(Photo by Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images)

Isenberg Reacts: WWE Smackdown Live “A New Face That Could Run The Place”

December 21, 2016

Who Faces AJ Styles Next Week?

After a quick squash of James Ellsworth, AJ Styles watched Baron Corbin and Dolph Ziggler main event Smackdown Live. The winner faces Styles next week on Smackdown.

Results via WZ Live Coverage:

Ziggler connects with the Famouser for a two count. Corbin drives Ziggler back first to the corner. Ziggler with a sunset flip for a two count. Corbin drops Ziggler with the STO for a two count. Corbin talks smack to Styles. Corbin lands another big right hand to Ziggler. Ziggler is struggling to get back on his feet. Ziggler with a quick rollup for a two count. Corbin responds with a vicious lariat for a two count.

Ziggler with the neck breaker off the middle rope. Ziggler connects with the Zig Zag for a two count. Ziggler applies a front facelock. Ziggler with a series of right hands to Corbin in the corner. Ziggler places Corbin on the top rope.

Corbin lands a back elbow to the jaw of Ziggler. Corbin with a smashing forearm in the corner. Corbin plants Ziggler with the Deep Six for a two count.

Corbin sends Ziggler shoulder first to the barricade. Corbin launches Ziggler into Styles. Ziggler SuperKicks Corbin. Referee Mike Chioda calls for the bell and both men are counted out. Styles hits Ziggler and Corbin in the back repeatedly with steel chairs. Daniel Bryan announces that AJ Styles will defend the WWE Championship against Dolph Ziggler and Baron Corbin in a Triple Threat Match.

I can definitely get into the idea of Baron Corbin in the main event picture. With such a natural heel ability, great music and excellent stage presence, Baron Corbin is a guy that needs this immediate exposure. He is not going to win the crowd over on the mic, but will tick a lot of people off. His match with Dolph Ziggler was really good and the highlight of the night. With AJ Styles still a “heel,” Dolph Ziggler makes sense. Yes, he lost to The Miz and is now in the main event picture again, but he is their best option…right now. Remember, this is just a filler for bigger and better things for AJ Styles heading into 2017.

I am curious if WWE decides to give the IC Title to Dean Ambrose, which can set up an Ambrose/Corbin feud. That would benefit him as well, especially since he is not completely ready to be the world champion. There is a difference in being in the main event picture and being the guy everyone is chasing for the championship. The good thing is they have options with Corbin and they have not completely wasted him like they have with other NXT guys. It is a progression. Do not be surprised, however, if Baron Corbin is leading Smackdown from the top in 6-9 months.

@JoshIsenberg4 on Twitter. WWE Smackdown Live 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.