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 - April 18, 2022 - KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York
WWE Friday Night SmackDown - April 22, 2022 - MVP Arena in Albany, New York
BATTLE OF THE BRANDS:
RAW vs. SMACKDOWN
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
Raw = Despite a fantastic main event between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens, the remaining matches largely left much to be desired.
SmackDown = I felt this week's offerings were much better, highlighted by the exciting contest between Riddle and Jey Uso. SmackDown felt more in tune with using matches to further narratives, rather than use them as prefunctory events.
WINNER: SmackDown
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
Raw = I loved Cody Rhodes' show opening promo, which provided him with yet another opportunity to demonstrate how he is a now a top level star.
SmackDown = Continuing the dreadful pattern of the last few months, Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair absolutely shit the bed with their terrible contract signing.
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
Raw = Let me just make this clear - the wedding segment was an absolute car crash!
SmackDown = It was a mixed bag this week, with Ronda Rousey vs Charlotte Flair dying a very slow and painful death. I am, however, extremely invested in RK-Bro vs The Bloodline.
WINNER: SmackDown
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
Raw = Raw was a mixed bag, with select segments negatively affecting the solid pacing we have become accustomed to.
SmackDown = The blue brand presented a much more interesting and viewer friendly show this week.
WINNER: SmackDown
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
Raw gains points for continuing to build Cody Rhodes up as a star.
Raw also gains points for turning Rhea Ripley heel - a much needed development.
Raw loses points for making the 24/7 Championship scene seem even worse!
SmackDown gains points for sowing the seeds for Roman Reigns vs Drew McIntyre.
SmackDown also gains points for another GUNTHER squash.
SmackDown loses points for involving Drew Gulak further in the terrible storyline between Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair.
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. The tide has finally turned, with the blue brand putting on a much more coherent and entertaining 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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