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 - December 19, 2022 - Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa
WWE Friday Night SmackDown - December 23, 2022 - Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois
BATTLE OF THE BRANDS:
RAW vs. SMACKDOWN
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
Raw = Rhea Ripley defeated Akira Tozawa, in quite spectacular style I may add - and it was absolutely fucking brilliant!!! Ripley is the kind of wrestler you could imagine emulating Chyna and competing in the men's division, whilst Tozawa went out of his way to make her look great. The main event was a solid match to end the night, allowing the show to end on a positive note for 2022. Let us remember, Seth Rollins and The Usos have been some of the MVP's of WWE this year.
SmackDown = The Usos vs Hit Row was never going to be a classic, such is the poor quality offered by Hit Row. Thankfully, The Usos made chicken salad out of chicken shit, but in all honesty, this should have been replaced with a much more intriguing contest. I do need to give the women involved in the Gauntlet match some plaudits, as they performed much better than anticipated.
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
Raw = The promo segment between Alexa Bliss and Bianca Belair was better than it had any right to be. Bliss looked like an absolute badass by taking out Belair, providing the feud with the impetus it needs to be a success. I wasn't bothered before, but I sure am now!
SmackDown = Bray Wyatt took out a cameraman during his promo segment... I like that. Simpsons reference aside, he is well and truly building towards something special.
WINNER: Raw
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
Raw = The Bloodline looking strong as ever? Check. The Raw women's division looking tight and interesting as ever? Check. MVP and Dexter Lumis stinking up the joint as ever? Check! Don't get me wrong, I love 95% of what is going on at the moment with the red brand, but The Miz's character feels as though it has jumped the shark.
SmackDown = I cannot wait for the projected return of John Cena, who will be teaming up with Kevin Owens to battle Roman Reigns and Zayn. This storyline remains the most prominent and interesting on SmackDown, as The Bloodline are certainly one of the most engaging acts in all of professional wrestling. Bray Wyatt vs LA Knight remains unmissable viewing, but Emma vs Scarlett is something I can 110% do without.
WINNER: Dead Heat
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
Raw = To say it was Christmas week, I feel the pacing on Raw did not suffer from the fatigue you would usually associate with this time of year. Although not as dynamic as usual, the pacing was at least enjoyable and easy to watch.
SmackDown = SmackDown had all the hallmarks of a taped show, but despite being of solid quality, the fact you could check the spoilers out for yourself, whilst also taking place two days before Christmas, this show felt skippable as a result.
WINNER: Raw
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
Raw gains points for Bronson Reed's return. I am sceptical he will have long term success in WWE (despite being a Triple H guy) but he at least made a notable return this week.
Raw also gains points for Sami Zayn vs AJ Styles. I absolutely love the effort both men put into everything they do.
Raw loses points for Judgment Day starting to feel passe. I hope this is shortlived, however.
SmackDown gains points for a rare Rey Mysterio squash victory.
SmackDown also gains points for Ricochet and Braun Strowman looking great as a team.
SmackDown loses points for Karrion Kross looking cuckolded by Scarlett... this man is well and truly screwed!
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK!!!
Every single thing that Sami Zayn did - this guy can do no wrong at the moment.
DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE WEEK!!!
Dexter Lumis vs The Miz. I dared to dream this would be acceptable.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: Raw (+2 / -1) / SmackDown (+2 / -1)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = Raw
With a score of 4 to 1, Raw easily wins this week's Battle of the Brands. Both shows were great considering they took place during Christmas week, but Raw was a much more coherent and enjoyable 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! NOTE: As the December 26 episode of Raw was a 'Best Of' episode, there will not be a Battle of the Brands next week.
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