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?
Once again this week we see the commentary duo of Rich Brennan and Byron Saxton. I speak highly of them every week and I will continue to as they work quite well together here. Of course, you’ll generally see better on commentary on any show that isn’t RAW due to them being less overproduced. Anyway, enough of that, let’s get onto the show!
The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor) vs. Damien Sandow and Fandango
One of my favorite parts about Superstars in the past few months has been the weird occasional story of The Ascension taking on some makeshift team. We’ve seen some odd pairings, most notably the pairing of Jack Swagger and Mark Henry. That one turned out to be somewhat successful, with the duo continuing to team up quite a few times in the past month or two.
This random pairing was Fandango and Damien Sandow. Both guys are criminally underused by the WWE and officials, Sandow especially, while Fandango is quite underrated by fans as well as the aforementioned officials. While being on Superstars, and losing, isn’t exactly what they deserve, I am happy to see them and maybe they can find some chemistry as a duo going forward. The match was okay for what it was. Seeing the Ascension be put over and showcased was nice, at least. Decent match.
Winners: The Ascension
After the Ascension celebrate we get a look back at RAW. Dean Ambrose and Brock Lesnar interacting is a lot of fun, even if I’d prefer to see Ambrose in the WWE title scene. Still, if we do indeed get Ambrose versus Lesnar at Wrestlemania it will be difficult to complain too much. The match could, and should be killer.
I really like the Black History Month content the WWE has been producing this year. This came next, and I liked seeing some of the more obscure (nowadays) names mentioned. Plus the Mark Henry video is fantastic. It feels like a Hall of Fame video package, which is certainly a compliment.
Stardust vs. Zack Ryder
These two have good chemistry. Maybe because they are friends. Maybe because they have faced each other so much. Maybe both just have a chip on their shoulder and believe they deserve a better spot in the company. I certainly don’t disagree. Regardless, they deliver and this was probably their best match yet.
I think a lot of people hearing this was quite good may go in with higher expectations than necessary, so it is important to take account what you are watching. Too often people who rate matches don’t differentiate on what the match is supposed to be. But that is what wrestling is about. When you talk about the best shows on TV you’re not going to criticize a drama because it isn’t as humorous as your favorite comedy. Different matches, different shows, etc. have different purposes.
Ultimately, Main Event and Superstars are D shows that have the purpose of getting the crowd excited, giving work to talent, etc. It isn’t supposed to be a huge main event. So when I say this was a good match, it doesn’t mean we had tons of falsies and finisher kickouts. Instead just two good wrestlers told a good story with a few big moments and it had a nice finish. And that isn’t a bad thing at all. Good match.
Winner: Zack Ryder
After the match, Zack Ryder celebrates before the entirety of the show focuses on Daniel Bryan. We have a nice video package before we have his long goodbye and if you haven’t seen this, it is one of the most emotional pieces of television you will ever see. Daniel Bryan was an incredible talent and seems like an incredible human being and he will most certainly be missed. That’s a wrap for Superstars.
Match List
The Ascension vs. Damien Sandow and Fandango
Stardust vs. Zack Ryder
Closing Thoughts
Overall, this show certainly lacked star power. For the first time in awhile the show didn’t have one well pushed talent nor a former World Champion. With that being said, it had a lot of fun talent and Damien Sandow and Zack Ryder were both over with the crowd. The first match was unoffensive and solid, while the second match really delivered. And of course, we had the Daniel Bryan speech which is bound to make some of the strongest willed individuals tear up. A good edition of Superstars this week.
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!