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 4, 2022 - Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California
WWE Friday Night SmackDown - July 8, 2022 - Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas
BATTLE OF THE BRANDS:
RAW vs. SMACKDOWN
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
Raw = Each and every match was solid this week, but Asuka and Becky Lynch were a class apart as they main evented the show with a thrilling No Holds Barred match.
SmackDown = The number of squashes didn't do the show any harm, however, the bait and switch of Sheamus vs Drew McIntyre ending up with Butch competing was not a positive outcome.
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
Raw = Liv Morgan's homecoming promo was solid, but it was not the mindblowing event it needed to be.
SmackDown = For as successful as Roman Reigns' promo was, it was Lacey Evans that stole the show with her heel turn. Yes, it was cheap heat, but it was executed flawlessly.
WINNER: SmackDown
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
Raw = Becky Lynch remains the focus of the show at the moment, which is understandable considering the sheer lack of appearances from Roman Reigns.
SmackDown = Much to my chagrin, Natalya and Ronda Rousey resumed their insipid feud, but it was Theory standing on the periphery that stood out most this week. Realistically, he is not going over Roman Reigns, but the idea is at least humerous enough.
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
Raw = Raw was it's usual satisfactory level of pacing this week, coming across as a decent three hours of wrestling.
SmackDown = Pacing was less egregious this week, which was a relief to see.
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 the Fourth of July mess. Sometimes, a bit of nonsence is just what we need.
Raw loses points for failing to capitalise on Judgment Day. The stable is basically a laughing stock at the moment.
SmackDown gains points for GUNTHER slapping the shit out of Ludwig Kaiser. I absolutely love this new element to his character.
SmackDown also points for making Lacey Evans feel relevant for the first time since she returned.
SmackDown loses points for making Liv Morgan seem somewhat underwhelming in the face of Ronda Rousey.
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 great this week, but as ever, Raw was that little bit more consistent.
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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