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 - July 25, 2022 - Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York
WWE Friday Night SmackDown - July 29, 2022 - Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee
BATTLE OF THE BRANDS:
RAW vs. SMACKDOWN
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
Raw = Not a single match was offensive this week, but the 6 man tag team match that main evented the show was the perfect example of how top calibre wrestlers can be utilised to create an interesting dynamic.
SmackDown = The Donnybrook match was a fine example of the physicality embodied by Drew McIntyre and Sheamus. This was adequately supported by The Viking Raiders destroying The New Day. The biggest issue this week I had with matches in WWE was Shotzi vs Aliyah, as it is clear Aliyah is being wasted on television. That, and how Shotzi is pure garbage in the ring!
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
Raw = Simply put, Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman delivered a promo worth it's weight in gold!
SmackDown = Paul Heyman's show closing promo was more evidence of his undoubted and unparalleled craft on the microphone. Whilst Roman Reigns picks and chooses his appearances, it is Heyman who ensures his absence is not as deafening as you would anticipate it to be.
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
Raw = Logan Paul's interaction with The Miz was a stunning way to kick off the show, and despite the perceived reason for it starting in such a manner (that fans could get their boos out of the way before the show went live) it allowed Paul to come across with a heightened level of legitimacy. The show also allowed Seth Rollins to reinforce himself as an absolute badass following his destruction of Riddle.
SmackDown = SmackDown largely features some solid storylines at the moment. Although the situation surrounding Maxximum Models is a real farce, Drew McIntyre vs Sheamus has been a joy to watch, whilst The Viking Raiders' recent domination of the tag team divison (albeit outside of The Usos) has produced some enjoyable television.
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
Raw = Once again, Raw was an enjoyable show to watch this week. Despite a few hiccups, it was the consistent level of quality we have come to enjoy.
SmackDown = SmackDown wasn't badly paced, but the show could have benefitted from a tighter schedule and better order of events.
WINNER: Raw
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
Raw gains points for continuing to book Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins in the best possible fashion. I think they may be wise to reconsider another version of the power couple they tried to be a few years ago. As heels, they could be something special.
Raw also gains points for featuring Roman Reigns, such is the scarcity of his appearnces on weekly WWE television at the moment.
Raw loses points for making Theory succumb to the curse of the Money in the Bank briefcase holder. He feels like a complete afterthought, which should not be the case.
SmackDown gains points for The Viking Raiders evidencing they are a viable threat to The Usos, such is the manner they have dispatched of The New Day.
SmackDown also gains points for giving Liv Morgan and Ronda Rousey an opportunity to give their feud some much needed fire.
SmackDown loses points for the confusion situation over the Maxximum Models. It is unclear how this will move forward, and exactly who with. Perhaps it should just be dropped?
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: Raw (+2 / -1) / SmackDown (+2 / -1)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = Raw
With a score of 5 to 1, Raw once again delivers a crushing blow to SmackDown to win this week's Battle of the Brands. The red brand continues to be the highlight of the week in terms 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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