2 Ups And 4 Downs From WWE 205 Live (December 13 2016)

Ups...

2. Jack Gallagher Is Awesome

Gallagher Jack
WWE.com

Jack Gallagher is one of the few wrestlers to live up to those famously exaggerated nicknames, many of which are impossible to take seriously. Titus O’Neil calls himself The Big Deal - yet he’s never done anything even remotely significant.

Gallagher, however, truly is extraordinary. His match opposite Gulak was hugely entertaining; at once funny and scientific, it was immaculately paced to incorporate a stiff, strike-based brawl at the finish (I will never tire of Mauro Ranallo referencing Katsuyori Shibata on WWE television).

It was little more than a showcase for Gallagher, but his novel offence is such a joy to watch that it’s difficult to envisage it ever growing old. His character work was equally impressive. Effectively every WWE babyface is a wise-cracking, breezy, smug guy, as quick to throw a zinger as they are to lace up their boots. To confirm this, all three former members of The Shield currently play the same character on WWE TV.

Gallagher is a different breed - charming, polite, naturally witty - and his presence is welcome. Even the word ‘Sparklecrotch’ would sound endearing emanating from his gentlemanly mouth.

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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!