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 - June 27, 2022 - Sames Auto Arena in Laredo, Texas
WWE Friday Night SmackDown - July 1, 2022 - Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona
BATTLE OF THE BRANDS:
RAW vs. SMACKDOWN
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
Raw = Almost every match was solid and purposeful this week, with the relief and ecstacy experienced by Becky Lynch and Riddle when they secured their respective Money in the Bank spots evidence of this. I was also impressed by Montez Ford, who continues to hint at a superb singles career when he inevitably breaks away from his team with Angelo Dawkins.
SmackDown = SmackDown lacked a real sense of dynamism with it's matches this week, especially when it came to the Battle Royal and women's match. Thankfully, the main event was a much better offering, and whilst it wasn't the mindblowing match it perhaps could have been, it was well produced, with the correct winner ending the show on top. I cannot believe I'm saying that about Madcap Moss, but sometimes it just makes sense to go with a left field choice. That, and anyone but Happy Corbin!
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
Raw = Although I could have done without Vince McMahon getting involved, it was fabulous to see John Cena return, who delivered a fantastic promo that put half of the roster to shame. As he is now a part-time superstar at best, we should treasure his rare appearances as he has been a big part of WWE's success since 2005.
SmackDown = The painful promos between Ronda Rousey and Natalya continued, with Natalya in particular coming across with very little conviction in her words. Rousey is getting better, but she still cannot produce a solid and enjoyable promo.
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
Raw = Becky Lynch finally made her way into the Women's Money in the Bank match, which was exactly what she needed to continue her redemption storyline. Riddle also secured his entry to the Men's Money in the Bank match, which will hopefully allow his own redemption storyline to continue. Overall, Raw is plodding along nicely with storyline development.
SmackDown = Natalya vs Ronda Rousey continued it's so called 'development', but once again it came across as a very poor and disappointing feud. That being said, Madcap Moss getting one over Happy Corbin was interesting. The biggest flaw with SmackDown at the moment is the dearth of top tier stars, especially in terms of Roman Reigns, whose absence is deafening.
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
Raw = Raw was a much better show for pacing this week, with solid and entertining levels of pacing and scheduling. This was also helped by the segments including John Cena.
SmackDown = The show was once again an improvement over previous weeks, but the pacing is still a clear and notable issue.
WINNER: Raw
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
Raw gains points for continuing to book Becky Lynch in the best possible fashion. This quasi-tweener role is really suiting her at the moment.
Raw also gains points for Montez Ford showing why he is the future of WWE. That man could represent WWE as the face of the company for 15 years to come!
Raw loses points for AJ Styles vs The Miz feeling somewhat poor. Both men can do much better.
SmackDown gains points for Madcap Moss displaying some real talent in the ring.
SmackDown also points for slowly working towards a physical confrontation between Happy Corbin and Pat McAfee.
SmackDown loses points for failing to stand on their own legs in terms of it's talent. Drafting in stars from Raw highlights the real lack of depth, whilst making a solid mockery of the brand split.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: Raw (+2 / -1) / SmackDown (+2 / -1)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = Raw
With a score of 5 to 1, Raw trounces SmackDown to win this week's Battle of the Brands. Not only was it a better show, but with many Raw stars pulling double duty on SmackDown, it became even more clear that the blue brand is seriously failing at the moment.
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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