Every week WWE Superstars is presented on the WWE Network, usually being added around 3 PM EST. I am a fan and watch the show religiously so why not share some thoughts and insight, especially for those who may not keep up with it and want to know what they’re missing, or conversely, those who do and want to see what others may think?
As always, Superstars remains an overlooked show and this week this overlooked show features some pretty big names in the Dudleys and Tyler Breeze. Add in the longest reigning NXT Tag Team Champions in the Ascension and former World Heavyweight Champion Jack Swagger and we have a fairly strong cast for what is effectively the company’s E-show in terms of importance. Additionally, we have Rich and Byron back together with the Miz not on commentary this week. While I’m slightly disappointed the Ascension’s battles with weird make shift teams has ended, at least for now, their attempts to succeed have not. Let’s take a look:
The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor) vs. The Dudleys (Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley)
The Dudley Boyz on Superstars is always a good thing as they bring bigger names and credibility to the show. Sure, the match has been done a few times since they’ve returned but it certainly isn’t a bad match to have, especially as their chemistry together seems to be improving. Their opponents, the Ascension, can be hit or miss but sometimes when they get into a groove they’re actually fairly underrated. I also liked their new gear.
As for the match itself, it was decent enough. Ultimately it served little more than to be an enhancement match for the Dudleys, but the Ascension got enough offense in for them to seem credible as well. It wasn’t a classic, nor would it have been even if they wanted it to be probably, but it was perfectly acceptable wrestling that the crowd got into. This certainly served the purpose intended. Dudleys win it with a 3D.
Winners: The Dudleys (Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley)
After the Dudleys celebrate we switch to looking back at RAW with the Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, and Roman Reigns opening segment. Yawn. I’m sorry, but it’s been like five weeks in a row where this has happened and it’s so exhausting. I don’t bury Roman like some people do, he has plenty of great matches under his belt, but his talking isn’t good and relying on him to set the tone for the show just doesn’t work.
From there we took a look back at The New Day on Chris Jericho’s Highlight Reel, which eventually led to The Usos vs. The New Day with Jericho ringside. Some mixed reactions to Jericho since he return exist, but I’m a big fan and New Day are just the funniest thing going, so them interacting is gold. I look forward to an actual six man as I think if put in the right spot, it could really deliver. Maybe make it a Smackdown main event? On the Rumble?
Lastly, even more recap. It feels like more than usual this week. This time it covers the Sheamus/Dean Ambrose match followed by the fallout with Kevin Owens. I certainly enjoy the Owens/Ambrose feud so I’m not totally against this, but three long recap segments in a row is a bit much. I can totally see why people would tire of it. This would then lead to yet another segment, this time of Sting’s Hall of Fame induction announcement.
Jack Swagger vs. Tyler Breeze
I am pretty conflicted about this. On one hand, Tyler Breeze is too good of a talent to be a Superstars regular. The occasional appearance is a nice treat and really, as a regular Superstars viewer, Prince Pretty will only help make the show stronger. However the lingering feeling that he should be better and further than he is tarnishes it a little bit. Especially for this match where he loses cleanly.
Don’t get me wrong, I like Jack Swagger. Probably more than most. I think he does a lot of good and he’s one of the better parts of Main Event and Superstars regularly. I still don’t want to see Breeze losing to him clean when he’s trying to gain momentum. Sadly, Breeze is one of those talents that suffer without a brand extension, doomed to be stuck in mid/low card hell unless Vince McMahon suddenly becomes interested.
As for the match itself, it was good. Because it is Superstars, a longer finishing stretch isn’t necessary but had we gotten it I feel like this would be a nice early contender for the best Superstars match of the year, and it would probably hold onto it for awhile. They seem to have good chemistry and I’d love to see more from them with more time. Swagger won with an ankle lock, but not much leg work was done to build up to it.
Winner: Jack Swagger
After Swagger celebrates we cut to JoJo interviewing the Social Outcasts. I have no idea why this actually took place, as nobody in the group were on and they just seemed to plug the Royal Rumble, but they are extremely entertaining together anyway, so I’ll gladly take it. A backstage interview or two on Superstars each week can also really help with character development. This then lead to the latest WWE Trivia question, one that actually seems like something people would get wrong. I know I don’t really have an idea without putting serious thought into it.
Finally, we get the final recap of the night, this being the Roman Reigns vs. however many people were ringside for the One vs. All match. I didn’t care for this, although Owens main eventing is nice and Brock’s beat down was a lot of fun. Not much to say, but this closed the show.
Match List
The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor) vs. The Dudleys (Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley)
Jack Swagger vs. Tyler Breeze
Closing Thoughts
This was a stronger than usual episode of Superstars. None of the matches were out of this world in terms of quality, in fact neither were much better than solid due to time restraints, however both delivered well enough and both featured some bigger names which helped them feel more important. As usual, the recap was a drag but thanks to the WWE Network, you can skip it if need be. This may be a show worth checking out for some.
What did you think of the show? Make sure to leave your thoughts and feedback. As always, stick to the WWE Network Chronicle for the latest WWE Network news, polls, reviews, and rumors! Bookmark us, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter: @WWENetworkChron!