By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

I'm filling in for Torch specialist Jon Mezzera this week on the Hits & Misses. Check back for Mezzera's return columns next week.

SMACKDOWN HITS

Kofi Kingston vs. Jack Swagger: This was one of the best WWE matches I've seen in a few months. They were given plenty of time to establish a beginning, middle, and end, they set up a good story with Swagger trying to establish his dominance using his amateur attack and size, and Kingston scored a clear victory without interference, shenanigans, or a non-finish. Swagger didn't lose anything with the loss, as he was clearly dominant throughout the match and was given plenty of focus. Very nice sports-like contest between two of Smackdown's best wrestlers.

Peep Show: Alberto Del Rio is a future main eventer with the character he portrays. There's no question about that. Christian met the challenge of having a "main event-level" discussion to open the show in a key spot. Christian maintained a serious tone during the back-and-forth and wasn't scripted to make cheap jokes trying to mock the heel. He got over his wit, but in a productive way that felt big-league.

Hart Dynasty vs. Rhodes & McIntyre: This was a good tag match to start the show. I'm not a fan of the Rhodes and McIntyre pairing, which I'll get to in the Misses, but the teams provided a good in-ring start to the show with Kidd and Rhodes carrying most of the load.

C.M. Punk vs. Christian: The TV main event wasn't at the level of Kingston vs. Swagger, but both men delivered a solid, dependable, workman's like performance. Punk has improved his look since looking too much like an "independent wrestler" last month and he continues to excel at conveying his character to the audience with little mannerisms. Del Rio's commentary was terrific. He noted he did not need to fill air time babbling, as he's simply who he is. Early in the match, Del Rio was asked for his opinion of Christian's offense. Del Rio paused, waited, and simply stated, "I'm Alberto Del Rio." Christian vs. Del Rio has potential to be special.

Kane-Taker confrontation: The show concluded with a strong exchange between Kane and Taker continuing to build to the Night of Champions World Title match. Kane "stealing Taker's moves" in a heelish way was a terrific twist on the feud, setting up the intrigue of whether Taker can make the comeback at the PPV. This overall storyline has positioned Kane as a strong champion, which is refreshing for the Smackdown brand. It's also beem refreshing to see Taker, who is traditionally presented as Superman, in a state of weakness to set up a big comeback against Kane, who appears to be invincible right now. It's too bad WWE missed an opportunity on Monday's Raw to hype Night of Champions on the strength of this match-up, as they hit the sweet spot of a top babyface with a track record of big victories ready to make a comeback against an established, dominant heel champion.

SMACKDOWN MISSES

Rhodes & McIntyre: Cody Rhodes is so money as a heel with his mannerisms and in-ring ability. He's too good to be in a tag team. I can buy the current Rhodes & McIntyre tandem if WWE is simply trying to keep Rhodes on TV before they pull trigger on a signature singles program, whether it's feuding over the IC Title or getting a sniff of the main event picture.

Hornswoggle and Long: These skits are aimed at the lowest common denominator within the demographic, but they're a waste of time. WWE simply doesn't have anything for Hornswoggle, but he's "everyone's little brother," so he has a spot on TV. I think he could be used more effectively in other ways that don't drag down the tone of the show, which is focused on more in-ring competition compared to Raw.

Kaval as errand boy: I understand WWE trying to make Kaval more relatable to the audience being positioned as the likable third member of Lay-Cool's group to formally introduce him to the audience. However, playing errand boy for Lay-Cool and facilitating a rigged draw-out-of-the-hat isn't the type of star-making opportunity for him. He excels in the ring when he can just be himself getting over a unique moveset that wows the audience.

Kane-Taker stipulation: I agree with what Bruce Mitchell said in the Bruce Mitchell Audio show on Friday night that this match does not need a stipulation. The prize of competing for the World Hvt. Title and the general storyline conflict should be enough to sell this match without needing to over-kill it with a "No Holds Barred" stipulation. WWE obviously wants to give Kane and Taker more creative freedom to take the fight beyond the standard rules of a wrestling match due to the nature of the storyline, but the stipulation is unnecessary. WWE could have created a talking point during the PPV that Smackdown GM Teddy Long simply instructed the referee to give Kane and Taker more leeway for the wrestlers to settle their issue with the World Title on the line.

-- READ MORE: PARKS'S SMACKDOWN TV REPORT

[Torch art credit Grant Gould (c) PWTorch.com]

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