Title This: WWE Smackdown Reaction 7-27

July 28, 2012

The Miz defeats Christian to Retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship

What I Liked:

Smackdown starts off with a very physical and well scripted match. Christian and The Miz work very well together, time each move, and I really enjoyed the fact that The Miz picked up another clean victory against Christian. Christian puts on another great match with another talent, one who is unique and not a typical wrestler. Miz has a lot of solid moves, and his character has certainly picked up in a more mature and aggressive way since returning. Christian took a big bump when landing on Miz's knees. It looked painful and looked really good on television. When you look at both guys, in different parts of their career, you can appreciate how both guys put in the effort on a consistent basis. I appreciated the match for what it was, a consistently well paced match giving a victory to a much needed heel.

What I Disliked:

Looking to the future, where do both of these men go from here? Christian will be without a feud, and Miz will be looking for a face to feud with. Who are the options really? Does The Miz put a guy like Tyson Kidd over in a solid feud, or does he see a returning Ted DiBiase? I wouldn't mind Miz getting someone like Mysterio, just to keep both guys relevant. I feel like Miz could benefit with a quick feud from him especially since it will automatically put Miz back into the spotlight with a fan favorite.

Grade: A-

Ryback defeats Jinder Mahal via Countout

What I Liked:

Ryback gets on the defensive for a part of this match. I really feel like we are beginning to see more of a character transition for Ryback. Some of his opponents should continue to garner a little offense, but leave in fear. Ryback is an intimidating superstar with a freakish amount of strength. This is a good start at a feud with someone who will finally try and stand up to Ryback. I wonder who that will be.

What I Disliked:

Are we sick of the "Feed me more?" The payoff has to come sooner than later, and Ryback desperately needs someone that is worth his time. I would not mind seeing him against a guy like Kane, if he went back to being a heel. I have said this many times, but Ryback is getting bland too quick for my liking.

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