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

Okay, so get used to this theme "WWE should NOT have ran two arena's for Monday Night Raw". I promise you, this will not be the only time I mention this. It was an awful idea. I like the jist of running the Manhattan Center. Really, I get it. That is where Raw started. Where Vince first realized whaat all this could become. But man, it was an awful idea in this day & age. Barclays Center had a great crowd with a great pop for all the legends (aside from MVP who didn't really have much to do on the show). But WWE gave the Manhattan Center NOTHING. Not a damn thing, and they got restless quick. Like the "We got something!" chants when Bray & Matt Hardy had their match. Thankfully, Barclays had a great crowd and is becoming almost synonymous with WWE at this point. Thanks to them, Raw earns this W. Barely.

WINNER: Raw

FACTOR 2: COMMENTARY

You know, when JR & King were announced for Raw I immediately thought, "Wow. Commentary section won't even be a challenge this week. It is all about Raw!". Well, I was wrong. Again. JR & King got like 3 segments, 2 of which were promos they couldn't talk over. Because, again, they had no reason to run two venues.

And the match they called, JR seemed rather out of it honestly. I hated how this went down. I can't believe that in todays environment, and the whole situation with Enzo, that King can still get away with a "Puppies!" remark. Out of sheer disappointment, I'm giving the win to SD Live.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 3: MATCHES

The only real matches of note for Raw was Roman and The Miz for the IC Championship in Barclays, and then The Revival vs. Anderson & Gallows who had a whole crew at ringside at The Manhattan Center. The Miz got a big win and rightfully so, but that makes me a little nervous that he has a better chance at winning the Royal Rumble come Sunday.

SmackDown had New Day vs. Jinder & Rusev Day. Which New Day & Rusev Day have been two of the most entertaining acts in WWE. New Day has been since their comedic side was really allowed to shine for a few years now, and Rusev Day since their start has been funny and just entertaining to watch. They also had AJ Styles face both KO & Sami Zayn. Beating KO but losing to Sami. Crazy to think that in such a big show for Raw, SmackDown gets the win here.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 4: PROMOS

This is going to be all Monday Night Raw. When you have Vince, Shane, and Stone Cold Steve Austin start the show it should be good. We cannot forget how great Vince was turning heel all over again (as if he was face, I guess?) on his own kids over the cheap plaque. He may forever be the best on-screen character we ever see. He is a genius. Getting Stone Cold involved in what is regarded as the greatest rivalry the business has ever seen, it was A+. The next promo is with Kurt and having just a parade of legends come into his office. Coach, Harvey Wippleman, Teddy Long, Brooklyn Brawler, Boogeyman, and well.. you know.. Brother Love! I thought the poker scene was okay for what it needed to be. Basically an APA and Million Dollar Man plug with a feature by MVP. Christian was amazing, and I hate Jason Jordan. I hate him so much I just know his heel turn will be absolutely fan-freaking-tastic. Next is Elias and Chris Jericho. Jericho is up there with Taker and HBK for me, but is in no doubt the greatest ever at reinventing themselves. I mean, he was on Raw25 just a few weeks after his blockbuster with Kenny Omega, and to rub it in he is wearing his Alpha shirt. The man can do whatever he wants. And, oh yeah, the list is still over. Elias also had some good moments with Cena, and that guitar shot was nasty. Mark Henry & The Godfather with his wife had a funny moment. Then it was all about DX who got the best pop of the night in the Manhattan Center. Them "Too Sweet-ing" with The Balor Club was great for me, and HHH always knows how to get a crowd going. Outside of a lame and very disappointing and confusing Undertaker promo, Raw was great in this area. SmackDown never stood a chance.

WINNER: Raw

FACTOR 5: STORYLINES

Okay, I'm all in on this handicap match for SD Live now. I love the idea, and only KO & Sami along with AJ could make me say this. Great stuff from these guys. I'm excited to see Nakamura win the Rumble(my personal guess) and take on AJ at Mania. And the more tension DB is in, the more I'm hoping for a match announcement.

Raws title picture needs to be Lesnar-less. Its time he does something else. Just come back for SummerSlam, Mania, and maybe Survivor Series if really necessary but stay out of the title picture. Roman better not win the Rumble either. I'm all in on Balor winning the belt in some fashion. Get Jordan a heel turn, give Elias the IC Championship even though I love The Miz. Either way, I think AJ, KO, and Sami are the best of the best storyline wise. Winner winner chicken dinner for SD Live.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 6: SCHEDULING / PACING

In true Brother Love/Bruce Prichard fashion... "Well, you know..". SmackDown always wins here. Better time management, better time use, way less commercial time.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 7: VISUAL PRESENTATION

Braun destroyed Brock. Vince & Shane both got a Stunner from The Rattlesnake. Raw looked great in The Manhattan Center even though it never should have happened. DX, The Kliq, and Balor Club. Visually, Raw takes the cake.

WINNER: Raw

EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!

Nothing over the top for bonuses

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


It is with massive disappointment that I say Raw just wasn't what it should have been. It was a fun show that could have been way better. Not having Hogan, Nash, Rock... These are big omissions. Mick Foley couldn't come back? I understand why Rock may not be able to make it, but the other guys not being there was a disappointment. Running two venues was a total dud. Awful move especially when you seemingly ignore one venue in the Manhattan Center. SD Live wins 4-3 mostly thanks to the big three in KO, Sami, and AJ Styles.