WWE Superstars Recap: Kofi Kingston Vs. Justin Gabriel, Divas Action

This week's show?billed as "Episode 285" to industry insiders?opens with a singles bout between Naomi and Alicia Fox. Tom Phillips says it should be an interesting one.

Naomi vs. Alicia Fox

Before the bell, Alicia struts around acting silly and Naomi signals to the crowd that Fox is clearly cuckoo. They lock up and Naomi gets the better of Alicia who registers her contempt with a series of feral growls. Really. Naomi gets a strategic spot on the top rope and delivers a "booty shake" to Fox, enraging the latter even more. They trade blows in the center of the ring and Alicia lands a killer backbreaker but Naomi kicks out at 2. Alicia puts Naomi on the mat to try for a submission and Naomi powers out and executes a nice enzugiri. She looks to put this one way but Fox keeps coming back, taunting the crowd along the way. Naomi eventually works Fox into a funky submission maneuver, promting a tap out and the bell.

Result: Naomi defeats Alicia Fox by submission.

- Recaps roll, featuring an overview of the main event at Night of Champions. There are also ads that encourage you to subscribe to the channel that you're ostensibly viewing when you watch WWE Superstars. They also recap Ambrose's return to Monday Night Raw and Zigglers IC title win. Finally, WWE re-racks Henry's post-Night of Champions rematch with Rusev.

- Next up is a match that was apparently received very well by the live crowd at this particular taping. Bell time?

Kofi Kingston vs. Justin Gabriel

Both guys look psyched coming to the ring and they exchange glances and gestures before things get underway. Kofi appears amused after their initial lockup, signaling that they're going to have a spirited contest. Some grappling follows and Kofi lands a flip and a pin with a near-fall. They lock up again and hit the mat as Kofi cranks an arm bar while Gabriel grabs a handful of hair and then heads for the ropes. After the ref calls for a break, Gabriel works off the ropes and it looks like the pace is set to kick into high gear after the break.

After the commercial, Kofi lands some decent offense but catches both of Gabriel's knees right in his bread basket. Kingston ends up on the mat and Gabriel delivers a flurry of kicks to his back, working him into a submission hold. Gabriel breaks that hold on his own reapplies another but nothing really seems to please him as he looks for a way to put Kingston down for good. Kofi comes back, hitting his signature stuff and teasing "Trouble in Paradise." He doesn't quite hit his mark but Kofi does land a cross-body and a near-fall. He follows up with a drop kick and a big dive outside as the crowd registers approval. Back inside, Gabriel tries for a quick pin that ends at two. Kofi also garners a near-fall. Both competitors miss some aerial shots but Gabriel does connect with a boot and heads up top for a 450. Kingston stops that effort and works Justin over on the top. While he's unable to follow through with a superplex, Kingston does hit "Trouble in Paradise" in mid air as Gabriel comes off the top rope and he pins Gabriel for the win. No doubt about it; this is one of the better matches you'll see on Superstars.

Result: Kofi Kingston defeats Justin Gabriel via pinfall.

- The show ends with a look at Roman Reigns' health scare and recovery as well as a recap of Orton vs. Cena from Monday Night Raw.