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 28, 2021 - Yuengling Center in Tampa, FL
WWE Friday Night SmackDown - July 2, 2021 – Yuengling Center in Tampa, FL
BATTLE OF THE BRANDS:
RAW vs. SMACKDOWN
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
Raw = Raw showcased a number of matches, allowing certain wrestlers to look like stars. Riddle, Drew McIntyre, and Ricochet looked great, but one huge and glaring issue was the return of the 24/7 Championship. This title brings nothing to the show, which says a lot about how poor matches on Raw usually are.
SmackDown = SmackDown featured a mixed bag of matches, with the clear highlight being the Last Man Standing match between Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. These two men can have a top quality match together in their sleep, and I thoroughly enjoyed this contest. I also took some great satisfaction in seeing a newly dangerous Otis taking out Angelo Dawkins, but I do hope this leads to The Street Profits taking their revenge soon.
WINNER: SmackDown
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
Raw = Riddle attempting to convince Adam Pearce that Randy Orton wrote him a note was hilarious, even if if it did come across as extremely silly. Unfortunately, the promo duel between Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley was poor.
SmackDown = Edge’s promo was one of his best since he returned from injury, proving just why he deserves to be in the main event picture.
WINNER: SmackDown
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
Raw = Drew McIntyre’s quest to qualify for the Money in the Bank match dominated the show, which was interesting, if not also unwanted. I’d like to see him away from the Raw main event, at least for a short amount of time, but it is clear from his presence on the show that this is not happening any time soon.
SmackDown = The show was once again centred around Roman Reigns, although he wasn’t actually present. Edge and Jimmy Uso expertly carried this storyline, which was refreshing to see. I also appreciate the effort to give Liv Morgan some semblance of a storyline.
WINNER: SmackDown
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
Raw = Raw was a decently paced show, but it did drag along in parts.
SmackDown = SmackDown was a well paced show, with very little down time.
WINNER: SmackDown
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
Raw gains points for Riddle being a strong part of the show, highlighting how he is close to breaking through to the main event scene.
Raw also gains points for MVP and Kofi Kingston bringing the heat during their promo.
Raw loses points for the indifference and apathy I feel towards the stupid 24/7 Championship.
SmackDown gains points for pushing Liv Morgan once more.
SmackDown also gains points for creating a compelling character with Otis.
SmackDown loses points for making Zelina Vega’s return feel poorly booked. Just why did she have to lose?
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: Raw (+2 / -1) / SmackDown (+2 / -1)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = SmackDown
With a score of 5 to 1, SmackDown wins this week’s Battle of the Brands. Neither show was outright bad this week, but SmackDown was clearly a much tighter and better show overall.
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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