(Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CMT)

Isenberg Reacts: WWE RAW “Throwback To An Era of Attitude”

By Josh Isenberg

The Debuting Jack Gallagher

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Two matches and two outcomes on WWE RAW. The cruiserweight division gave us a debuting Jack Gallagher, who is turning into a face in the company. If you have not seen him perform, it is quite unique. He does not become vicious and is a gentlemen in the ring. I am not sure how long that can go for, but I do appreciate the uniqueness and ability of his offensive skill set. He defeated Daivari in a quick, but effective match.

Later in the night, we had Rich Swann take on former Cruiserweight Champion TJ Perkins. Swann mocks TJP and dabs on him, hitting multiple clotheslines and then stomps on his back. After a suplex, Perkins and Swann trade chops in the corner, but the champion keeps the pace with a side Russian leg sweep. More innovative offense, with a Modified standing surfboard by Swann. Perkins fights out and chops Swann at the knee. He tries to apply a submission move, but Swann reverses it into a pin. A dropkick from Perkins and he heads up top. TJ gets hit mid-air in the head with the Swann spin kick. The champion picks up the win.

I liked the second match of these two, but wanted to see more from Gallagher. With a unique character, he must come out and completely impress from the very beginning. Either way, another emphasis and spotlight on developing differing character in this specific division. Swann is so charismatic and the fans are going to really enjoy him. If he keeps up his excellence in the ring, I think he is the only choice right now for Cruiserweight Champion who’s name is not Kendrick. 

Time will tell on everyone else, but Swann and Kendrick and above the rest. How will Cedric Alexander, Tony Nese, Drew Gulak and others adapt and make their case?

WZ 6

Bayley vs. Alicia Fox

The fan favorite Bayley picked up a relatively easy win on RAW against Alicia Fox. With the success of Sasha/Charlotte and Becky/Alexa, many will begin to wonder what is in store for Bayley in 2017. Patience, people, patience. I want her in the feud just as much but WWE has gold with Charlotte and Sasha on RAW. Let them FINALLY finish it up and then potentially add Bayley and/or Nia Jax. Tonight was just a reminder that Bayley is waiting and her appeal to the crowd is going NOWHERE.

WZ 4.5

Josh Isenberg
Josh Isenberg

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. 

 

 

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