WWE Superstars TV Results
July 21, 2011 - Week 15 on WWE's website (episode #119 overall)
Taped the Week of July 18
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

This week's WWE Superstars episode opened with full pyro and introductions by Smackdown announce team Jack Korpela and Matt Striker. Korpela recapped a big week in WWE, including Vince McMahon "relived of his duties" as chairman.

In-ring: The man of 1,000 theme musics, Justin Gabriel, came out first to start things off. The crowd still isn't sure how to receive him. Meanwhile, at ringside, Striker was shown sitting uncomfortably close to Korpela. Striker noted WWE events this week have been on MTV, TMZ, and ESPN. Tyson Kidd then came out to face Gabriel as the announcers noted Kidd was upset being excluded from Smackdown's MITB ladder match.

1 -- TYSON KIDD vs. JUSTIN GABRIEL

Slow start as they felt each other out before Kidd slowed down the pace. Gabriel came back with some A.J. Styles-like offense before Kidd cut him off on the top turnbuckle. Kidd tried to follow with a huracanrana, but Gabriel held onto the top rope and Kidd crashed down to the mat. Gabriel then steadied himself and delivered the 450 Splash for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Gabriel at 4:22. Basic singles match. It felt like they were holding back for a future match-up of greater length.

Announcers: Korpela solemnly noted WWE currently does not have a champion and - for the first time in three decades - McMahon is not in charge. They'll revisit events from Raw later in the show.

[Break]

2 -- ALICIA FOX vs. NATALYA

Fox had a full ring intro back from the break and Natalya was already in the ring, which usually doesn't bode well. Korpela noted this same match-up two weeks ago featured a tremendous amount of hair-related attacks. Natalya used her wrestling expertise to take an early advantage while also stealing Alicia's belt to taunt her. Natalya continued to dominate with successive offense before Alicia suddenly rolled up Natalya for the pin and the win. After the match, Natalya tried to get some back from Alicia, but the victor high-tailed it up the stage.

WINNER: Alicia Fox at 2:45. Your basic example of the babyface completely dominating and the heel sneaking out a sudden victory to keep the babyface on the chase.

[Break]

In-ring: A different, non-C.M. Punk theme for Nexus brought out the tag champions sporting a heavy dose of Nexus gear. McGillicutty was wearing a backwards baseball cap for some reason, while Otunga was sporting a Nexus zipper jacket. Zack Ryder then came out as the first opponent for Nexus. Mix of indifference and cheers for Ryder, then Santino came out to that Hornswoggle babyface pop. Ryder lowered the ropes for Santino to enter the ring for the unlikely babyface pairing.

3 -- WWE tag champions NEW NEXUS (DAVID OTUNGA & MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY) vs. ZACK RYDER & SANTINO -- non-title match

Santino started things off, but Ryder tagged himself in. Ref Nunzio instructed Santino to exit as Ryder tried his hand against Otunga. Scott Stanford noted Kozlov is not happy about this Santino & Ryder pairing, and Ryder will not be taking away their friendship. Kozlov's best friend teased the Cobra on Mike, but Mike ducked to the floor. On the floor, Otunga ate the Cobra, but Mike decked Santino with a clothesline to end the rapid-fire sequence. They cut to break with Santino in trouble.

[Break]

Back from break, the tag champs had Santino isolated. Meanwhile, Stanford asked Josh Mathews if Santino & Ryder should be in tag title consideration. Mathews simply answered, "Yes," before explaining himself, apparently realizing the absurdity of a team that has never teamed up before being in the tag title picture. (Or, just the absurdity of the current tag division in WWE.) Stanford noted some other tag teams atop the division as the champs continued to wear down Santino.

Santino finally broke free at 5:00 and hot-tagged Ryder, who cleaned house. Obligatory House of Fire reference from Stanford before the action broke down and Santino went flying to the floor. Ryder then clotheslined Mike over the top rope. Back in the ring, Otunga wanted The Verdict uranage, but Ryder countered in mid-air with the Rough Ryder. That was an amazing counter. Ryder made the cover for the win. The tag champs suffer another non-title defeat.

Afterward, they replayed high points of the match, including the Rough Ryder counter. Ryder then showed Santino how to take care and spike his hair as the tag champs retreated on the stage clutching their Tag Title belts.

WINNERS: Ryder & Santino at 5:46. A strong tag match with some good action and a nice pace for a six-minute bout. Ryder's counter to finish the match is worth seeking out.

Still to come: Evan Bourne brings the electricity.

[Break]

4 -- EVAN BOURNE vs. PRIMO

Bourne received a full ring intro as Primo waited in the ring. The camera focused on Bourne pre-match as Primo brooded over this match-up in the corner. Stanford focused on the wrestlers having respect for each other, while Mathews stressed it all goes out the window in WWE because it's about winning matches and competing for titles. Primo took control of the match early on, trying to take away Bourne's high-flying attack. Primo executed a delayed vertical suplex for a two count, then Bourne ducked a clothesline and started a comeback.

The two men traded rapid-fire pin attempts before Bourne landed a back-heel kick. Bourne quickly scampered up top and landed Air Bourne as a camera was positioned right nex to Primo for a closer look at Bourne's finisher. Bourne with the pin for the win.

WINNER: Bourne at 4:21. Appropriately following the MITB ladder match PPV, the show started with a 450 Splash and ended with Air Bourne. Fine showcase for Bourne.

[Break]

Superstars concluded with an edited replay of Triple H "firing" McMahon on Raw to shake up the foundation of WWE storylines.

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