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 - February 14 2022 - Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana
WWE Friday Night SmackDown - February 18 2022 - Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana
BATTLE OF THE BRANDS:
RAW vs. SMACKDOWN
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
Raw = Raw was once again consistent with the quality of it's matches, largely in a positive manner. With Elimination Chamber coming up, it would be understandable for everyone to struggle to get out of first gear, but that wasn't really the case here.
SmackDown = Average matches with little to no care afforded them, this week was disappointing for the blue brand.
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
Raw = Brock Lesnar was superb in the show opening promo, taking out Austin Theory to stand tall. Taking a selfie with him was genuinely hilarious. Unfortunately, Alexa Bliss' trips to Therapy continue to disappoint.
SmackDown = The contract signing segment between Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair was a fine example of keeping their interactions short and sweet, aided by a surprisingly effective Sonya Deville.
WINNER: SmackDown
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
Raw = Appropriate care and attention was given to the WWE Championship and the challengers to it. Austin Theory's involvement was quite intriguing, to say the least.
SmackDown = Storyline wise, I truly feel SmackDown struggled to hype the relevant feuds heading into Elimination Chamber.
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
Raw = Raw remained it's usual solid self, putting on a show that didn't overly drag over the full three hour run time. No particular segment brought down the pacing of the show, which was particularly pleasant to see.
SmackDown = SmackDown was taped in advance, which took the fun out of the show considerably.
WINNER: Raw
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
Raw gains points for Brock Lesnar continuing to shine as a funny but ass kicking face.
Raw also gains points for keeping up it's momentum as we head to Saudi Arabia.
Raw loses points for Damian Priest defeating AJ Styles - a draw would have made more sense.
SmackDown gains points for using Ronda Rousey well.
SmackDown also gains points for Sami Zayn winning the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
SmackDown loses points for just feeling like a holdover episode.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: Raw (+2 / -1) / SmackDown (+2 / -1)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = Raw
With a score of 4 to 2, Raw once again wins this week's Battle of the Brands. As has been the case recently, was just quite simply the 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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