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 13, 2021 - Excel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota
WWE Friday Night SmackDown - December 17, 2021 – Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois
BATTLE OF THE BRANDS:
RAW vs. SMACKDOWN
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
Raw = I appreciated the effort to rehabilitate Bobby Lashley, turning him into a viable and credible challenger for the WWE Championship. Each of his matches felt different and entertaining.
SmackDown = Overall, match quality was a mixed bag. Although the tag team contests weren't too bad, they failed to sparkle. It was, however, the presence of Naomi vs Shayna Baszler that was just flat out insulting!
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
Raw = The opening segment surrounding the right to challenge for the WWE Championship may not have been amazing, but it was certainly entertaining.
SmackDown = 'Happy Talk' was an absolute failure, as it benefited no-one. Despite a strong show closing promo segment, I felt quite underwhelmed by SmackDown's promos this week.
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
Raw = The WWE Championship scene was the highlight of the show, but every other storyline feels somewhat lukewarm and lacking.
SmackDown = Roman Reigns firing Paul Heyman was certainly a compelling development, giving his feud with Brock Lesnar yet another dimension. Firing him would have been enough, but to attack him as well was just perfect.
WINNER: SmackDown
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
Raw = Raw didn't have poor pacing, but it certainly could have been better.
SmackDown = SmackDown was fairly well paced, not coming across as a truncated mess.
WINNER: SmackDown
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
Raw gains points for Kevin Owens tapping out prematurely. Such a chickenshit heel move.
Raw also gains points for giving Bianca Belair the victory over Doudrop that she deserved last week.
Raw loses points for the 24/7 Championship farce.
SmackDown gains points for continuing the revelation that is Farmer Brock Lesnar!
SmackDown loses points for yet more bait and switch bullshit with Naomi vs Sonya Deville.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: Raw (+2 / -1) / SmackDown (+1 / -1)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = Raw
With a score of 3 to 2, Raw wins this week's Battle of the Brands. Both shows were poorer than last week, but Raw just about edges it this week.
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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