By Chris Shore

Superstars on WGN America
Taped in Philadelphia, Pa and Norfolk, Vir.

[Q1] The opening video aired, followed by the pyro, and Todd Grisham and Matt Striker welcomed us to Superstars. They hyped Tyson Kidd vs. David Hart Smith for later…Tyler Reks made his ring entrance, followed by Trent Barreta. Before they could get started, Curt Hawkins music hit and he made his entrance and joined the announce team…

1. Tyler Reks defeated Trent Barreta at 12:23. Barreta took early control and hit a rolling thunder for an early two count. He worked a rest hold and Reks backed him to the corner and broke dirty. He worked on Barreta as Hawkins did a good job of selling his history with Barreta. Barreta escaped Reks and hit a clothesline over the top and followed with a springboard backflip on the floor. He rolled Reks back in the ring and followed. Reks attacked and dropped him on the top rope…[C]

Back at 8:10, Reks hit a front suplex for two. Reks worked some serious power heel offense with clubbing blows and bearhugs. Barreta escaped the bearhug, but Reks hit a gut buster for two. He lifted Barreta, but he escaped and hit a standing insaguri, followed by a springboard elbow. He hit a running knee, which is apparently called the Gobstopper for two.

[Q2] Barreta setup with a front face lock, but Reks flipped him over and stomped on him. He hit the Burning Hammer for the win…The NXT replay video aired…[C]

Shore’s Slant: Pretty good match with two guys I don't really care about. Hawkins on commentary made it feel a little special though. It looks like we might see the beginnings of Superstars only feuds. I have been against that idea from the start, but if it will get us out of the terrible shows we have been getting on Thursdays, I'll try anything.

By the way, the first commercial was for the new book about the history of the WWE title. I hear it is very accurate too. It's my understanding that the last third of the book is written on toilet paper.

Darren Young made his ring entrance as CM Punk and Scott Whathisface took over on commentary. Punk was wearing a sports jacket with his t-shirt. Sellout. William Regal was out next…

2. William Regal defeated Darren Young at 3:42. The announce tem argued as Young worked a headlock. They ran the ropes and Young got the best at first. They did it a second time and Regal got the best. Young hit a suplex for two. He charged at Regal in the corner. Regal stepped to the side and Young hit the pole. Regal slapped on the Regal stretch for the win…

Shore’s Slant: I have to admit, I was very distracted by the announce team and stopped watching and just listened in shock and awe. Punk cracks on Stamford and that tool just giggles away merrily. It was unreal. I have no idea what's next for Regal or Young, but I hope I don't have to listen to these two during the Hart match.

[Q3][C] A Big Show hype video aired…

Shore’s Slant: Are you kidding me? Alright, raise your hand if you are watching this show and don't know who the Big Show is. Nobody? Not a one? Huh. Who would have thought?

The Raw Rebound aired…Tyson Kidd made his ring entrance as Punk told Stamford he was about to get a quick lesson in wrestling. He said they would have their match next…[C]

Shore’s Slant: Son of a bitch.

A video recapped the official Hart Dynasty split from the Old School Raw. Smith made his ring entrance by marching to the ring…

[Q4] 3. David Hart Smith defeated Tyson Kidd at 12:57. Smith worked an arm bar until the ref had to break the hold on the ropes. They argued and poked each other in the chest. Kidd tried for a quick kick and Smith caught the leg. Smith hit a clothesline and then beat on him for two solid minutes while screaming at him. He whipped Kidd to the corner and charged. Kidd moved and Smith hit the buckle. Kidd followed with an insaguri to the back of the head. Everybody recovered into the break…[C]

Back at 7:03, Kidd worked a rest hold. Smith powered out and they hit a clothesline on each other. They battled and Smith took control. He hit a northern lights suplex bridge for two, and then a leg drop for another two count. Kidd pushed Smith to the floor and setup for a baseball slide. Smith blocked it and they reversed several move attempts until Smith hit a powerslam.

Smith rolled Kidd back in the ring and tried the Sharpshooter. Kidd made the ropes and kicked Smith in the leg, then the face. Kidd managed to lock in his own Sharpshooter that Smith sold for a solid minute before making the ropes. Kidd tried for a leg drop but Smith moved. He hit a Sunset Flip, but Smith dropped to his knees and scored the pin fall victory. Post-match, Smith tried to shake Kidd's hand, but Kidd slapped him and ran. They yelled at each other to close the show…

Shore’s Slant: Wow. I can't believe Smith got the win. The match was pretty good, but I'm stunned at the finish. This will obviously go on for a while, but I can't believe that Superstars is where it will stay. I'll have more to say tomorrow on the hitlist. Thanks for reading and I'll see you then.

Questions? Comments? Anyone, anyone? Let me hear from you. Email me at css3238@gmail.com with whatever is on your mind.

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