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 30, 2022 - Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa
WWE Friday Night SmackDown - June 3, 2022 - Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio
BATTLE OF THE BRANDS:
RAW vs. SMACKDOWN
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
Raw = Raw featured a consistent set of matches this week, that whilst not as high quality as SmackDown's main event, were matches of a much better quality than those on offer from the blue brand.
SmackDown = This was simply a one match show, with the WWE Undisputed Tag Team Championship match carrying the show. The Usos can create a four star classic in their sleep, which is exactly what they did this week. Compare this to the Women's Six Pack match, which was an absolute disaster.
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
Raw = As much as I am not a fan of Becky Lynch, even I have to acknowledge that her show opening promo was superb. Asuka and Bianca Belair added to the quality, but this was all about The Man.
SmackDown = No single promo stood out this week, but Happy Corbin once again stunk up the joint with yet another piss poor effort at being a cool heel.
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
Raw = I most enjoyed Mustafa Ali's involvement on the show, creating a fairly compelling narrative against Theory. It is great to see him being pushed, but I hope it is not yet another false dawn.
SmackDown = Aside from The Bloodline vs Riddle, I did not enjoy any storylines. The WWE SmackDown Women's Championship picture is murky at best, whilst Happy Corbin vs Madcap Moss has officially jumped the shark.
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
Raw = A glaring issue I had with the show is the prevailing thought that it felt so much longer than it actually was.
SmackDown = As poor as Raw's pacing was, SmackDown's was just as egregious.
WINNER: Raw
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
Raw gains points for finding time to push multiple storylines in positive directions.
Raw also gains points for allowing Riddle to once again look like an absolute star!
Raw loses points for failing to keep the interest for Hell in a Cell at a high level, which is a concern considering the fact most matches on the show are Raw contests.
SmackDown gains points for Shanky giving fans some entertainment.
SmackDown loses points for making Max Dupri's character look ineffective already.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: Raw (+2 / -1) / SmackDown (+1 / -1)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = Raw
With a score of 5 to 0, Raw wins this week's Battle of the Brands. Neither show was fantastic, and if I'm being honest, Raw was the best of a bad week of WWE television.
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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