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 - October 17, 2022 - Paycome Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
WWE Friday Night SmackDown - October 21, 2022 - Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio
BATTLE OF THE BRANDS:
RAW vs. SMACKDOWN
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
Raw = Matches on Raw tend to be good to great, with very few duds at the moment. This week was no different, and I can only appreciate the consistency that is currently evident on the red brand.
SmackDown = I had high hopes for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship match, but I was disappointed in the manner of victory for Damage CTRL. Why? Simply because I feel they should have had a more dominant victory, but it seems they are being booked haphazardly at the moment. Am I asking too much of WWE to present them better? Perhaps, but I still feel the criticism is relevant.
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
Raw = The promo segment between Seth Rollins and Mustafa Ali hinted at a feud that I didn't know I needed to see! Although not perfect, this was a solid way to build towards their feud.
SmackDown = I once again loved Bray Wyatt's promo - boy have I missed this great man speak! I loved the sinister undertone to the promo, alluding to the dark things that he will inevitably do, committing such acts with no sense of fear, remorse or care. It is this that resulted in a chilling and delectable end to the promo.
WINNER: SmackDown
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
Raw = Brock Lesnar vs Bobby Lashley? It is quite frankly one of the best feuds in WWE from a captivating standpoint, and I cannot wait to see more. Hook it to my veins!!!
SmackDown = The Bloodline vs Logan Paul continues to be a feud I cannot stand. I have no love for Paul, whilst I consider this particular Undisputed WWE Universal Championship defence to be of very little significance within the wrestling community. Thankfully, Bray Wyatt and Legado Del Fantasma have intriguing storylines slowly bubbling on the show.
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
Raw = Raw was a strong show from a scheduling and pacing perspective, although I do feel the show could have been tighter in terms of overall production.
SmackDown = SmackDown was also fairly well paced, however I do feel that the end of the show was not running to schedule as the performers seemed somewhat lost.
WINNER: Dead Heat
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
Raw gains points for turning the feud between The Miz and Dexter Lumis into something worth watching.
Raw also gains points for not resorting to featuring Bray Wyatt, highlighting how the show can rest on it's own laurels.
Raw loses no points this week for not featuring anything that was wholly offensive.
SmackDown gains points for not overdubbing the boos that Logan Paul received.
SmackDown also gains points for The Bloodline continuing their strong 2022.
SmackDown loses points for Ronda Rousey's awful promo. You don't care about the fans? Great - because I don't care about you either!
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK!!!
Bobby Lashley absolutely ragdolling Brock Lesnar was quite the compelling sight. Never before has Lesnar been so easily manhandled by another wrestler.
DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE WEEK!!!
Liv Morgan - she is just floundering at the moment, despite the desire to attempt to revitalise her as a crazy woman.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: Raw (+2 / -0) / 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 had their stregths, but Raw was most certainly head and sholders above it's rival this week.
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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