By Jon Mezzera, Torch Specialist

SMACKDOWN HITS

Rhodes vs. Booker: This was not a great match, but it was a good one. In order to properly use a WWE legend like Booker T, the goal should be to elevate current talent and WWE succeeded in that with Cody Rhodes ultimately getting the clean win to end their feud. The fans saw enough of Booker to feel that he had a chance to win. They bought into him as a potential Intercontinental Champion, so Rhodes gained a lot by defeating him in the end. They had a good match together. The last few moments (after Rhodes kicked out of the axe-kick) were a bit sloppy. I'm not sure if Booker was gassed at that point (he looked like it), or if there was some miscommunication between them (looked like it too), or a combination of both. Either way, the end didn't look good and hurt the quality of the match a bit, but it was still enjoyable to watch up until that point and the right guy won in the right way.

Gabriel Saves Hornswoggle: I would much prefer it if Hornswoggle was not wrestling at all. I did not like the announcement last week that he was going to be in the Royal Rumble (what happened to having to earn that spot?). With only 30 this year (hopefully as that is what it should be), there shouldn't be a spot for Hornswoggle. That being said, I was very happy to see Justin Gabriel come to his defense after his over the top rope challenge against Heath Slater. Gabriel has talent that has not been well utilized lately on Smackdown. This is a chance for him to at least get some air time. But, that's not the reason I'm giving this a Hit. I'm giving it a Hit since I was thrilled to see anyone other than Sheamus come out. Sheamus is too valuable to not have a program going. WWE has been spinning its wheels with Sheamus ever since Christian got injured. He hasn't had anything of substance as his storylines lately have involved Hornswoggle and Slater and Jinder Mahal which isn't a good thing. So, I was relieved that he didn't come out at this point as it showed me that hopefully WWE would move him on to something better.

Barrett - Sheamus - Mahal: That something better for Sheamus came a little while later when he interrupted Wade Barrett's promo. This was a very strong promo from Barrett, gloating over injuring Randy Orton and proclaiming that with Orton out of the way, he had no real challenger left in the Royal Rumble. It was well written to temporarily wrap up Barrett's feud with the injured Orton while moving him on to focus on the Rumble. It also allowed Sheamus a chance to interrupt with one of his great storied about a crazy family member. Sheamus was also good on the mic here. I was glad to see the start of a potential new feud for Sheamus and Barrett also. I was a bit disappointed with Jinder Mahal came out. I just don't see much in him. Sheamus has dominated their matches, so no matter what Mahal does, I'm not going to buy him as a real threat to Sheamus, especially after Sheamus was able to last so long in holding both him and Barrett off when they tried to double team him. But, if you are going to try to legitimize Mahal, they did it well with him ultimately standing tall after the fight.

Big Show vs. Bryan: I have not been a huge fan of turning Daniel Bryan heel, but I am warming to the possibility. Bryan is certainly playing his obnoxious role well at this point. WWE is likely not going to get behind him has a top babyface in the company, so maybe this is his chance to stay at the main event level longer as a heel. Time will tell. For now, I will concentrate on the actual World Title match between him and The Big Show. It was a good match. It was well booked to show how even a smaller wrestler like Bryan can be competitive with someone the size of Big Show. He was able to be elusive and use his skills to almost get Show counted out after knocking him into the ring post. He was able to wear Show down with multiple submission holds. It was believable that Show was in pain from those moves and might tap out. Ultimately Show powered out and dominated much of the match, however Bryan got in enough offense to remain credible. The end was also well done to continue Bryan's heel turn as he got purposefully disqualified by provoking Mark Henry to shove him in front of the referee. His over the top celebration afterwards worked too.

Mark Henry: Henry deserves his own Hit for his great guest commentary during the World Title main event. He added to the enjoyment of the match, instead of taking away from it, which often happens in these situations. He was entertaining as I really enjoyed his verbal smackdown of both Josh Mathews and Michael Cole. My only complaint was when he called Bryan a midget. It really doesn't do much good to constantly talk down about a wrestler because of his size. Other than that though, he did a great job.

SMACKDOWN MISSES

None: I wasn't a fan of everything that happened on this show. There was plenty that was just ok. I had some complaints about some of my Hits, and I really didn't care too much about some of the under card matches. However, nothing stood out as being bad enough to get a Miss this week.

Jon Mezzera is PWTorch.com's WWE Hits & Misses Specialist, providing his point of view for Raw and Smackdown each week. Email him at jmezz-torch@sbcglobal.net.

For another view from the original Hitlist author, compare Jason Powell's views to mine by visiting prowrestling.NET's "Hitlist" section here.

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

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