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

With both shows being in the same arena with the same energy I think the crowd is based strictly on the show itself. What Superstars are on what show, and how they're being used. In this case, I think the Raw crowd was much hotter and ready which makes sense with the pre pay-per-view energy.

WINNER: Raw

FACTOR 2: COMMENTARY

Where is David Otunga? I feel like its definitely been six weeks since they said he would be back in six weeks. Not that I'm complaining, but I must have missed something. Nonetheless, even though I really enjoy Corey Graves, I am still enjoying SmackDowns team much more.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 3: MATCHES

In terms of matches, I really don't believe Raw offered much. Not really anything besides Cesaro vs. Finn Balor. The main even was cool to see Braun and Apollo Crews, but other than that it was rather blah. SmackDown was much better. AJ vs. Chad Gable was cool, and the main event battle royal was a nice change of pace.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 4: PROMOS

The promos Enzo has been cutting lately have been really good. Emotional and charged up. The one on this Monday may have been a little repetitive, but I still enjoyed it. Miz TV was good as usual, and the Miz-tourage better stay a real thing because I think that fits Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel's roles beautifully. The odd split screen interview with both Joe and Lesnar was alright, and I think Joe shined in it.

The champ returned on SmackDown!! To announce he isn't really a part of SmackDown anymore, but that he is a free agent. Rusev comes out, and it isn't a bad promo. Just your typical, "4th of July! Merica!" stuff. The promos with Carmellsworth and Daniel Bryan were okay, but that Rap Battle was just awful. Raw wins.

WINNER: Raw

FACTOR 5: STORYLINES

Need I say more than Brock Lesnar vs. Samoa Joe or  Braun Strowman vs. Roman Reigns? Because I honestly believe thats enough for me. Yes, we get AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens again which will be fun, but another Randy Orton vs. Jinder Mahal match isn't at the top of my list even if it is a Punjabi Prison match. And another Rusev(without Lana?) and John Cena feud isn't a huge grab for me either. However, the build and feud of Lesnar and Joe has been second to none and that one alone is the winner for me. Also, we can't forget the great Enzo & Cass stuff as well. I've been a huge fan of it since the heel turn, and the promos are making it better.

WINNER: Raw

FACTOR 6: SCHEDULING / PACING

Another Monday, another 50% commercials for Raw. A three hour show that has one hour and thirty minutes of commercials is simply unjust and ridiculous in my opinion.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 7: VISUAL PRESENTATION

The only thing to note here was in the Chad Gable vs. AJ Styles match it read that Chad Gable was being accompanied by Jason Jordan when he was on his way to the ring. Which, didn't happen. That cracked me up, and for that reason I'll give Raw the point.

WINNER: Raw

EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!

Nothing.

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


Raw has been on some sort of a role as of late. I think its the combo of great feuds with Joe & Lesnar, Reigns & Strowman, and Enzo & Cass bringing a strong show together. Great promos, believability, and also some great action in all three. Is this just proof that having a proven guy like Lesnar on top is better than the surprise guy Jinder on top of a show? Or is it that Orton & Jinder have been watered down, while Joe & Lesnar is something of a dream match for wrestling fans? Either way, Raw gets the 4-3 win.