WWE Superstars TV Results
July 7, 2011 - Week 13 on WWE's website (episode #117 overall)
Taped the Week of June 27
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

This week's WWE Superstars episode opened with Zack Ryder's theme music to bring out Ryder for the opening match of the show. Decent, but mixed crowd reaction as Ryder continues to play face on the Internet and heel on WWE TV. Raw announcers Josh Mathews and Scott Stanford set the stage before Drew McIntyre's music video ring intro played to bring out McIntyre to screams of either horror or delight from females in the crowd. There was even a McIntyre sign in the crowd. Mac paced around in the ring like an animal before the bell sounded.

1 -- ZACK RYDER vs. DREW MCINTYRE

Mathews said their personalities are completely different - Ryder likes to have a good time and Mac is all-business. Mac was the early aggressor, pounding and kicking and slapping Ryder. Stanford said some wrestlers have resentment toward Ryder because of the success of his Internet show. Mathews said Ryder has to prove himself in the ring, though. Mac became frustrated when he couldn't put away Ryder one minute in, so he rolled to the floor for a break. Ryder then surprised him with a plancha.

Back in the ring, McIntyre bailed from the ring again. Ryder took the bait and ate the ring apron as Mathews noted Mac's frustration often-times gets the best of him in terms of wins and losses. Back in the ring again, Mac began to work over Ryder while fighting his own frustration. Ryder made a comeback at 4:00 and knocked down Mac in the corner for a running Broski Boot. It was good for a two count only and Ryder began showing frustration. Ryder tried to follow with Rough Ryder, but Mac countered with a sit-out powerbomb for a close two count.

Mac sold frustration, then got a crazy look in his eyes. Mac tried to finish off Ryder with the Future Shock DDT, but Ryder countered with a quick jackknife pin for the win. Mathews noted Ryder was the more poised of the two wrestlers, which he surmised allowed Ryder to secure the win. After a replay of the finish, Ryder was shown celebrating on the stage as McIntyre warned Ryder he'll get him next time.

WINNER: Ryder at 5:25. Fine singles match. Ryder was positioned as the face, but WWE hasn't made that permanent, rendering it just a "Superstars thing." Meanwhile, McIntyre continues to be stuck in a post-Draft "frustration" program where he beats himself because he can't keep his head straight.

[Break]

Smackdown Replay: The ill-fated World Title contract signing between World champ Randy Orton and Christian that was interrupted by Sheamus.

[Break]

In-ring: Back from break, Natalya was in the ring for the first of two matches from the Smackdown brand on the show. Alicia Fox came out as Natalya's opponent as Striker plugged the MITB match concept at the PPV next Sunday.

2 -- NATALYA vs. ALICIA FOX

Striker offered an...interesting analogy that Natalya is like Legos because she's built in sturdy pieces that makes her hard to break. Natalya took control and used Alicia's hair as a weapon against her. With the ring heavily mic'ed on Superstars, the Divas were heard trash-talking each other about their hair. They cut to break with Natalya in control.

[Break. Raw plug - It's the final Raw appearance by C.M. Punk. Also, will it also be John Cena's final Raw appearance?]

Back from break, still more talk about the hair with Alicia in control. "Watch the hair!" ref Nunzio instructed the Divas. Jack Korpela filled time discussing Divas champ Kelly Kelly vs. Brie Bella at the PPV as Alicia continued to risk a DQ by using the ropes to wear down Natalya and breaking just before a five count. Korpela also noted Natalya deserves another Divas Title shot. At 7:30, Striker said he's excited for a lengthy Divas match because they don't get to see much action from "this genre" on a regular basis.

"Watch the hair!" Nunzio reprimanded Alicia again. The hair distraction finally gave Natalya an opening to make her comeback. Natalya scored multiple nearfalls as the announcers talked up Alicia's resiliency. Alicia then escaped the Sharpshooter and scored a quick pin on Natalya to score a surprise win. Striker talked up the match before they went to a hair-themed replay of the match action.

WINNER: Alicia at 9:25. Based on the main focus of this match, it has to lead to a hair vs. hair match. Striker gets the special referee gig. Solid action in a near-ten-minute match.

[Break]

In-ring: Wade Barrett came out for the next match from the Smackdown brand. Already in the ring was Don Gonzales, who was billed from Tucson. What a letdown WWE is having Barrett end his 12-match TV/PPV losing streak against a local enhancement talent. They can't even give him a legit victory to break the streak.

3 -- WADE BARRETT vs. DON GONZALES

Barrett taunted ol' Don to begin the match, prompting a slap to the face from Don. Barrett, irate, pounded Don to the ground and landed multiple punches to the face while risking a DQ by barely breaking before a five count. Barrett then nailed a big boot to the face as the announcers continued to focus on Barrett for ditching The Corre. Striker said Corre is yesterday's news and Barrett is no longer "being held back." Barrett cut off a brief comeback attempt from Don before nailing Wasteland for the win. Striker hyped Barrett's inclusion in the MITB ladder match and said he's on his way to a potential title shot opportunity.

WINNER: Barrett at 2:18. Good use of a squash match to re-focus on Barrett as a singles wrestler. Too bad no one will see this, as it would have been more effective on Smackdown to rebuild Barrett post-Corre and abysmal IC Title run.

[Break]

Raw Replay: Just like on NXT Tuesday night, WWE concluded the show with a full replay of the Cena-McMahon confrontation promo from Monday's Raw.

We welcome your 0-10 score and comments on this show for a "WWE Superstars TV Reax" feature in the Torch Feedback section of PWTorch.com. To contribute your thoughts on Superstars, email to pwtorch@gmail.com using our Feedback form.

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