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 = On a 7 match show, only 2 matches lasted longer than 5 minutes. This is a real shame as Raw feels bloated with matches that really shouldn’t be taking place, which in turn robs more important matches of vital time. Liv Morgan vs Ruby Riott is a perfect example, as they could put on a classic in 10 minutes, but were only given 3 for their rather insipid offering this week.

Thankfully, Andrade vs Apollo Crews was a fantastic match, with Crews once again showing a new fire since his move from SmackDown. He may have lost due to an injury, but he certainly impressed with his performance.

SmackDown = SmackDown featured a mix of good and disappointing matches, with Daniel Bryan vs Baron Corbin actually coming across better than it had any right to. The bad finish aside, it was great to see Corbin thrive against an opponent who can make him look good.

Unfortunately for Sheamus, he seems stuck in squash match purgatory. This was ok when he first returned, but he needs matches of real substance in order to be considered a threat.

WINNER: Raw

FACTOR 2: PROMOS

Raw = The VIP Lounge allowed Zelina Vega to show why she is the best promo on Raw, as she once again trumpeted how strong her stable is. Vega is talented on the microphone, and it is her work alone that increases the anticipation for Andrade’s matches.

SmackDown = Bray Wyatt’s promo on Braun Strowman was intriguing, as it actually portrayed Wyatt as the face. Documenting how he brought Strowman up to WWE as part of The Wyatt Family, only to forge his own path without even so much as a thank you, Wyatt came across well here, which increased the impact of the promo.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 3: STORYLINES

Raw = Drew McIntyre vs Seth Rollins was suitably advanced this week, with McIntyre gaining some revenge over Rollins for his previous attacks. Both men spoke well at the contract signing, with the hatred between these wrestlers clearly palpable. With a week to go before Money in the Bank, there is room to extend the intrigue for this feud further.

SmackDown = Braun Strowman vs Bray Wyatt is slowly gaining real traction, however the best booked angle currently on SmackDown is Bayley vs Sasha Banks, with Tamina currently being used as a conduit for their feud. Fans are eagerly anticipating the break up of the pair, and each week we see another subtle layer added to an intricate storyline.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING

Raw = Raw was a fun show, with a solid mix of matches and promos. The pacing is still off with a significant number of short matches, but hopefully this will change soon.

SmackDown = SmackDown was a good show, but it never felt as exciting as it should have been. Hopefully this will be addressed next week.

WINNER: Raw

EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!

Raw gains points for continuing the positive rehabilitation of Apollo Crews’ character.

Raw loses points for giving attention to Jinder Mahal’s return. Unless he is going to be involved with Drew McIntyre in some capacity, it is unclear why he would be pushed.

Raw also loses points for the travesty that was Nia Jax vs Shayna Baszler vs Asuka. This match was quite simply the drizzling shits.

SmackDown gains points for treating the Mandy Rose vs Sonya Deville storyline with care. With proper attention, this could be the true breakout for both wrestlers.

SmackDown loses points for failing to provide us with an in ring confrontation between Braun Strowman and Bray Wyatt. This is a feud which would benefit from a physical confrontation, therefore it is a shame to see this aspect of the feud ignored.

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


With a score of 2 to 1, SmackDown wins this week’s Battle of the Brands. Raw was great in parts, however the negative aspects of the show were glaring issues. SmackDown was a solid, if unspectacular show, but it felt more consistent than Raw.