Isenberg Reacts: WWE NXT “Only The Strongest Will Survive”

July 7, 2017

Roderick Strong vs. Bobby Roode for the NXT Championship

The main event was Bobby Roode vs. Roderick Strong for the NXT Championship. A feud that has been brewing for about 6 weeks is really intriguing me. It has given fans a reason to connect with Roderick Strong from more than a wrestling standpoint. It comes off as natural, genuine and not forced. As a wrestling fan, you understand how hard that can be.

The match was given plenty of time, just about 25 minutes. Roderick Strong may be the most precise kicker in the game, hitting moves with ease and really carry a good portion of the match. When Bobby Roode took over, it was all business. Working on the legs of Strong, Roode focused his attacks on the lower body and really dissecting his opponent. When the match took a turn towards the finale, it was Roddy who battled back and hit some intense moves and hitting his finisher. Bobby Roode got his foot under the rope, but the referee counted to three. Strong began to celebrate with his family, but the match continued. Bobby Roode took full advantage and hit a Glorious DDT in front of his mother and wife, followed by another in the ring to retain the NXT Championship.

I loved this match and loved the back and forth from both men. Even though Roderick Strong did not come out victorious, this boosted his overall appeal to me and to the NXT Universe. He proved he is one of the best on the roster and, even if he does not talk each week, he can get over and make a memorable match. He is on the wrestling level as Bobby Roode.

Speaking of Roode, how great is he? He is in fantastic shape and incredibly well-rounded inside and outside of the ring. When he turns it on, it is simply… GLORIOUS. He is the right choice for champion and looks the part 24/7. Tonight was just another feather in his cap, putting on possbily his best match since being in NXT.

Roderick Strong is here to stay. He will continue to be used in multiple ways in the NXT roster, but there is no doubt that his impressive streak feuding with Bobby Roode has been the highlight of his career in NXT so far.

WZ 8.5

@JoshIsenberg4 on Twitter. WWE NXT Rating:

WZ 7.5

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.