Isenberg Reacts: WrestleMania 31 “One of the Greatest Ever”

March 31, 2015

Daniel Bryan Stands Tall

The WWE Intercontinental Championship ladder match was the PERFECT way to kick off WrestleMania 31. I have to give credit to every guy in this match because they all excelled in what was asked of them. Stardust hit a few nice moves and felt like he really had a shot to win. As for Bad News Barrett, the guy unleashes Bullhammers like nobodies business, which fits with his aggressive and rugged offensive strategy. Truth even hit a few splash moves, which was what I expected.

Dean Ambrose was thrown through a ladder from Harper and his spill looked INTENSE. The guy took a hard bump and Harper follows up with a Suicide Dive to other opponents on the outside. It came down to Daniel Bryan and Dolph Ziggler. It was perfect. The crowd fed into their intensity and drive to win. Daniel Bryan won and will automatically make that championship EXTREMELY important.

After this match, you knew WWE wanted to please the fans in every way. The spots were planned out well and the action was consistent. Daniel Bryan gets another moment on a big stage, even if it is not ending the show. He will do everything in his power to make his storylines more intriguing, more in-depth and more complete than most IC feuds in recent memory. Being live was an incredible feeling to have, especially for a fan favorite like Daniel Bryan. You can tell the guy loves what he does and gives so much back. Great call for WWE here.

WZ 8

Randy Orton defeated Seth Rollins

The Viper and Mr. Money in the Bank put on a classic at WrestleMania 31. This is pretty much what I expected because both men are just so good in the ring in terms of execution. Orton was in control and even hit J and J with some RKO’s early on. This made the spotlight solely on Seth Rollins and Orton, which was the best thing they could do. After missing a springboard moonsault and landing on his feet, Rollins hit a Curb Stomp. Randy would kick out and connect with an RKO, to which Seth Rollins kicked out of.

After more action, Seth had full control and looked to set up a Curb Stomp. He was caught in mid air with an AMAZING RKO, which gave Randy Orton the win. This was a spectacular finish and another unique way of hitting the RKO. I was jaw-dropped when this happened, because it looked so perfect.

This is a big win for Orton, who is considered one of the best faces right now in WWE. Thanks to Seth Rollins, Randy immediately propelled himself back into the world championship picture and this does not hurt Seth Rollins at ALL. The guy still can become champion at the snap of a finger. (My thoughts right after the match) I did not see any flaws, any weaknesses or any missed opportunities here. Great booking and another excellent match to keep WrestleMania going fast.

WZ 8.5

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.