We were back at T.C. Hooligan's for the first time in months, and it was a sparse crowd. Usually all the tables are filled, but there were about three empty ones. Perhaps the finale of "Lost" took a chunk out of the viewership. It was Gonzo, our friend Justin from home, Kurt, Phil and I for this one. Phil (Yankees fan) and Gonzo (Mets fan) were occasionally distracted by the TV showing the Subway Series game, especially when Jason Bay got beaned after his two homers.

I eked out a win in the prediction contest this time, but only with three wins. Not a great prognostication night. We shared a platter of wings, and that filled me up, so nothing followed that for me. Gonzo desperately wanted Punk vs. Rey in the main event, but I had to talk some sense into him that it wasn't going to happen. In another development, the ring announcer for the Rochester-based Next Era Wrestling group (which I wrote a column on my experience at their live event a year-and-a-half ago) was in the next booth over with some friends. My brush with fame!

(1) Kofi Kingston vs. Drew McIntyre: It was funny hearing the arena go silent for McIntyre's entrance theme. It is quite mesmerizing. I knew I'd regret picking McIntyre to win, and I did. It made sense to get the belt of Mac to continue his feud with Matt Hardy. Gonzo loved this match and had it at over ***, but I settled at **1/4 and after reading Wade and James' report, even that is high I guess.

(2) R-Truth vs. Ted DiBiase: Virgil looked smooth; I liked the upgrade to his wardrobe. We got the wings during this match, a perfect match to concentrate more on the food than the in-ring action. *1/2

(3) C.M. Punk vs. Rey Mysterio: I thought it was odd that they would start off with what looked like Rey going to pledge for Punk, but then Punk kicking him in the gut. Maybe I didn't catch some of the audio there, but I thought the kick should've gone the other way around. The spot with Rey going into the chair was brutal, and was met with "OHH!'s" from everyone. I thought Punk's blood was a result of the Stigmata, showing that he was a true prophet. Kurt complained about the bulldog Punk gave Rey, saying that was what paralyzed Buff Bagwell. He complained in jest, of course. Gonzo really didn't like the finish of Rey winning, and neither did I. Wasn't a big fan of Kane getting involved post-match, either. They could've done so much more with Rey joining the SES. ***1/2

(4) Hart Dynasty vs. ChrisMiz: Gonzo suggested that Natalya had more charisma than either Tyson Kidd or David Hart Smith. He may be on to something, there. The crowd seemed dead for much of this, unfortunately. Perhaps they were expecting Bret? **

(5) Randy Orton vs. Edge: I feel like, for whatever reason, these two guys' in-ring styles don't really mesh. The injury to Orton was weird, as I don't think Justin, Gonzo or Phil saw it as they were paying attention to the ball game, and I had to interrupt them to point them to the PPV with Orton grabbing his arm. *1/4

(6) Jack Swagger vs. The Big Show: Gonzo ordered a quesadilla, and made a big deal about being the first one of us to ever order it there. He also got this one right on: Big Show winning by DQ. We were amazed at the number of faces who went over, and kinda kept picking heels at some point, just because it seemed like it'd have to even out or come close. The trainers certainly earned their money tonight. Doug called Kurt to get an update on the show, since he wasn't available due to having to work.

(7) Maryse vs. Eve: I had really low expectations for this one, and they exceeded them. Not everything looked smooth, but no great botches, either. *1/4

(8) John Cena vs. Batista: I couldn't understand (and Kurt brought this up as well) why there were keys in that car on the stage. I don't get how if Batista had the energy to scream "I Quit!," how he couldn't just elbow his way out of the Attitude Adjustment. Ah well. ***

Overall, a bit of a stale card after getting off to a decent start early. Coming in, I wasn't very excited about this, and a disappointing Orton vs. Edge and Cena vs. Batista matches brings the rating down. Thumbs in the middle.

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