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

I don't know if Raw just always has more to cheer for or what, but they tend to have the louder crowd on a more regular basis. Maybe its because they have guys like Cena who just gets such an insane reaction no matter where. Same as Kurt Angle.

WINNER: Raw

FACTOR 2: COMMENTARY

I'll mention it now, and I'll mention it next week. Probably the week after that too. But, man, Coachman brings a whole new level to this commentary team and wrestling commentary in general. He brings a much more professional level thanks to the stuff he has done outside of the business.

WINNER: Raw

FACTOR 3: MATCHES

Man, there were some good matches this week on both shows. This is the first good week of matches we've had in a while with both shows showing out. Raw saw Cena and Miz renew a long-standing rivalry. Bayley and Sasha went toe-to-toe, but nothing like a Takeover match. The worlds greatest tag team was in action in The Revival. And a pretty fatal five-way for a shot at the Elimination Chamber closed the show.

SmackDown saw a Baron Corbin win over Kevin Owens, The New Day top Gable & Benjamin, and then Ziggler beat Sami. With their wins both Corbin & Ziggler earned a shot at the WWE Championship at Fastlane in what is now a fatal five way match.

Its a tough choice, but I'm taking the blue brand. They're really pushing the "It may not be AJ vs. Shinsuke at WrestleMania" like everyone wants it be by making Fastlane a fatal five way. I'm a fan, but it better be AJ vs. Shinsuke.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 4: PROMOS

Outside of Big E trying to beat the pancake eating record, SmackDown was bleh in terms of promos.

John Cena cuts a John Cena promo, and then The Miz sprinkles his magic on there too. I personally enjoy those two together, and Kurt Angle announcing Jordan being out for some time might've been the biggest pop of the week. People love to hate Jordan, and that could be a really good thing for the kid. Roman and Seth have a forgettable verbal jab with The Bar. Elias sang a song, and I love him for it. Regardless, in terms of impactful promos, Raw wins.

WINNER: Raw

FACTOR 5: STORYLINES

I love the direction both shows are going for their last pre-WrestleMania PPV's. The Elimination Chamber is always fun for me because it is different, but I think it is about time we make this a bi-annual PPV. Or maybe a bigger break than that. I love the competitors in the men and women EC matches, I still have my doubts about what Rousey is capable of in WWE but regardless contract signings are boring.

I love what SmackDown is doing. AJ vs. Shinsuke is basically a given, because it has to be the top draw right now. However, SmackDown is doing everything it can to give not only an interesting WWE Championship match, but really make us think we might not see AJ pull this thing off. I love all the guys in the match too, and I'm just hoping for a good match. Bobby Roode vs. Randy Orton or Jinder for the US Championship could be fun because its Bobby Roode and he is amazing. SmackDown has more going for it for me.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 6: SCHEDULING / PACING

SmackDown always tops Raw here. It is absolutely the time difference that makes all the difference, but they have a sleeker, better show.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 7: VISUAL PRESENTATION

It is crazy this is about to win a category, but Big E trying to beat the pancake record was amazing.

WINNER: SmackDown

EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!

Nothing.

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


Raw had an entertaining show, but SmackDown just took more chances and it paid off. They win 4-3.