Isenberg Reacts: WWE Smackdown Live “What Should Dolph Do?”

February 1, 2017

The Women’s Division Update

Smackdown Live confirmed Natalya vs. Nikki Bella at WWE Elimination Chamber, as well as Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss. While I think the match-ups are understandable, I would much rather see Becky Lynch vs. Mickie James over these two. James returns and loses two matches, albeit tag team variation matches. Alexa Bliss will fight Naomi, who I think deserves it and can put on a good match. I am just worried that Smackdown Live is trying too hard with some of these women, where a natural crowd reaction is much better.

Smackdown Live has much more depth, but they do not have the BIG stars in Charlotte, Sasha and Bayley. How great would it actually be if Bayley was on Smackdown and Alexa or Mickie James were on RAW? Both shows have the right talent, but not on the right show. Either way, WWE Elimination Chamber will hopefully be the finality between Natalya and Nikki. It’s dragging on too long.

WZ 4.5

AJ Styles defeated Dean Ambrose

Results via WZ Live Coverage:

Styles with a pump handle back breaker for a two count. Styles bodyslams Ambrose. Styles lands a knee drop for a two count. Styles with a forearm strike in the corner. Ambrose ducks a clothesline from Styles. Ambrose goes for the Dirty Deeds, but Styles counters with the phenomenal blitz. Ambrose with a neck breaker to Styles. Ambrose with a series of clotheslines to Styles. Ambrose with a running crossbody to Styles. Ambrose places Styles on the top rope. Ambrose goes for a superplex, but Styles sends Ambrose face first to the top turnbuckle. Styles goes for the Argentine Backbreaker, but Ambrose gets back on his feet. Ambrose with a O’Connor Roll for a two count. Ambrose with a right hand that sends Styles crashing to the outside. Ambrose goes for the suicide dive, but Styles counters with a vicious forearm.

Styles goes for the Phenomenal Forearm, but Ambrose kicks Styles in the gut. Ambrose goes for the Dirty Deeds again, but Styles sends him into the ropes. Ambrose goes for the Lunatic Lariat, but Styles blocks it. Styles goes for a Springboard neck breaker, but Ambrose counters with an inverted back slam. Miz continues to talk smack to Corbin. Styles kicks Ambrose in the chest. Styles with a rolling crucifix for a two count. Styles plants Ambrose with the Ushigoroshi for a two count. Styles goes for the Styles Clash, but Ambrose gets back on his feet. We get a nice sequence of rollup variations.

Styles connects with the Pele Kick. Ambrose responds with the Lunatic Lariat. Ambrose goes for Dirty Deeds, but Styles rolls out of the ring. Ambrose with a flying elbow drop onto Styles on the outside. Corbin and Miz begin to brawl. Ambrose lands another elbow drop, but the referee was distracted. Ambrose with a suicide dive to Corbin. Ambrose sends Miz back first to the barricade. Styles plants Ambrose with the Styles Clash to pickup the victory. After the match, Miz drops Ambrose with the Skull Crushing Finale. Corbin ends the show with separate End of Days to both Miz and Ambrose.

A strong main event match with AJ Styles getting the win over Dean Ambrose. I did like the fact that The Miz and Baron Corbin made their name well know heading into Elimination Chamber. Smackdown Live did good by making sure all men involved in the Elimination Chamber match would get their moves and get some time in. Next week, I would love to see Bray Wyatt end the night over everyone, or potentially John Cena showcase some brute strength. Those are the two guys most see winning the match in 2 weeks, so having John Cena and Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt and The Miz would not be a bad idea, with Baron Corbin continuing to lurk around the ring.

WZ 7.5

@JoshIsenberg4 on Twitter. WWE Smackdown Live Rating:

WZ 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