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: MATCHES

Raw = The quality of matches on offer this week was a slight improvement over last week’s offering from the red brand. Akira Tozawa vs Buddy Murphy was the best example of this improvement, as they had an exciting contest focused on nothing other than the pure desire to win. When Raw uses it’s larger roster to showcase talent, the results are nearly always positive.

Seth Rollins vs Andrade was another quality match, and despite Andrade coming up short, it felt like he was being pushed closer to the main event. Andrade has the potential to become WWE Champion in 2020, and on this performance alone, it is hard to bet against this happening.

Unfortunately for Raw, there were too many matches that were too short, or were simply of poor quality. Bobby Lashley was wasted against No Way Jose, and the lack of interest in the main event was disappointing.

SmackDown = The match quality on SmackDown was great, with every single match delivering in terms of match performance and interest. Daniel Bryan and The Miz resumed their feud with a great match, with only the interference of The Fiend preventing it from being a more memorable bout.

Rhea Ripley defeated Sasha Banks and Charlotte Flair in the opening match of the show, which underlines just how much potential she has. A victory over Banks and Flair means a lot for Ripley, and the creative manner in which she pinned Flair added to the enjoyment of the match.

With no bad matches this week on SmackDown, there was clear consistency in the high quality of the contests. This means the offerings on the blue brand were much better than Raw.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 2: PROMOS

Raw = Considering this was the final episode of Raw before Survivor Series, I expected the promos to be good, but Lana’s delivery of her promo was absolutely awful. She didn’t sound coherent, convincing or even sincere. I hated everything about this segment.

Triple H’s overtures to Kevin Owens were a highlight of the show. The promo delivery was passionate and logical, subtlety implying that Owens would be better off returning to NXT. I loved how this segment felt, and hope it plays a part in Owens’ performance and role at Survivor Series.

SmackDown = SmackDown featured the unveiling of a new Intercontinental Championship, in which Sami Zayn delivered yet another quality promo. Being the mouthpiece for Shinsuke Nakamura has allowed Zayn to flourish on the microphone.

The opening promo from Baron Corbin was also well performed, underlining the issues going into Survivor Series. Corbin has found his niche on the microphone, and it allows him to show a better side of his character.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 3: STORYLINES

Raw = Raw continues to parade the shameful Rusev, Lana and Bobby Lashley storyline as if it is the highlight of the show, despite the fact it is actually the worst storyline in WWE at the moment. Lana’s terrible promo was proof of just how bad the storyline is.

The NXT invasion narrative continued, with all involved NXT wrestlers looking strong. This is important, as NXT feels like a viable threat for Survivor Series, rather than being there to purely make up the numbers.

SmackDown = Currently, SmackDown features the better storylines on the main roster, and this also includes the manner in which the brand warfare is presented. The issues going into Survivor Series felt more important on SmackDown than they did on Raw.

The Fiend once again got the better of Daniel Bryan, taking him out during Bryan’s match with The Miz. The Fiend looks dominant as we head into Survivor Series, but it will be interesting to see what happens in the WWE Universal Championship match. Bryan is talented, but The Fiend may just be too strong for him to handle.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING

Raw = Raw felt bloated this week, which is a shame. A few months ago Raw was unmissable and solidly laid out, however the show struggles to understand it’s own identity. Some portions of the show remain interesting viewing, but the show as a whole is difficult to watch.

SmackDown = SmackDown was a fabulous show to watch this week. Interesting matches, great storyline development and an easy to digest viewing time of 2 hours made for one of the best episodes of SmackDown this year, not including the post Crown Jewel episode.

WINNER: SmackDown

EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!

Raw gains points for continuing to book NXT wrestlers as threats to the main roster. It is great to see NXT booked so strongly.

Raw loses points for the disastrous Lana promo. It was Michael McGillicutty levels of bad.

SmackDown gains points for making the build to Survivor Series feel important for once.

SmackDown also gains points for potentially making Rhea Ripley a star for her victory over Sasha Banks and Charlotte Flair.

SmackDown loses points for removing the creepy music during The Fiend’s in ring attacks. That particular sound effect was highly effective in making fans feel uncomfortable, and it is a shame it has been removed.

POINT ADJUSTMENTS: Raw (+1 / -1) / SmackDown (+2 / -1)


With a dominant score of 5 to 0, SmackDown once again wins this week’s Battle of the Brands. The show was much better written than Raw, with significantly better matches on offer. Raw also continues to be hampered by the insistence on pushing the Rusev, Lana and Bobby Lashley storyline.