WWE Superstars Results
April 26, 2012
Taped 4/23 & 4/24
Report by Justin James, PWTorch Contributor

It sounds like Michael Cole is replacing an "injured" Josh Mathews. The pairing of Cole and Matt Striker does not excite me, but the pairing of Striker and Scott Stanford would be delightful.

1 - THE USOS vs. HUNICO & CAMACHO - Tag Team Match

This is, as far as I can tell, Camacho's on-camera in-ring debut. Pre-match, Hunico cuts a promo, and The Usos mock them by having one get onto top of the other's back to satirize their bike entrance, then they cut a promo of their own.

Hunico and Jey Uso to start. Hunico puts Jey off early, but Jey quickly comes back and brings Jimmy in. Cole says that on Friday's Smackdown, John Laurinaitis will have a decision about Brock Lesnar's assault on Josh Mathews. Hunico brings in Camacho. Camaco with basic power, but Jimmy is able to bring Jey in. A double-team move gets two for the Usos. The action breaks down a bit and Jimmy is the active man on the apron.

False commercial break, and Jimmy is being beaten down by Camacho. Either Camacho has a very unique moveset, or he needs a lot of work to tighten things up - it's hard to tell, which is not good. Hunico with a leg lock of sorts, and even Striker can't identify it. The heels continue to isolate Jimmy. Cole also says Brock Lesnar's UFC background gives him the advantage in an Extreme Rules match. I'm not sure why.

Double tag and Jey runs Hunico down. Cole delivers the full Josh Mathews experience: "Shades of his father, Rikishi!" The action breaks down once more, and Camacho gets a cheap shot in while the ref is distracted. Hunico grabs tights and gets the win.

WINNERS: Hunico and Camacho at 9:30. Okay match. I've seen a lot better from both the Usos and Hunico. Camacho didn't get too much ring time, so I don't think he was the issue, though he is clearly quite green.

2 - KELLY KELLY vs. MAXINE

In a stroke of good luck, Striker and Stanford are in the booth, as I had hoped for. Maxine is without Johnny Curtis; isn't that a violation of William Regal's instructions? Stanford even references the NXT kidnapping angle.

Kelly gets things going with a Thesz Press, then an armdrag, sending Maxine to the corner. Maxine dodges the handspring splash, then settles into a chinlock and looks like she means it. The crowd rallies behind Kelly Kelly, as there's a lengthy hold sequence. Kelly fights out, and Maxine gets the reverse Dragon Sleeper on, but Kelly finally gets to the ropes and rams Maxine into the turnbuckle. Kelly with a choke in the ropes (Stanford calls it the "barbed wire"), then she trips Maxine. Maxine gets the Booty Call in the face, then the handspring splash. Kelly sets up the K2 and lands it mid-ring.

WINNER: Kelly Kelly in 5:00. Maxine has a lot of talent, both potential and realized. I love her in-ring mannerisms, she even carried and lengthy hold convincingly. What a shame to throw her under the Kelly Kelly bus.

3 - ALEX RILEY vs. THE MIZ

Wow, has Miz's stock dropped or what? This is a re-match from a feud from nearly a year ago, and it is insanely rare to see anyone even close to Miz's level on Superstars.

Miz with an armdrag and acts like he's done something impressive. Riley welcomes a lock-up, and tosses Riley again after a brief struggle. Mix dumps Riley with a third armdrag. Riley makes a comeback with power, then Miz takes advantage of a telegraphed back body drop.

Riley makes a comeback that makes me think of Percy Watson, with his big dropkicks and speed. Miz puts boots to Riley in the corner, then Riley comes out of the corner strong. Riley with a strange hip toss suplex combo that looks pretty nasty. Miz suckers Riley and dumps him through the ropes. Miz surprises Riley on the top turnbuckle and slams his arm on the ropes heading to break.

[ c - Extreme Rules on Punk-Jericho ]

Miz is controlling Riley with mat holds out of the break. Miz plays to the crowd as he dominates Riley. Miz with a very long armbar and wristlock submission, and lectures Riley, who finally fights out, but Miz DDTs the arm for a two count. Miz with the corner-to-corner clothesline, and he goes up top, but Riley counters a double axe handle. Riley is too injured to cover, and rolls to the ropes to pull himself up. Riley lands some heavy rights, then speeds things up even more. Big spinebuster from Riley, and he wants the Final Score, but Miz escapes. Riley with a schoolboy for two.

Miz with the Reality Check for a nearfall. Stanford calls it by name, which is the first time it's been mentioned by name in years. Riley ducks Miz's boot to the head, but Miz sends Riley into the turnbuckle and catches him with the Skull Crushing Finale for the win.

WINNER: The Miz in 13:15. Very good match. Miz may be in the doghouse, but he's working hard to get out. He's been working hard in the gym, and his physique looks fantastic compared to where it was a few months ago. He put on a good match with the quite competent Alex Riley. It's nice to see The Miz in a long-form match and be able to keep it interesting.

[Torch art credit Grant Gould (c) PWTorch.com]

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