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 - March 21, 2022 - Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois
WWE Friday Night SmackDown - March 25, 2022 - Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York
BATTLE OF THE BRANDS:
RAW vs. SMACKDOWN
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
Raw = Whilst not every match was a success this week, I have to gush over how incredible Seth Rollins vs AJ Styles was.
SmackDown = The overall quality of the matches featured on the blue brand improved this week, but they still failed to capture my interest as a fan.
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
Raw = Seth Rollins promos were killer all night. This version of Rollins is one I can get behind.
SmackDown = Charlotte Flair's promo with Ronda Rousey was simply awful, providing another example of how terrible her feud with Rousey is. Rousey cannot talk for shit!
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
Raw = Raw was once again successful in setting up and advancing storylines for WrestleMania this week, especially in developing their side of the undercard for the event. I will admit that Seth Rollins' WrestleMania quest is quite compelling.
SmackDown = Brock Lesnar vs Roman Reigns benefited from more time and attention compared to last week, but Charlotte Flair vs Ronda Rousey continues to drag the show down at the moment.
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
Raw = Raw was a more than satisfying watch this week - as it has been for quite a while now.
SmackDown = The show has a problem at the moment with pacing, especially when it comes to starting and ending a show. It was somewhat saved by Brock Lesnar ending the show on top.
WINNER: Raw
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
Raw gains points for Seth Rollins' hijacking and subsequent dominating presence on the show.
Raw also gains points for putting on another fantastic main event so close to WrestleMania.
Raw loses points for failing to give me much to care about the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship.
SmackDown gains points for Brock Lesnar being rip roaring fun again, complementing Roman Reigns' almost deadpan character.
SmackDown loses points for chugging along without giving the show a real sense of direction.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: Raw (+2 / -1) / SmackDown (+1 / -1)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = Raw
With a score of 5 to 0, Raw decimates and humiliates SmackDown once more to win this week's Battle of the Brands. SmackDown was again a huge mess, whilst Raw was considerably more enjoyable.
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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