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 - December 6, 2021 - FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee
WWE Friday Night SmackDown - December 10, 2021 – Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
BATTLE OF THE BRANDS:
RAW vs. SMACKDOWN
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
Raw = Although not the best main event of Raw in 2021, it was extremely heartening to see Becky Lynch vs Liv Morgan end the show. Lynch once again showed why she is one of the pillars of WWE's women's division, but Morgan well and truly showed why she is about to have a breakout year in 2022.
SmackDown = The Triple Threat Tag Team match to cap off the show was a fine example of athleticism and tag team wrestling, ending a solid night of matches on a high.
WINNER: SmackDown
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
Raw = Riddle and Randy Orton brought some humour to the show, but essentially, it devolved into a bloated and overdone mess.
SmackDown = Once again, Brock Lesnar was an absolute delight! His face persona actually gives him some personality, which allows him to bring a different highlight to the show.
WINNER: SmackDown
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
Raw = Both shows were lacking in real storyline development, but Raw felt positive in terms of keeping it's storylines chugging along.
SmackDown = Sonya Deville vs Naomi has now ruined Xia Li. What an egregious and disgusting mistake to make!
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
Raw = Raw was decently paced, although there was not much urgency from the show as a whole.
SmackDown = SmackDown was paced much better this week, although the opening promo segment could have benefited from being slightly shorter.
WINNER: SmackDown
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
Raw gains points for making Becky Lynch vs Liv Morgan feel important.
Raw also gains points for trying to make something out of Austin Theory.
Raw loses points for Riddle's awkward humour detracting from the show. It was certainly too much of a good thing.
SmackDown gains points for having R-K-Bro add a fun element to the show.
SmackDown also gains points for continuing to highlight Brock Lesnar's comedic side.
SmackDown loses points for the silliness involving Drew McIntyre and his sword.
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 well presented, but the blue brand was more fun 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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