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 = Raw featured a number of solid matches, with The Hurt Business underlining their threat with two match wins. Finally recruiting Cedric Alexander paid off big time, with Alexander pinning Ricochet in the second match to prove how serious he is about turning on his former best friend.

The main event of the evening was a Street Fight between Dominik Mysterio and Murphy, with Mysterio once again showing how he has some serious untapped potential as a wrestler. Murphy pulled his weight during the contest, but Mysterio was the true star of the match. Overall, the match quality on Raw was of a consistently solid quality.

SmackDown = The match quality this week on SmackDown was not much better than last week, however the main event was at least interesting from a storyline point of view. Jey Uso and Roman Reigns defeated King Corbin and Sheamus in a contest that highlighted how much Uso has improved.

The women's Fatal Four Way match underwhelmed from an in ring perspective, although Alexa Bliss hitting Nikki Cross with a Sister Abigail was a true highlight. Overall, SmackDown's matches just didn't hit the same heights as those on Raw.

WINNER: Raw

FACTOR 2: PROMOS

Raw = RETRIBUTION delivered a promo which served no real purpose. It instantly undermined the threat the group poses, especially as it didn't match the aesthetics of their so called called rebellious nature.

SmackDown = Bray Wyatt gave a strange promo as part of the Firefly Fun House. Not only did he fail to reveal his new friend, but he was lumbered with Wobbly Walrus by puppet Vince McMahon. It was an absolutely camp segment, however it was entertaining enough to be a success.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 3: STORYLINES

Raw = Drew McIntyre vs Randy Orton is the premiere feud on Raw, and this week it was the most highlighted feud of the show. McIntyre was in a particularly vengeful mood as he took out Orton multiple times. Reviving his Scottish Psychopath level of violence was a touch of genius as the feud is now must see.

SmackDown = SmackDown currently features multiple storylines which are slowly gaining traction. Alexa Bliss' transformation continues, whilst Jey Uso vs Roman Reigns featured some subtle tension. It is the situation over the Intercontinental Championship that is most compelling, especially considering how delusional Sami Zayn is.

WINNER: Raw

FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING

Raw = Raw was a fun show that largely succeeded. It was well paced, whilst most matches and segments came off well.

SmackDown = SmackDown was a fine show, but it could have been so much better. The pacing was off, whilst the match quality could have been improved.

WINNER: Raw

EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!

Raw gains points for finally turning Cedric Alexander heel. He can provide The Hurt Business with the edge they need to finally become unstoppable.

Raw also gains points for continuing to push Dominik Mysterio. He is definitely making the most of his opportunity on Raw, and it is great to see someone get over organically with fans.

Raw also gains points for giving Raw Underground validity by featuring Aleister Black vs Kevin Owens. Using Raw Underground as the preferred platform for their fight makes the concept seem like a viable option on the show to resolve issues.

Raw loses points for cutting Aleister Black vs Kevin Owens into multiple segments. It came across poorly, which suggests Raw Underground needs further refining.

SmackDown gains points for Alexa Bliss hitting Nikki Cross with a Sister Abigail. The possession theme really worked wonders for Bliss this week.

SmackDown also gains points for continuing to keep Roman Reigns' character interesting. In only turning up to win his matches, he adds a layer of arrogance to his character that feels perfect for him.

SmackDown loses points for the storyline concerning the Money in the Bank contract. It is clear Otis won't cash it in, but exploiting a loophole seems to be a poor reason for getting it off him.

POINT ADJUSTMENTS: Raw (+3 / -1) / SmackDown (+2 / -1)


With a score of 5 to 2, Raw wins this week's Battle of the Brands. Raw was better booked than SmackDown, whilst the matches packed much more of a punch. The show would be much better if RETRIBUTION would dissolve soon as their gimmick is already dead on arrival.