[M-A-G]

Superstars: January 3, 2041

It's the first show of the new year! Let's do this!!!

Opening Match: Neil Quint vs. Ziggy Styles
Ziggy gets on the mic and wants to be the first to welcome us all to the new year. "How appropriate it is that I, the great Ziggy Styles, am selected to be part of the first match of 2041! It's a time for new beginnings and reflecting on what was and seeing where you can improve in your lives! Even I am capable of benefitting from a bit of soul searching. And while last week did not produce the intended outcome I had in mind, it taught me a lot. I can be doing so much more, working so much harder to bring you positivity you all need! It's no longer just about the wrestlers in the back or the fans of the WWE. The whole world needs to learn to get Ziggy with it! Put your faith in me and I can be the rock you lean on and the source of strength you need to stick to your resolutions! It begins with a small step, one that I will take right now! So come on out here, Neil!" Neil Quint does indeed come out, guns blazing. The man's been on a tremendous roll. That's bound to lead to something good for him, no? I might as well make the first match of the year something of high quality. The match comes to an end when Quint flips out of a belly-to-back suplex from Ziggy and lands on his feet. He drop kicks Ziggy from behind, sending him face first into the turnbuckle, knocking him silly and he collapses to the ground, leaving him vulnerable to the Quintessential Top Rope Manuever from...uh...the top, from Neil to keep the streak alive. ****1/2, 91% overall.

We're told that there are more details surrounding the confrontation between Luscious and Jake Connelly that was mentioned on Raw. And there's even video! Let's see what happened.

We're shown Jake Connelly making his way down a hall, presumably to meet up with his clients. Luscious is seen trying to catch up with him and she confronts him over what happened with Hotbody's celebration. "Hey, who the hell do you think you are? That was our moment out there! You have no idea how mad you made Michael! That was a beautiful moment between two people who have been through hell and back and wanted to enjoy just a bit of satisfaction and joy! I know you're just a miserable old man, Jake, but you don't get to just throw your weight around anymore!"

Jake Connelly looks like he's not in the mood to be dealing with this, but nonetheless responds. "Look, miss, we all have better things to do than watch a round of tonsil hockey. If you or your boy have got a problem with that, you're welcome to do something about it."

"Oh, we most definitely have a problem with it! I hope your guys are ready to pay the price for this! I want them to show up on Superstars and they can deal with the wrath of Galino & Farnes! How about that?"

"Fine. Ethan and Cameron will absolutely be there. After what happened tonight, they could use a chance to get out some aggression."

We're back to present time as that little exchange brings us to...

Second Match: Ethan Lang and Cameron Harper vs. Galino & Farnes
Well, before this gets underway we're shown a video of the locker room where Cameron approaches Jake Connelly, apparently upset over this match. Jake asks what the problem is. "You know what the problem is. I want Lyle Morris tonight! He insulted me, hell, he insulted ALL of us with what he did on Raw. I had that match in the bag and he wants to come on down and ruin things? No, this is BS. I don't see why we need to have this match tonight."

Connelly looks down and takes a deep breath before responding in a pretty harsh tone. "We're having this match because I put it together, OK? If you wanted Lyle so badly, maybe instead of going off on your own to pout on Monday, you could've talked to me first and I could've tried to get you that match. Instead, this is where we are. It's not the match you wanted, but I still expect you to take it just seriously as any other. Ethan expects you to take it seriously, too. Do you understand?"

Cameron looks a bit upset, but ultimately he relents and apologizes. "You know, you're right. You're right and I'm sorry. I've been getting myself all tangled in a frenzy these past few weeks, I don't what it is. I'm gonna work on that and I'm going to make this match worth your while." And with that Cameron turns around to make his way to the ring...but not before grabbing the framed photo he gave Jake.

So the match begins and it's just funny how all of Hotbody's crew manages to piss off everyone in the locker room. It's a good outing, but despite what Cameron told Jake earlier, he still doesn't seem to be too keen on spending a lot of time in the match, preferring to continue playing cheerleader with the framed picture. Things come to a head when Ethan makes his own comeback after Galino & Farnes mess up SERIOUS INQUIRIES! Farnes gets dumped but Galino goes on the assault from behind and tries whipping Lang into the ropes for something, but it's reversed and Galino collides with Harper still on the apron, still with his attention to the crowd. Harper goes off the apron and Lang catches Galino off the rebound in a small package and that's going to be enough for a surprise upset from Lang. Harper throws a fit but Connelly points out the victory and that seems to somewhat satisfy him. ****1/2, 92% overall.

In-Ring Super Special Talky Time as we're going to get Kyle Jacobs out here to join us. We haven't seen him since his big win over Xavier Cross on the last SmackDown!. What's he got to say this time around? "Here we are finally kicking off the new year. It's time for us to get started on those resolutions we made as that clock struck midnight a few days ago. I made a few myself and while I'm going to keep some of those to myself, they're kind of embarrassing, there is a big one that have no problem sharing, not just with all of you, but with the entire locker room. Despite my last name, my one overarching goal is to have my own legacy in this business, separate from what my uncle and my father accomplished. The thing about that, though, is that would mean accomplishing things that neither man ever did during their career. I've taken major steps towards that goal, including capturing the Intercontinental Title, but there's an even bigger step that needs to be approached and overcome. Having a substantial, long-lasting legacy just isn't complete unless you're one of the lucky few to be standing in victory at the end of the main event of WrestleMania. So I'm making the move right now and letting you all know what's up. This is my declaration that I will be entering the Royal Rumble! Out of a pool of 30, there will be only one, and I know how to buck the odds better than anyone. Another WrestleMania moments awaits me when I head into that main event and walk out with gold one more time, only now it's for the biggest prize at the county fair. I will make the WWE Unified World Title part of the Jacobs legacy, and it begins at the Rumble!"

Now this can't just be the WWE without someone else coming on out to trade words. Here comes Chris Collins out from the back and he joins Kyle in the ring to share his thoughts. "Kyle, Kyle, Kyle; you know, people like you make me sick. You may be second generation like I am, but you fall into the category of people who want to have it both ways. You want to carve out your own piece of history, to leave behind a memorable legacy you can call your own. The problem, though, is that you can't bring yourself to stop fawning over those who came before you. You still want to praise them and ask everyone to still hold them in such high esteem. Well, Kyle, answer me this: how do you expect anyone to remember the things you do when you don't do a damn thing to make them forget about what your uncle and dad did? You don't have it in you to completely separate yourself from them. Now me, on the other, I did what was right and I made sure that right from the get-go, the story of Chris Collins was going to be mine and mine alone. I annihilated my own father because it was necessary! It's what needed to be done and I had the stomach for it! And just look at how far I've come without hitching my wagon to him! I've become my own man. I can look at myself in the mirror with a sense of pride. And I hope you and anyone else back there watching understands that I'm not done. I'm still gunning for that top spot once again and I'm going to be even better than ever in that role. You see, not only am I also announcing my participation in the Royal Rumble, I'm am also DEMANDING that Seth Von Kamp man up and give me another shot at the Intercontinental Title, one that I deserve! I will walk into that Rumble with that Intercontinental Title in my name and then I'm going to WrestleMania where I'll walk out with all the gold, something none of our seniors could ever hope to accomplish. Certainly something YOU could never accomplish!"

Kyle is keen on firing back and does so. "I'll say this much about my father and uncle. While they most certainly didn't achieve what you have, they can at least sit back in retirement with pride knowing that they'll carry way more respect and character than you ever will. Your own father, despite everything you've ever said about him and did to him, will always be on that high pedestal that you wish you could reach because he was actually a man about things. We don't choose the circumstances of our birth, and, yeah, it can be a pain with the family I was born into, but they paved the way for me and I'll never forget that! Isn't it about time you grew the hell up, Chris?!?"

Chris Collins also looks keen on firing back. "YOU DON'T GET TO GIVE ME LIP, BOY! I grew up a long time ago when I had to become the man of the house! I had to be the one keeping things together because "Daddy" wanted to be here in front of these undeserving slack-jawed nobodies! Forget your lineage. You have a LOOOOOOOONG way to go before you even measure up to ME! All the stories and coaching you got from your old man and your uncle, I assure you didn't get you ready for facing someone like me. I'll be looking to make a statement come Rumble time, and you're going to understand it the hard way, when you're out on your ass on that floor after I toss you and your stupidity out of this ring! Use this time up until that night to prepare yourself for failure, because while we're both second generation, I got to where I'm at because the real teacher was me, while you're still clinging to the scraps you got from what came before you. But don't you worry, Kyle. At the Rumble, I'm going to be your daddy."

With that last line of trash talk Kyle gets all righteous and shit and decides to slap the taste out of the mouth of Collins. Collins reels back, then looks back at Kyle with a fury in his eye, but ultimately decides to call it a night by rolling out of the ring, insulted with this whole matter. He yells a few choice words at Kyle, stuff along the lines of "You'll see". How is this going to go down between these two second generation stars?

Third Match: Hannah McCormick vs. Ainsley
Debra Phillips is on commentary continuing to run down and bad mouth Ainsley. She talks about how it's every woman for herself once they come onto the scene here in the WWE. She and Ainsley may have trained together, but it's not possible for the two of them to have the same kind of career. Debra just pulled the trigger first because she knows she's got what it takes to survive in the wasteland on her own. Well, that discussion continues as the match goes on. Hannah is extra salty coming off that loss at Bragging Rights and no longer being a champion. Ainsley has to play underdog here, as Hannah is the bigger star and the vet (relatively) in this situation, but she hangs tough regardless. It comes to an end when Ainsley is knocked off the apron and hits the announce table on the way down. Hannah tries going for the kill, but the ref tries holding her back so the count can begin. Ainsley tries getting back up and Debra is in her face. They trade a few choice words, but Ainsley decides to get back to business and turns to go back to the ring. This opens the door for Debra to sneak up behind her and shove her into the ring post and then back into the ring. Hannah capitalizes with an Oklahoma Roll for the cheap pin victory. Neither she nor Debra have time to gloat as Leah of the Perfections comes running down to get her some of Hannah for retribution. Hannah bails as Leah gives chase and no doubt there's going to be more to come from that department. ****1/2, 93% overall.

Fourth Match: Alexander Piero vs. Lonny Richards
Nothing really major happening here. Piero needs to get put back on track as that loss to Collins was a major detour for him. We need as many possible winners for the Rumble as possible to make things exciting. Madison cheers her man on as he's able to catch Lonny coming off the top into a power slam and that sets things up for him to finish it off with the Flashpoint to give him the win. ****1/2, 92% overall.

More In-Ring Super Special Talky Time as Quinten McDaniels comes out to the ring, fresh off of screwing Orlando Kincaid in the Unified Title match on Raw. He gets on the mic and tells us that he's here to draw the line between himself and Orlando Kincaid. "Actually, it's more of a reinforcement of the line that Orlando himself drew when he decided to be selfish and hostile towards me! And all of it was made even worse when he decided to think that he deserved the Unified World Title. Orlando, I will be absolutely damned if a traitor like you EVER becomes world champion before I do! I've given my all to my career and to this company. I have building a path that broke free from the likes of Haven and Butch Fleming and Noah Carmichael and ESPECIALLY YOU! All of that work and sacrifice isn't going to go to waste just so I can sit and watch you try to get ahead of me. I am your superior and if refusing to joing up with me wasn't a slap in the face, Orlando, you better believe that I'm taking your little stunt on Monday VERY personal! Pal, in case you haven't been paying attention, you're dealing with the man who won last year's Royal Rumble and don't kid yourself thinking that I can't do it again because I'll gladly toss you out on your ass and leave you behind like the footnote that you are and you can watch me take that Unified World Title at WrestleMania. I hope it stings then like it stung on Raw when you came to senses after that beat down I gave you and it hit you like a ton of bricks that you didn't get your moment in the spotlight! I warned you, Orlando, that you were signing your death warrant by being my enemy. Well here's the line! You're welcome to cross it if you like, but know that even if you don't have the guts to do it yourself, I'll do the crossing on my own and end you like I'll end Haven. And with those two pieces off my board, I can finally move on! So let it be known right here and now, that I announce my participation in this year's Royal Rumble and I'm looking for a repeat. I dare anyone to just to throw me over that top rope!"

Cue someone who might try to throw Quinten over that top rope as Orlando Kincaid's music hits and the man himself makes his way out with determination in his eye. He's looking pissed as all hell, but to Quinten's credit he's not backing down and demands Orlando get in the ring with him. Orlando obliges and we have ourselves a brawl! It goes back and forth, eventually ending up outside after a tackle from Orlando sends them both over the top rope. Orlando looks to press the advantage, but Quinten goes low and sends Orlando into the steel steps. He sets Orlando up by draping him face down across the lower half of the steps and then puts an exclamation point on it by slamming the top half on top of Orlando. Quinten takes his leave with a glint of satisfaction in his eye as this is twice now that Orlando has been humiliated by his hand.

Fifth Match: Ozzy Mandias and The Royal Effect vs. Jordan Demiras and The Wyldhearts
This will be fun, I'm sure. Both Moses and Kavovit reiterate their desire, their NEED, to have another go at the Wyldhearts and the Unified Tag Team Titles. Their path to winning a repeat Tag Team of the Year Slammy starts by destroying the pretenders to the throne who think they can run and hide. Madison is with her boys, pulling double duty tonight, and she fires back that neither Blaine or Robbie are hiding. They're not that hard to find because they're the guys with the big shiny belts that mark them as the best tag team going on in the WWE today. The Royal Effect may have burned way too bright, too soon, and for too short a time, and trying to snuff out the Wyldhearts isn't going to make it any better. So I would imagine this 6-man is just all over the place. It comes down to Kavovit and Jordan as the legal men. Jordan stalks Kavovi as he tries to get in position for an Axe Kick to finish things off. Ozzy comes charging at Jordan, though, but Jordan is quick to the draw and hangs Ozzy on the middle rope via a drop toe hold. Moses discreetly hands Ozzy one of the Slammys. Jordan goes over to try to get him some more of Ozzy while Kavovit has the ref distracted. Ozzy turns around, surprising Jordan with a shot across the forehead with the Slammy and Kavovit immediately capitalizes with a quick schoolboy on Jordan and that's going to give the heels the cheap victory. *****, 94% overall.

To the back we go as Dusk wants to cut a promo from whatever dark recesses she's hanging around. Her target for her vitriol is Jenna Kyle as she calls the Wonder From Down Under a sad excuse for a competitor as she failed to capture the Women's Title at Bragging Rights. She asks Jenna to consider the ramifications of such a colossal failure. If Jenna couldn't rise to the challenge and conquer Sonya Braddock, then the little Barbie doll doesn't have a prayer should she ever cross Dusk's path. "You can't deny what you witnessed with your own eyes when your friend, Faith, was swallowed whole by the darkness at my disposal. You can dig down deep as hard as you want, but eventually you can't dig anymore and all that's left is a void inside of you. And you fear that void, Jenna. People like you always do. But not to worry. It'll be replaced by an even more paralyzing and consuming fear...ME!"

Sixth Match: Eddy Clash vs. Xavier Cross
This is probably Eddy's biggest test to date as we've got a multiple-time world champion in Cross here. It's a good showcase for both guys as Cross has to use his smarts and experience to overcome the size difference. They tumble to the outside when Eddy gives Cross the Cactus Clothesline. Clash tosses Cross back in as the count is on. The ref checks on Cross as Eddy tries getting back in the ring. But what's this? Someone is grabbing Eddy's leg from under the apron! Eddy can't get back in as he struggles to break the grip. The count reaches 10, though, so it's going to be a win for Cross. Eddy reaches down and tries to pull the person out from under the ring. IT'S HUGO! Oh, boy, it's hoss-on-hoss time. Looks like these two didn't get enough of each other at Bragging Rights. They brawl up the stage and to the back as we get more and more people out to try to get things calmed down. ****1/2, 92% overall.

MAIN EVENT: Salvatore Scabbia and Ronnie Costello vs. The Academy
Let's try this without the ladies. Brooke gets on the mic as she declares that she wants to lay down the law as she agrees that a new year is all about new opportunities. She says that every belt and person holding them in the WWE is now on notice. She and her camp are reinvigorated and are on the hunt. It's high time that her crew get over all of these petty distractions and get back to what they're the best at, and that's being on top. With that said, she is proud to announce that both Salvatore and Ronnie will be participating in the Royal Rumble. Now is the time for the people under her watch to get their rightful dues, and it starts with putting the Academy in the rearview mirror! Well, with that out of the way, let's have ourselves an awesome main event. I suppose this would be kind of a blow off for this whole angle. I have no idea how the crowd reactions can be high for all of this considering the charisma scores for everyone, excluding the managers. Maybe they just love the ring work that much. Well, it is a strong main event in that department. We close things out with Brooke putting Ronnie's foot on the bottom rope to break up a pinfall attempt from Randy Ellis after hitting Today's Lesson. Sophie Waters gives chase in protest of this as Randy argues with the ref. Ronnie makes his way over to his corner and slumps there. Randy goes over to grab him but Scabbia makes a blind tag. Justin comes in to help with a double team on Ronnie as the Academy whips him into the ropes. Scabbia nails them both from behind and then tosses Mitchell as Ronnie grabs the ropes to stop himself. Randy is alone and he gets locked in the Omerta from Scabbia and he passes out to give the win to Scabbia and Ronnie. Brooke may be onto something with what she said earlier. ****1/2, 92% overall.

Overall show rating: 89%