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

by Michael Sidgwick

1. Eclectic(ish) Action

Lince Dorado
WWE.com

There were three matches on this week’s episode of 205 Live - all of which were fairly different in style, if similar in psychological construction.

The opening match, between Messrs Gallagher and Gulak, was a tidy mat-based affair. Lince Dorado’s similar showcase match differed almost entirely in style, in which he showed off his ultra-smooth lucha things. The main event was a very good all-babyface outing, one rich in character work and body language. The almost mirthful look shared between TJ Perkins and Rich Swann after the Dynamite Kid Vs. Tiger Mask-inspired p*ssing contest was expert in setting a tone of sportsmanship.

Though an eclectic range of styles was showcased, the first two matches in particular followed the rote WWE mode to the letter. The face got the opening shine, the heel cut it off. Some back and forth. Rinse and repeat.

On this evidence, 205 Live is just another WWE show. But, with Gallagher as its prospective face, there is scope for some extraordinary quality in 2017 - provided they don’t book him to take a fancy to Nia Jax. Wouldn’t that be funny? They look so different!

Advertisement
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!