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 10, 2022 - Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York
WWE Friday Night SmackDown - October 14, 2022 - Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana
BATTLE OF THE BRANDS:
RAW vs. SMACKDOWN
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
Raw = The quality of matches on Raw was a step below recent weeks, but that was not to say they weren't enjoyable. Austin Theory vs Johnny Gargano was my personal favourite of the evening.
SmackDown = SmackDown had some decent matches, with none particularly standing out as stunning.
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
Raw = I enjoyed the promo from Judgment Day, especially as it led to the return of The OC. AJ Styles' bait and switch was... ahem... too sweet!
SmackDown = Bray Wyatt delivered the promo of the year! The manner in which he shared his demons from the previous 18 months were presented with authenticity, allowing fans to gravitate to the face persona he is using. I say 'using', but I suspect this is Windham Rotunda as he is today, a much wiser and affected man. I felt such connection to Wyatt that this resonated with me on multiple levels.
WINNER: SmackDown
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
Raw = Raw continued to build towards some solid storylines, but I feel that the urgency of some feuds is being held back somewhat as we approach Survivor Series.
SmackDown = SmackDown continues to feel inferior to Raw with it's storylines, but Bray Wyatt seemingly feuding with his dark alter ego is something I can get behind.
WINNER: Dead Heat
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
Raw = Raw was it's usual solid level of strong pacing this week.
SmackDown = SmackDown was fairly paced, but the anticipation for Bray Wyatt's return was managed perfectly.
WINNER: Dead Heat
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
Raw gains points for Brock Lesnar returning for someone not named Roman Reigns!
Raw also gains points for Johnny Gargano feeling like an important part of the red brand.
Raw loses points for The Miz's segment, which fell completely flat.
SmackDown gains points for ending the show with Bray Wyatt, highlighting how important he is.
SmackDown also gains points for Legado Del Fantasma already using their momentum for victory on the blue brand.
SmackDown loses points for it's women's division feeling bland.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK!!!
Bray Wyatt getting personal. It was fascinating!
DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE WEEK!!!
Bobby Lashley losing the WWE United States Championship - it seemed tailor made for his current character.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: Raw (+2 / -1) / SmackDown (+2 / -1)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = Dead Heat
With a tied score of 2 to 2, this week is a dead heat! Yes, both shows had some stronger aspects compared to it's rival, but they very much felt like two sides to the same coin this week. Strictly speaking, this is not a bad thing at all.
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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