By Greg Parks, Torch specialist

PWTorch VIP members have first-look access to all of Torch Smackdown specialist Greg Parks's latest blogs in the newly upgraded VIP Forum. His blogs are published first in the PWTorch VIP Forum, and Parks interacts with other VIP members and Torch staff and contributors in the blog comments area afterward. Some of Parks's blog entries will be exclusive to the VIP Forum.

Our usual hangout that we frequented for PPVs for a year-and-a-half, T.C. Hooligan's, stopped showing PPVs last November, but I recently went on the website and they said they were back by popular demand, so this was our return. On the menu: all five of us there shared a plate of chicken wings, then the other guys ordered other separate foods including loaded fries, a quesadilla, and a wrap. The place was packed and they were vocal. I came in second in our monthly PPV prediction contest....one of my friends only got one wrong all night.

(1) Legacy vs. Chris Jericho & Big Show: There was a collective groan from the crowd when Show came out, mostly for fear we'd have to watch him in TWO matches tonight. Before that, we all talked about who could be Jericho's partner. Among those discussed: Chris Masters, Ted DiBiase (in a swerve!), Kozlov, C.M. Punk, Zack Ryder, Dolph Ziggler, or Curt Hawkins dressed up as Edge 2.0. It looked like Show wore Santino's old outfit. One of my friends predicted a twist in this match, not sure what though (perhaps relating to Jericho's partner). It was a fine match, mostly thanks to Jericho's involvement. (**)

(2) Christian vs. Tommy Dreamer: We discussed the issue of Dreamer losing in Philadelphia if it were to happen. I personally hate how every finisher, before applied correctly, seems to be reversed these days. So predictable. There was a small boy who was quite active in cheering for his faves, all faces. Another friend of mine predicted a Christian heel turn, but it was not to be. Better than I expected match. (**1/2)

(3) Six-Pack Challenge: This felt like an X-Division match. There was a big pop when Miz's pin was broken up late in the match. Really enjoyed this one, more than most others I think. (***)

(4) Michelle McCool vs. Melina: They used a lot of good, unique moves in this one to keep it fresh. Everyone loved Michelle's dropkick on Melina during her entrance. Probably one of the better women's matches on WWE TV in a while. (**1/4)

(5) John Cena vs. Triple H vs. Randy Orton: I'm sure by this time, people were wondering what I was doing writing notes on a napkin for this blog post, but I tried to keep it close to me so not many would see it. The small-fry fan was big into Cena and seemed pretty knowledgeable for his age; one of my other friends got to embarrass us by arguing with the kid and standing and doing the Orton pose (though two others were doing it too). There was a mixed reaction at T.C's for Orton. Some fans behind us did the DDP hand signals and the "Bang!" probably due to the similarity in finishers. The kid did a chicken impersonation at Orton when he bailed out of the ring early. One of the guys mentioned that this so-called "greatest match in wrestling history" that Cena hyped it up as on Raw couldn't even main event the PPV. There was a big reaction to the catapult spot, but Cena made a dumb move by applying his submission finisher instead of breaking up the one Hunter had on Orton. (***1/4)

(6) Mickie James vs. Maryse: I'm wondering if Maryse has hit her ceiling as far as in-ring work has gone; she was at a point where she improved a lot, but hasn't really done more since then. One of my buds was a big Maryse fan. One of us even suggested Mickie be helped by Miz after what Maryse said to her. (*1/4)

(7) Dolph Ziggler vs. Rey Mysterio: About this time, I visited the bathroom twice and let me say, construction or no, they had two stalls, one without a door and the other that the door wouldn't latch. I was less than impressed. Anywho, this match started slowly but built well and the second half was pretty good. Most of the guys were underwhelmed by this one, but I thought it was decent enough. I saw an ad on the table for "Ladies Night" on Tuesdays at the place, with DJ Razor Ramon. There's your obscure WWE reference of the day. (**1/2)

(8) Jeff Hardy vs. C.M. Punk: We heard a Nelson Muntz-like "Haw Haw" for Hardy when he missed jumping onto Punk on the outside. At this time, our table was distracted by splitting up the bill, as usually happens. Somehow, one friend and myself got into a discussion, while watching the match, wondering if the yearly calendar would go to five digits after the year 9999. Don't ask how that got started. Finished surprised a lot of people, but I'm willing to see where they go with it. Oh, and the face Punk made after kneeing Hardy in the corner was CLASSIC. (****)

We all agreed it was a thumbs-up show, easily. And some of them are pretty hard to please, so that's a good sign.

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