WWE Superstars Report
January 12, 2012
Taped in Texas
Report by Justin James, PWTorch contributor

Pre-match, Matt Striker delivers some interesting news that "every Superstar is eligible for the Royal Rumble." The idea is that even if someone has a match at the PPV, he can still be in the Rumble. That opens up a world of possibilities, notably for Dolph Ziggler. Also of note, Josh Mathews is on commentary, as well, which means that his absence from the booth on NXT was deliberate.

1 - YOSHI TATSU vs. WADE BARRETT

Barrett wins an early lock-up, but Tatsu gets some kicks in exchange. Tatsu with a spinning heel kick from the corner, but Barrett yanks him off the rope and mounts him to start a period of domination. Barrett knees Tatsu out of the ring completely, then rams him into the apron. Barrett rolls Tatsu in for a two count. Barrett settles into a chinlock. Tatsu rallies the crowd, but Barrett knees him. Tatsu puts Barrett into the corner and lands some chops and kicks. Tatsu with a running knee and the Shining Wizard for two. Tatsu calls for the end, but Barrett kicks Tatsu's knee, another kick, and the Winds of Change side slam for the win.

WINNER: Wade Barrett in 4:00. Squash match to help get Barrett's finisher over, but the match was good for a squash.

[ c - Royal Rumble ad, WWEShop.com ad ]

They replay the tail-end of the Big Show-Daniel Bryan match with Mark Henry on commentary from last week's Smackdown. I want to use half of his commentary as ringtones for my phone. I could see "Get up, Big Show!" as my morning alarm.

Royal Rumble flashback.

2 - WWE tag champion EVAN BOURNE vs. MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY

McGillicutty actually gets sent to the corner by the petite Bourne, and then arm-dragged into the center of the ring. McGillicutty blocks a second arm drag and moves to ground Bourne, but Bourne attacks the hamstrings with kicks. McGillicutty actually hits a springboard sunset flip, but Bourne rolls through and lands a double foot stomp on McGillicutty's shoulders for a two count. McGillicutty on the attack again. Elbow drop gets McGillicutty two, then he cuts off Bourne's comeback attempt. Bourne with a running huracarana, dropkick, and high knee to regain control. Bourne with a jumping side kick for two. Bourne looks for Air Bourne, but McGillicutty keeps him from going up top. McGillicutty sends Bourne to the outside.

[ c - Hall of Fame ad ]

McGillicutty with a chinlock out of the break, and he gets in some blows for two. Dropkick gets another two count. McGillicutty with offense from the ringside area, but he doesn't get all the way into the ring when making the cover. Bourne starts a comeback, but walks into a drop toe hold putting McGillicutty back on top. Bourne reverses a suplex for a two count. He's finally able to mount a full comeback. Double knees from across the ring gets Bourne a nearfall. McGillicutty with a Saito suplex for two. Bourne lands a roundhouse to the head from the apron, hits the turnbuckle, and nails Air Bourne for the win.

WINNER: Evan Bourne in 9:30. McGillicutty got in about 90 percent of the offense here, which is par for the course of a Bourne match, but the match was really slow. McGillicutty needs to add some more signature moves, and the pacing he prefers is better suited for someone much larger than him. He also needs to change his look; with the backwards cap and the beard, I think of Ben Roethlisberger every time I see him.

Raw Rebound.

[ c - Smackdown ad ]

3 - KELLY KELLY vs. BRIE BELLA (w/Nikki Bella)

Kelly with a quick flurry of offense, but a distraction from Nikki gives Brie an advantage. Kelly chokes Brie in the ropes, then clears Nikki from the apron, giving Brie a chance for offense. Brie with lots of offense on Kelly's arm in the ropes. Cheap shot from Nikki lets Brie get a two count. Brie with an armbar that bends Kelly halfway over, then she mocks Kelly's butt-shaking, so Kelly gets a schoolgirl for one.

Brie right back with offense. Brie knees the arm some more and Kelly starts to cry, leading to a two count. Brie gets a pair of additional covers for two. Kelly with a monkey flip, then a Thez Press from the top turnbuckle, followed by her head scissors takedown. Bulldog from Kelly, the butt rub in the corner, and the handrping back splash. Nikki switches in, plants Kelly face-first into the turnbuckle, and covers with legs on the ropes for the win.

WINNER: Brie Bella in 5:00. What I like about the Bella Twins is that they are always doing different things in the ring; it really feels like they are working hard to be better wrestlers. I also think it's hilarious that their "finishing move" is to land an ordinary move from a fresh wrestler and somehow get the pin.

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