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 always think a solid crowd is part of what makes a show good. Raw had the better crowd this week, but not necessarily the better show. They're both kind of right next to each other, but Raw almost always has the better crowd.

WINNER: Raw

FACTOR 2: COMMENTARY

I love Coachman a lot, and he is what is giving the Raw crew the edge over the SmackDown guys. Raw has two categories won.

WINNER: Raw

FACTOR 3: MATCHES

Raw had one decent match in Seth & Finn. SmackDown had some fun stuff though with Charlotte beating Natty via submission. Rusev got a win (!!!) over Jinder before they face off in the fatal four way for the US Championship at 'Mania. Then the main event was really interesting with Shinsuke and AJ Styles taking on Gable and Benjamin. Needless to say, SmackDown wins.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 4: PROMOS

The main key WWE was trying to get through their promos this week was: "Awkward.". Almost every promo had its own hint of awkwardness thanks to someone botching or forgetting a line(Shane & Rousey). Regardless, it was a surprisingly rough and boring week for promos. Cena saved Raw and KO & Sami saved SD Live until Shane and DB joined in again.

Overall both shows had some bad promos, but I think SmackDown had the better line up. Raw had Heyman, sure (and a funny but short promo from Braun), but Paul said nothing new. Shane & DB had an okay first promo, but KO & Sami brought it together in the end.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 5: STORYLINES

On the Raw side, I am just not super interested in a lot of storylines. I couldn't care less about Alexa and Nia. I know Roman and Brock will be decent, but I think I am more excited about the fact that this story will be over when the final bell rings. The most interesting Raw stories are Braun and his mystery partner and the triple threat match for the Intercontinental Championship.

SmackDown though... They have hit a homerun. Shane & DB vs. KO & Sami is great stuff. The Bludgeon Brothers finally get the tag belts(prediction), Asuka vs. Charlotte is money, the fatal four way for the US Championship should be a lot of fun, and AJ vs. Shinsuke at the top. I am loving all that.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 6: SCHEDULING / PACING

SmackDown has a better scheduling and pacing almost always, and that stays true here.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 7: VISUAL PRESENTATION

I loved the Braun Strowman promo where he debuted his new partner. Brains. Brains Strowman. Which was him in a shirt and glasses. "He's Braun and I'm Brains." It was really good stuff.

WINNER: Raw

EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!

Nada.

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


I expected more for out last hurrah towards WrestleMania, but it wasn't bad either. I am still excited for what is going to be a great weekend of wrestling and celebration from the HOF ceremonies, NXT, and the big show on Sunday. SmackDown has everything I'm interested in, but overall this is the most excited I've been for a 'Mania card in a long time. SmackDown gets the 4-3 win. Wrestling fans, enjoy one of the best weekends of the year!