Smark Out Moment

Welcome to another edition of Battle of the Brands from Smark Out Moment, where we compare this week's episodes of Raw and SmackDown and determine which one of the two was the better show.

BATTLE OF THE BRANDS:

RAW vs. SMACKDOWN

FACTOR 1: CROWD

SmackDown crowds always seem to have a better reaction. For the sole reason that they are seeing the better product every single week. Its very easy to see that too.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 2: COMMENTARY

I've said this before and I'll say it a million times, the SmackDown crew is always better. I was concerned when they awkwardly added Tom Phillips to make a four man crew, and I still don't like him being out there. I love Tom, but he shouldn't be the odd fourth wheel. He and Corey Graves on NXT prove they should be together on the main show. I'm hoping that when Cole calls it quits, Phillips is our new man. Oh, and I still don't like Byron Saxton.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 3: MATCHES

Both shows had solid matches. Raw had a good US Title bout, and Joe vs. Reigns wasn't bad.

SmackDown had a really fun fatal four way match that had a surprising finish with Corbin pinning Styles. They also had the revival of one of the oldest rivalries in our generation as Cena took on Orton. We did get some interference with Luke Harper, but it was fun nonetheless. Both had some tag team matches too, but overall I enjoyed SmackDown more here too.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 4: PROMOS

The Miz and Daniel Bryan could talk forever and I'd be entertained. They had a good segment together before being joined by Corbin and Styles.

The only promo of importance on Raw was the one where Goldberg got a title shot and I loathe that. So screw them.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 5: STORYLINES

If Raw even finishes with a single point I'm taking it away in the bonus round. Goldberg vs. KO is clearly a set up to see Goldberg squash him down unless Lesnar ruins everything. Which I'm praying happens. But if Goldberg wins Lesnar gets a title shot at Mania so why would Lesnar ruin that? Goldberg nor Lesnar should be in the title picture, but instead it looks like we're getting both.

SmackDown has a similar issue. It all depends on who wins in a few days at the Elimination Chamber. If Styles wins, I'm happy. If anyone else wins, not so much. Still, I'll be more excited for anything SD has planned over Goldberg vs. Lesnar at Mania.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 6: SCHEDULING / PACING

Even if SmackDown was three hours, I'd still feel better about it than Raw. But the beauty of it is that its only two hours. So we win either way.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 7: VISUAL PRESENTATION

Giving Raw a point here just so I can take it away.

WINNER: Raw

EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!

Raw is losing two points for giving Goldberg a title match. I hate this ridiculous idea. They only have one point which I gave them out of mercy, but I'm taking away two. Thats how much I hate this.

POINT ADJUSTMENTS: Raw (+0 / -2) / SmackDown (+0 / -0)


SmackDown wins with a tally of 6 to -1. Clearly, I'm a little frustrated with everything Raw is doing. I am baffled that Goldberg is getting a title match. Which will be a squash so he can drop it to Lesnar in a month at Mania. Stupid.