Sunday's Pay Per View. Out of all of the competitors, he needs to most exposure. The casual fan does not really know much about him. It is funny how a year changes so much. Gabriel was in MITB a year ago, and now is rarely used. Either way, Gabriel can work with anyone in the ring, sells moves, and made Sandow look great. Sandow does a great job with the psychology in the ring. He can switch from his egotistical self to an aggressive fighter. The knees are perfect for a guy like him. The ring work was solid and showcased both guys' strengths between the ropes. I love the neckbreaker as well, because Sandow flips over and keeps in character.

What I Disliked:

Wouldn't it be better to see Tyson Kidd against Sandow? If this happened, he gets exposure and possibly Tensai. Instead, we do not see all of the opponents on the last show before Money in the Bank. I wanted stories and angles built in the match, not random superstars. It would let the fans in more with a personal connection. It is all about getting over in this business, and not being seen does not help. It is just a small lack of consistency.

Grade: C+

Josh controls most of the creative writing and ideas for the show on a weekly basis, as well as an on-air talent.
Aside from working with WrestleZone, Isenberg began his career in Broadcast Journalism interning at ESPN and worked with CBS Radio for three years. He has also had the opportunity to interview some of the best athletes and performers alive, including Andrew McCutchen, Ben Roethlisberger, Chris Jericho, Billy Gunn, Karl Anderson, Matt Hardy, Steven Strasburg and others.
Currently, Josh Isenberg works for Major League Baseball in their Advanced Media Productions. He grew up in Pittsburgh and went to Point Park University, which is where Chair Shot Reality is filmed each week.
His life outside of his obsession with wrestling include being a savant for Seinfeld, NFL, NBA, MLB and many television shows. He also has an undying love for musicals, which includes many shows he was a part of in high school. Some of his favorite wrestling moments can be linked to such superstars as Edge, The Rock, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels and The Great Khali.

Follow @JoshIsenberg4