Isenberg Reacts: WWE Smackdown Live “The Baffling Thinking of The Blue Brand”

May 3, 2017

Jinder Mahal defeated Sami Zayn

The number one contender took on the fan favorite Sami Zayn on WWE Smackdown Live, just a few weeks away from his championship opportunity against Randy Orton. A solid contest which Mahal used the Singh Brothers to distract Zayn and hit his finisher to pick up the win. The match showed a few positives. First, Jinder Mahal was smooth in the ring, working a fast paced but smart match against Zayn. Zayn used his high flying tactics to really ground Mahal, but it did not keep him down for long. Mahal’s look, his entrance and his overall presence in the ring is getting better with this newfound confidence.

Jinder’s dirty win was a perfect way for the fans to feel sorry for Sami, but remember who the number one contender is. Mahal seems to do whatever is necessary to win, which is old school heel. He is not trying to get cheered. Mahal’s marketing appeal can carry him farther, if they really want him to. A positive step tonight for Jinder Mahal en route to his championship match at WWE Backlash. Furthermore, it was smart to keep Randy Orton off of Smackdown Live to sell his match with Bray Wyatt.

Tye and Dolph Pick Up Wins

Two matches that both lasted under 4 minutes. WWE Smackdown Live featured Tye Dillinger making quick work of Aiden English, while Dolph Ziggler took out Sin Cara. There was not much to note here in these matches, especially since they were so short. Dillinger is still going to be pushed slowly, but surely will get a chance at a title by the end of 2017. He is in a fine spot, for now. Dolph Ziggler vs. Sin Cara did nothing for me. Shinsuke Nakamura does not appear this week and I am okay with that. Yes, you want to see him every week, but it is not needed…yet. It is inevitable that he will fight Dolph Ziggler at WWE Backlash and then hopefully they push him faster immediately after.

Nakamura and Dillinger are crucial parts of Smackdown Live’s overall success. When WWE goes back to having the World Championship the most important title, expect Dillinger to rise up and fight for the US Title. Smackdown Live can keep this guys progressing any speed they want. After Backlash, it would be easy to see both men in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.

WZ 4.5

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