Isenberg Reacts: WWE Raw “Payback Focuses on Fresh Faces”

April 26, 2016

Family vs. Family

WWE Raw really focused on the debut of Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows in the ring, while AJ Styles and Roman Reigns had singles matches as well. Anderson and Gallows dominated Jimmy and Jey Uso, starting very physical from the start. WWE did a good job at getting some quick offense from The Uso’s but really focusing on the hard hitting debut of Anderson and Gallows. We can easily talk about their ring gear, which works. Black and white. Simple with some graphics on it. They look like a team and I really enjoy their finisher. Since Gallows is so strong, it can work on anybody.

AJ Styles and Sheamus put on one hell of a match. I really enjoy Sheamus in the ring, but it did seem like he may have gotten a stinger during this match. He started hot, only to cool down a bit in the latter parts of the match. With Sheamus, it was one mistake and that is it. He missed a Brogue Kick and then Styles hit the Phenomenal Forearm for the win. Later in the night, Roman Reigns defeated Alberto Del Rio. As you would expect, Del Rio carried much of the offense until Reigns hit his usual moves. Anderson and Gallows came down and Styles told them to back off. Reigns hits Styles with a Superman Punch, bringing Styles’ boys back in. Raw ends with Styles hitting Reigns with the forearm.

Simple and effective booking. You are not wanting Styles to look like a heel (is that even possible against Reigns right now?) by having help during his matches. You are implementing new talent and new faces, so you must have them in a few segments and with the most over guy to the crowd right now. WWE Payback will be interesting to watch. I do not see a clear finish with Roman Reigns and AJ Styles. Will Finn Balor debut? Will he cause a distraction or get involved? Will Reigns completely turn heel and use this match to solidify himself as a bad guy? There are so many options and that is all for the good of the company. This might be the most unpredictable main event in quite some time. Either way, WWE did a great job at really tying some loose ends and making sure we know that there is more to come from all pieces in this feud of “families.”

WZ 7.5

@JoshIsenberg4 on Twitter. WWE Raw Rating:

WZZ 6.5

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