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 - May 23, 2022 - Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana
WWE Friday Night SmackDown - May 27, 2022 - Simmons Bank Arena, North Little Rock, Arkansas
BATTLE OF THE BRANDS:
RAW vs. SMACKDOWN
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
Raw = Asuka vs Becky Lynch was one of the matches of the week, allowing both women to avoid some of the controversy surrounding the lack of a Six Pack match last week.
SmackDown = Each match this week had it's merits, with Ronda Rousey and Raquel Rodriguez teaming up well together. The main event was good, but it had the clear opportunity to be much better.
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
Raw = Riddle's show opening promo displayed real development for his character, which was something fantastic to witness. I do have to admit that Judgement Day already sound somewhat repetitive.
SmackDown = I was impressed, as ever, by The KO Show, which is the perfect vehicle for Kevin Owens to display his undoubted acting chops.
WINNER: SmackDown
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
Raw = Raw has been working well to develop storylines up and down the card, allowing the show to feel relatively fresh. The WWE Raw Women's Championship scene is highly competitive, whilst the rest of the card are playing their part to create compelling narratives.
SmackDown = SmackDown fairly represented it's ongoing storylines, with none coming across as poorly executed. Riddle teaming up with Shinsuke Nakamura, however, is extremely intriguing!
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
Raw = Raw was finely paced this week, resulting in a solid viewing experience.
SmackDown = SmackDown was fairly well paced, if not wholly formulaic.
WINNER: Raw
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
Raw gains points for making Omos vs Bobby Lashley seem like a bigger feud than it is.
Raw also gains points for ending the show with the WWE Raw Women's Championship scene as the focus.
Raw loses points for King's Court coming across as a bit of a mess.
SmackDown gains points for Sami Zayn acting as a comedic highlight of the show.
SmackDown also gains points for setting up GUNTHER as a viable challenger to Ricochet.
SmackDown loses points for Ridge Holland's continued involvement with Sheamus. He really needs to return to NXT.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: Raw (+2 / -1) / SmackDown (+2 / -1)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = Raw
With a score of 4 to 2, Raw wins this week's Battle of the Brands. Both shows were good, but it was Raw which landed the hardest hits 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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