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 14, 2021 - Yuengling Center in Tampa, FL
WWE Friday Night SmackDown - June 18, 2021 – Yuengling Center in Tampa, FL
BATTLE OF THE BRANDS:
RAW vs. SMACKDOWN
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
Raw = Quite a few of the matches this week on Raw disappointed, and this included the revised main event. I was really looking forward to Drew McIntyre vs AJ Styles, a match that really did not need to be turned into a six man tag team match. Piper Niven annihilating Naomi was highly entertaining, however, the rest of the show truly failed to sparkle.
SmackDown = This week's show was rightly dominated by the Hell in a Cell match between Roman Reigns and Rey Mysterio, which was a delightfully brutal affair. The hype for their contest was well justified, and although it was not a one match show, it was most certainly the most exciting contest on offer.
WINNER: SmackDown
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
Raw = MVP's promo with Kofi Kingston backstage was utter gold, with both men speaking with passion about their roles in WWE. This looks to be a subtle hint at The New Day, or Kingston at least, joining The Hurt Business. The confidence that both men spoke with made this promo highly compelling.
SmackDown = Rey Mysterio's show opening promo was passionate and intense, superbly getting over just how much he despises Roman reigns for taking out his son.
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
Raw = The feud between Bobby Lashley and Drew McIntyre was featured, with numerous vignettes setting the stage for their match at Hell in a Cell. Unfortunately, the main event felt disjointed, even though it was supposed to adequately set up their Hell in a Cell match. At least Rhea Ripley vs Charlotte Flair was set up properly, with the hatred between the pair being suitably portrayed on screen.
SmackDown = Whilst Roman Reigns vs Rey Mysterio was the premiere feud on the show, the remaining storylines had plenty of time to shine. Commander Azeez and Apollo Crews reveled in their victory over Kevin Owens and Big E, whilst was able to secure the permanent possession of the King of the Ring Crown.
WINNER: SmackDown
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
Raw = Raw was not a well paced show, with numerous matches feeling slow and plodding. The show had no real excitement to it, which is a shame considering how the show needed to set up Hell in a Cell as a pay-per-view to watch.
SmackDown = SmackDown was paced well, with the excitement for the main event creating a sense of excitement that is often missing from WWE television.
WINNER: SmackDown
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
Raw gains points for R-K-Bro looking like a solid unit, as they truly add a different dimension to Raw's tag team division.
Raw loses points for Jeff Hardy putting his career on the line without any sort of build. At least advertise it prior to the show!
Raw also loses points for the manner in which Piper Niven was introduced. I have no issue with her being used as Eva Marie's hired goon, but to ignore how she is and what she has done in NXT UK is highly egregious and unforgivable.
SmackDown gains points for using the Hell in a Cell match between Roman Reigns and Rey Mysterio to generate some real buzz and excitement for the show.
SmackDown also gains points for making Otis such a compelling character.
SmackDown loses points for announcing Bianca Belair vs Bayley as a Hell in a Cell match, as it doesn't really feel appropriate to their feud.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: Raw (+1 / -2) / SmackDown (+2 / -1)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = SmackDown
With a score of 4 to 0, SmackDown wins this week's Battle of the Brands. Raw was a hot mess once again, whilst SmackDown benefited highly from the excitement surrounding the Hell in a Cell match between Roman Reigns and Rey Mysterio.
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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