WWE Superstars Results
May 24, 2012
Report by Justin James, PWTorch contributor

1 - TYSON KIDD vs. ANTONIO CESARO (w/Aksana)

The match starts with the combined technical acumen that you would expect from this pair on-display. The larger Cesaro uses power combined with holds, but Kidd counters with speed. Matt Striker refers to Cesarso's "Chikara style." Is he allowed to say that? Delayed gutwrench suplex from Cesaro to show off his strength. Cesaro's work in the corner looks nasty. The crowd is getting behind Kidd, but Kidd can't get offense against the larger Cesaro. Kidd breakdances on a standing Cesaro and transitions to a roll-up to start a flurry of offense.

Kidd wants the Sharpshooter, but Cesaro gets out, so Kidd kits a big leg drop to the face. Kidd with a top-rope blockbuster for a two count. Cesaro tries to rip Kidd's ear off when Kidd tries the Sharpshooter again. Cesaro manages to stand up tall against a tornado DDT attempt, throw Kidd in the air, and then uppercut him - it looks like a Mortal Kombat juggle. Cesaro with his reverse pumphandle front suplex for the win.

WINNER: Antonio Cesaro in 7:30. This is a beautiful match. If I see this pairing on June 5, my ticket price will be justified.

2 - WWE tag champions KOFI KINGSTON & R-TRUTH vs. JTG & MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY - non-title match

JTG is continuing his new style. JTG and Kingston start off, and Kingston with a monkey flip to send JTG half-way across the ring. Kingston and R-Truth double-team JTG, then the heels isolate R-Truth for a stretch. McGillicutty shows off a number of moves that are new to him. Double tag out and Kingston goes nuts on McGillicutty. Boom Drop and Kingston calls for Trouble in Paradise, but JTG pulls McGillicutty from the ring and uses handmotions to explain that Kingston was about to finish him. Kingston dives on them both.

[ c - Smackdown hype, Christian as Intercontinental Champion ]

R-Truth with control out of the break. Double-heel kick from the tag team champions for a nearfall. McGillicutty forces a whiff on Trouble in Paradise to draw Kingston out of the way and JTG runs interference for McGillicutty. Kingston takes punishment in the opposing corner. JTG is like an rabid animal on offense, drawing the crowd into Kingston's corner. Kingston manages a hot tag and Truth flattens JTG with offense. The action breaks down and Truth shrugs off the Mugshot and counters with the Little Jimmy (nee "What's Up?") for the win.

WINNER: Kofi Kingston and R-Truth in 11:30. Very nice match. Up until JTG's disappearance from the ring and subsequent return, he was only one step above Khali in my book of "boring wrestlers." He has done an absolutely astounding job at turning his in-ring work around, and his wrestling tonight was very, very entertaining. He acted like a man on a mission and delivered very believable offense. The pairing with Michael McGillicutty is potentially good long-term.

3 - ZACK RYDER vs. HEATH SLATER

Josh Mathews accidentally calls Slater "the party starter," which is Curt Hawkins's gimmick. Slater mocks Ryder and Ryder refuses to take it lying down. Slater has some nice, crisp offense.

[ c - Smackdown hype, Christian as Intercontinental Champion ]

Ryder is struggling to get traction after the commercial, and there's some blood in Slater's mouth. Ryder counters a top-rope move with a flapjack and Ryder goes on the attack. Broski Boot for a nearfall. Ryder wants a Rough Ryder, but Slater plants him face-first into the turnbuckle and hits a neckbreaker for a nearfall.

They fight on the turnbuckle and Ryder sends Slater to the mat, then a missile dropkick for two. Ryder goes to the top and Slater jumps up for his patented snap powerslam for a nearfall. Slater wonders how he can get a three count, and just beats on Ryder in the corner. Ryder gets boots up, and lands the Rough Ryder for the pin.

WINNER: Zack Ryder in 10:30. This was an enjoyable match. Heath Slater has the ability to draw heat with his in-ring mannerisms, which is good since he never gets any mic time. Slater also regrew his hair, and grew a bit of a beard, which makes him look a bit more heelish for some reason.

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