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 - September 12, 2022 - Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.
WWE Friday Night SmackDown - September 16, 2022 - Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
BATTLE OF THE BRANDS:
RAW vs. SMACKDOWN
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
Raw = I absolutely loved Finn Balor vs Matt Riddle, which felt to me like a match between two men who should be up there as some of the best wrestlers in the company. Balor is starting to really put Judgment Day in a position to become the most feared group in WWE, outside of The Bloodline. I also cannot stress just how exciting Johnny Gargano vs Chad Gable was!
SmackDown = Overall, SmackDown featured some solid matches this week, with particular praise needed for Ricochet vs Sami Zayn. Both men excelled in the ring, setting up the rest of the show in a very competent manner.
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
Raw = Dominik Mysterio failed to connect with me as part of his pre-recorded promo. Something is just missing from his overall character.
SmackDown = Paul Heyman returned to deliver a killer promo on Logan Paul. Yes, as much as it pains me to say, Paul actually contributed well to the segment.
WINNER: SmackDown
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
Raw = Raw continues to solidify a large number of storylines, creating a show that genuinely excites. Judgment Day are reinvigorated, and I could not be happier!
SmackDown = I've been suffering with illness this week, yet I couldn't help but smile when I saw Logan Paul challenge Roman Reigns. Wait, I didn't smile. I laughed! To have someone so casual taking on The Tribal Chief is a development I find way too far fetched.
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
Raw = Raw was it's usual level of enjoyable pacing that I have come to appreciate.
SmackDown = SmackDown was fairly paced, but I feel the scheduling could have been tightened up somewhat.
WINNER: Raw
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
Raw gains points for Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky winning the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship, something they should have already achieved.
Raw also gains points for ending the show with Judgment Day on top.
Raw loses points for the WWE Raw Women's Championship match falling flat.
SmackDown gains points for continuing to keep Sami Zayn entertaining fans in his very own inimitable way.
SmackDown also gains points for showcasing an NXT Championship through Solo Sikoa. The NXT North American Championship could have a serious renaissance with the youngest Uso sibling.
SmackDown loses points for Liv Morgan vs Ronda Rousey continuing to feel inconsequential.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK!!!
Damage Control literally taking control of Raw's women's division.
DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE WEEK!!!
Roman Reigns' absence, by no means abnormal, was felt much more this week.
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. From top to bottom, it was essentially a fantastic show.
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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