Title This: WWE Raw Reaction 1-16-12

January 17, 2012

R Truth def. Sheamus, Miz, and Wade Barrett in an Over the Top Rope Challenge:

What I Liked:

I felt the booking was very intelligent in this match, as Wade is the favorite to win this match, but eliminated first. I loved how we did not get the usual heel and heel. vs face and face and it was everyone for themselves. That is what the match is all about, and I hate when factions control the match. It takes away from the surprise and essence of the match. I also was alright with Truth winning, because out of the others, he is the least likely to win it in two weeks. Give him a little bragging to do, and maybe this will help him with his next legit feud, not this thrown together story with Miz. Sheamus Brogue Kicking the Miz at the end was used to show Sheamus is still a force, and I really liked it.

What I Disliked:

I feel like the continued fall of Miz from the top of the ranks continues here. He did not do too much in the match, and his attacks with Truth seem to be repetitive and do not further progress over the past month. It has been the same thing for weeks, and I want to see more for once.

Grade: B+

John Laurinitis books Cena vs. Kane for the Royal Rumble. Cena looks unimpressed and is upset about Ryder, so Laurinitis books Cena vs. Swagger for tonight.

John Cena vs. Jack Swagger in a No Contest:

What I Liked:

You really got a great physical beat down from Cena onto Swagger. They highlighted the anger and frustration from Cena, especially the continued pounding of Swagger on the announcer's table, followed by slams of his head on the steps. Kane's music interrupts, and appears on the screen. He hopes Cena embraces the hate by the Royal Rumble. I loved how Kane did not come out and attack, made more of a mysterious feel on the night.

What I Disliked:

Does it make Cena look strong? Yes. Does it make Swagger look weak? Yes. What is the point? I get the fact that Swagger beat up Cena's pal Ryder, but I just feel like Cena could have attacked someone else. Maybe not. This is tough to judge here, because I liked what happened and how it happened, but it shows now that Swagger, Ryder, and Eve are all apart of this angle and not their own. I will give it a chance and see what comes out of it, if anything. Do not be surprised if after the Rumble, all four go their separate ways, but Swagger and Ryder go head to head again.

Grade: B-

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.