By Greg Parks, Torch columnist

Buffalo Wild Wings in Henrietta was jam-packed to the rafters on Sunday (okay, maybe a SLIGHT exaggeration) in anticipation of the Rock's return to the ring. They even had people in the overflow room!

Phil, Kurt, Gonzo and I were the usuals there, while we were also joined by Dan and his friend Eric. This was our first time meeting Eric - it was clear he had more than a basic knowledge of wrestling, but didn't seem to be keeping up wtih the current product. The pre-show discussion centered around football from that weekend.

(1) Dolph Ziggler vs. John Morrison: Even though the sound wasn't too loud, we could always hear Booker on commentary over others. That led into a discussion of the phrases that would be included with a Booker T. pull-string doll. Dan and Eric are from Syracuse, so the 'cuse basketball controversey was discussed a bit. No sign of the waiter through this match. Gonzo and Kurt both liked the opener a little bit more than I did, but I still thought it was solid. After Zack Ryder attacked, I made the facetious remark, "I always had Curt Hawkins peggged as the star of that tag team." **3/4

(2) Beth Phoenix vs. Eve: It became clear Eric knew what he was talking about when he gave this one five minutes before it started. We finally got the waitress almost an hour after I came in - the original waiter who dealt with Kurt (who arrived first) left and didn't tell the waitress she was responsible for us. So we got some free apps out of the deal. The finish was terrific and Eve took it like a champ. The rest of the match was "meh." *

Rock's interview was after the match. We got the appetizers around this time, and when they were handed out, Dan looked up at the TV and bemused, "oh, the Rock is still going."

(3) Team Barrett vs. Team Orton: Dan mentioned that Eric's cousin had pro wrestling reff'ing experience, having refereed a "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan match in the past. Gonzo: "When is he (Hunico) going to get fired?" I had to remind him that he was recently given the new gimmick, so it likely wouldn't be immediately. I thought Ziggler was out way too early - he got the even-steven treatment, just like last month. Somehow we got on the topic of Mae Young birthing a hand. Kurt: "I still don't get it." Based on the replay, I figured Sin Cara's injury was to his neck or throat, which got caught on the bottom rope. Then I saw him grasping at his foot and ankle. About this time, we noticed that there was almost as much fighting in the Giants vs. Eagles Sunday night game as there was in the PPV. Congrats to Kurt, who correctly predicted the survivors. ***

In between matches as they reinforced the ring, the appearance by David Arquette in the "Be a Star" ad prompted Eric to mention that he was at Thunder when Arquette won the WCW Title.

(4) Big Show vs. Mark Henry: Gonzo took issue with Cole's assertion that their combined weight was only 897 pounds. Dan reminisced with Gonzo about a class they had together in college. I loved the "Repo Man For HOF 2012" sign. I'd be interested to see the video package for that. I think everyone feared Show falling off the top rope. There was a collective groan emitted from the crowd upon the DQ finish. With Henry's ankle being taken out, I wonder where they go from here? **1/4

(5) CM Punk vs. Alberto Del Rio: This match exceeded my expectations. I wondered aloud who has the better kick to the head: Del Rio or Cody Rhodes? Kurt said Del Rio, no contest, but Gonzo thought it was too close to call. Big pop at the restaurant for Punk's win. ***1/4

(6) The Rock & John Cena vs. The Miz & R-Truth: "WWE couldn't have made this match any more worthless."- Gonzo. He also predicted a Cena heel turn, and I'm surprised he was naive enough to think that would really happen. The magistra cradle by Rock surprised everyone. It was amazing how little ring rust he showed and even his timing was still on. Kurt said the pose-down at the end was, in fact, the real main event. ***

Thumbs up for the show, though not a terribly strong one. Probably a 6.0 or 6.5. There was enough good wrestling, and memorable moments or spots to make it good (plus the "event-like atmosphere" for Rock's return), even though it felt like few storylines were advanced.

PWTorch VIP members have first-look access to all of Torch columnist Greg Parks's latest blogs in the 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. Parks can be reached via e-mail at g_man9784@yahoo.com and on Twitter @gregmparks

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