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 - August 9, 2021 - Amway Center in Orlando, Florida
WWE Friday Night SmackDown - August 13, 2021 – BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma
BATTLE OF THE BRANDS:
RAW vs. SMACKDOWN
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
Raw = The match quality on offer this week on the red brand was poor, highlighting some awful performances and terrible match finishes. Nikki A.S.H. vs Rhea Ripley was extremely disappointing, however, the poor finish and involvement from Charlotte Flair hamstrung the contest. Randy Orton vs AJ Styles was good enough, but did not make up for the rest of the show.
SmackDown = SmackDown only featured a few matches this week, but they were all more than competent and enjoyable. King Nakamura won the WWE Intercontinental Championship in a fairly fun match, but it was oddly enough the impromptu match between Kevin Owens and Baron Corbin that I found most entertaining.
WINNER: SmackDown
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
Raw = MVP was the standout promo this week on Raw, expertly talking shit about Goldberg. Bobby Lashley’s involvement was short and sweet, but oh so effective.
SmackDown = The show opening promo between John Cena and Roman Reigns was epic, making their feud feel like an important and vital aspect of current WWE television.
WINNER: SmackDown
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
Raw = Randy Orton’s return to the show felt like the most important storyline, however, his apparent turn on Riddle to close out the show was fun to watch, if not unexpected. The Raw Women’s Championship feud was highlighted, but it genuinely felt abject and poor in it’s execution.
SmackDown = The WWE Universal Championship was the highlight of the first half of the show, with John Cena well and truly taking the verbal fight to Roman Reigns. The show ended with Sasha Banks coming out on top against Bianca Belair, an action that gave their feud some much needed heat.
WINNER: SmackDown
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
Raw = Raw was an extremely bloated and poorly paced show, feeling like a real chore to get through.
SmackDown = SmackDown was paced differently this week, but it was not an issue that affected the overall enjoyment of the show.
WINNER: SmackDown
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
Raw gains points for promoting Riddle as an important part of the show.
Raw loses points for the shitshow that is Reggie and the 24/7 Championship.
SmackDown gains points for King Nakamura’s WWE Intercontinental Championship victory feeling important.
SmackDown also gains points for the silly but hilarious nature of Baron Corbin’s current storyline.
SmackDown loses points for the disjointed manner in which Carmella and Zelina Vega seemingly aligned with Sasha Banks.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: Raw (+1 / -1) / SmackDown (+2 / -1)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = SmackDown
With a score of 5 to 0, SmackDown wins this week’s Battle of the Brands. Raw was just not entertaining at all, whilst SmackDown at least came across as a fun and enjoyable show.
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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