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.
WWE Monday Night Raw - June 7, 2021 - Yuengling Center in Tampa, FL
WWE Friday Night SmackDown - June 11, 2021 – Yuengling Center in Tampa, FL
BATTLE OF THE BRANDS:
RAW vs. SMACKDOWN
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
Raw = Raw featured a number of decent matches this week, with the highlight being Kofi Kingston vs Riddle. It was an energetic match that utilised the ongoing storyline with Randy Orton well. Unfortunately, the tag team Battle Royal was lacking, feeling rather rushed and lacking in drama.
SmackDown = SmackDown felt lacking in real quality this week when it came to the matches. Although Chad Gable vs Montez Ford was a solid encounter, every other match felt either rushed or undercooked. This was especially evident in the piss poor ‘contest’ between Shinsuke Nakamura and King Corbin.
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
Raw = In terms of promos, the interaction between MVP, Bobby Lashley, and Drew McIntyre was a strong one. All three men worked well to create an intriguing dynamic, even if McIntyre was drifting into a caricature of himself.
SmackDown = Rey Mysterio’s show ending promo was really strong, with the Lucha Legend coming across as battle hardened in a way never seen before. Although ‘Ding Dong, Hello’ was irritating, it at least served it’s purpose well.
WINNER: SmackDown
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
Raw = Drew McIntyre playing up to his Scottish roots was fun, but the bullshit that was Shayna Baszler interacting with Lilly was one of the worst scenes in wrestling for quite some time.
SmackDown = Roman Reigns’ continued manipulation of The Usos was on full display. Not only was Reigns in fine form, but the addition of his feud with Rey Mysterio was a simple yet effective way to garner even more heat for The Tribal Chief.
WINNER: SmackDown
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
Raw = Raw was a pacing nightmare from start to finish. This was perfectly epitomised by the shitshow that was THAT finish.
SmackDown = SmackDown was not as well paced as recent week, feeling slightly disjointed in areas.
WINNER: SmackDown
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
Raw gains points for Sheamus looking like a badass in his mask.
Raw also gains points for trying something different with Rhea Ripley vs Charlotte Flair.
Raw loses points for Lilly. Enough said!
SmackDown gains points for Rey Mysterio challenging Roman Reigns to a Hell in a Cell match at the titular event.
SmackDown also gains points for the strong return of Cesaro.
SmackDown loses points for circling the drain with Bayley.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: Raw (+2 / -1) / SmackDown (+2 / -1)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = SmackDown
With a score of 4 to 2, SmackDown wins this week’s Battle of the Brands. Both shows were poor, but SmackDown at least felt like an attempt at entertaining television.
That's my pick for the better show of the week, but how do YOU stand?
Which was better, Raw or SmackDown?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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