WWE Superstars Results
June 28, 2012
By Justin James, PWTorch contributor

1 - WWE tag champion KOFI KINGSTON vs. MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY

Well, this match answers one of my questions from the New NXT - main roster talent like McGillicutty is being used to supplement New NXT, not to be a place for them to permanently reside.

McGillcutty impresses Kingston with his power early on, and Kingston lets him know it with a smile. Kofi teaches McGillicutty a lesson with his speed. Kingston pulls off a crazy spot bouncing back-first on the ropes and catching McGillicutty around the neck with his legs on the rebound, and smoothly transitioning into a head scissors takedown. McGillicutty takes control and they head to break.

[ c - "The Best of WCW Clash of the Champions" DVD ad ]

Kingston is fighting out of a resthold, but takes a big back body drop. McGillicutty continues to dominate, but he jaws at the crowd, letting Kingston finally regain control. Kingston looks like he wants a Boom Drop, but McGillcutty Army-crawls to the apron. Big springboard crossbody gets Kingston a nearfall. He finally gets the Boom Drop and calls for the Trouble in Paradise. McGillcutty moves, and then counters an SOS attempt. McGillicutty counters a top rope move with a dropkick. McGillicutty wants the Turning Heads neckbreaker, but is forced to duck the Trouble in Paradise instead, but a moment later he's eating Kingston's foot for the loss.

WINNER: Kofi Kingston in 10:15. There was a time not long ago when Michael McGillicutty's music signaled a bathroom break for me; I now consider his matches to be "must see." It's a combination of his in-ring improving very rapidly (I am convinced that William Regal spent some time working with him based on some of the moves he's picked up), and being paired against opponents like Kofi Kingston and Tyson Kidd. Based on what was seen on NXT last season, I would really like to see McGillicutty and Johnny Curtis chase the Tag Titles; that would produce some excellent matches and superb promos and backstage segments.

AW comes out to cut a promo from the ramp. He's being titled "AW" and not "Abraham Washington." He intros the Prime Time Players. Their synchronized dancing routine is pure heat magnet, as is AW's wireless mic.

2 - EPICO (w/Primo and Rosa Mendes) vs. DARREN YOUNG (w/Titus O'Neil and AW)

AW's mic is still live. Epico takes it to Young as AW exhorts Young. Young makes a comeback on the apron. Young uses his power, but Epico reverses a suplex attempt with a lateral press for two. Young continues to wear away Epico. O'Neil interferes, allowing Young to hit the Gutcheck for the win.

WINNER: Darren Young in 4:20. AW's mic gimmick draws great heat, but it is incredibly distracting. Epico shined on his own. I really missed Epico and Primo, but I see that the time off from TV was to get the audience to forget that they are heels. It is kind of working, as Rosa's shimmying does get the males to root for them.

3 - THE USOS vs. HUNICO & CAMACHO - Tag Team match

The Usos have new outfits - baggy purple shorts and white basketball player style headbands. They have also cut their hair. I think this may be Camacho's first or second broadcasted match in WWE. By win/loss record, Hunico should probably be the #1 contender to a title right now, as he's been slowly accumulating wins on Superstars.

Jimmy and Hunico kick it off. Hunico shows off a bit, but Jimmy overpowers him. Jey comes in, but Hunico is able to get Camacho involved. Jey takes Camacho down. Jey gets isolated for a stretch. Back body drop lets Jimmy tag in, and he goes to work on Hunico. Camacho provides a distraction letting Hunico crotch Jimmy, then land a huracanrana into a pin. Camacho distracts the ref, letting the Usos hit Hunico with a flapjack into a superkick (sick combo by the way) for the win.

WINNERS: The Usos in 5:40. Fun match. Camacho did his part fine, and the other three delivered as expected. I love The Usos's new tag team finisher, and I hope to see them use it more.

Heath Slater delivers a promo about how everyone tries to steal his spotlight. Mid-promo, Kane's pyro hits and Slater jumps halfway to the next county. Slater looks dumbstruck as Kane comes to the ring. Slater has quickly become a master at creating instant heat, and his in-ring has come up too.

4 - KANE vs. HEATH SLATER

Kane dissects Slater, as expected. On commentary, Striker says that the Legends will come out every week and Slater will be involved with them. Slater gets a brief slurry of offense. He jumps into an uppercut and Kane continues the mauling. Top rope clothesline followed by a chokeslam ends the match.

WINNER: Kane in 3:15. Fine match to help establish Kane as a face (or and anti-heel, at the very least). Slater is at the point that Dolph Ziggler was a few years ago, a clear cut heel that can easily draw legit heat, who bumps nicely and takes losses well.

We suggest these recent related articles...

CALDWELL'S TOUGH ENOUGH REPORT 8/11 - Week 8: Cena returns to WWE TV, contestants have a match in front of NXT roster, more

CALDWELL'S TOUGH ENOUGH REPORT 8/4 - Week 7: Latest cut, Prime Time Players guest-star, Amanda Swerve, more

CALDWELL'S TOUGH ENOUGH REPORT 7/28 - Week 6: Latest elimination, Hogan replaced, Miz ruins everything, WWE stars appear, more