Smark Out Moment

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.

BATTLE OF THE BRANDS:

RAW vs. SMACKDOWN

FACTOR 1: CROWD

Get used to this theme: Raw as been the worst three hours on television in the last two weeks, and that includes the crowds.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 2: COMMENTARY

Everything about Raw has been awful, including commentary. I feel like they are in a bad spot because they're being expected to make diamonds out of dog crap. But, it's been boring, Cole has said some really stupid stuff. The thing is, SmackDown hasn't been great, but at least it has been better.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 3: MATCHES

I did like Seth vs. Dolph, but give us something new. Outside of that, The Revival are slowly dying a painful death in the tag scene even though they are far superior than most teams. And poor Finn Balor continues to flounder even though he is one of the most talented dudes on the planet.

Huge fan of Asuka winning the Battle Royale. I feel like she should have some gold by now anyway, but I am glad that if they're putting anyone in here (which I'll complain about later), that it is Asuka.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 4: PROMOS

Nothing to say here for Raw. They've been cookie cutter heel or face promos, and nothing more. I did enjoy Dean getting shots in preparation for Houston though.

Becky Lynch is back, and The Man got a lot of love. The level of over she is, is just astounding to me. I have loved her since NXT, and always thought that she was the better of Sasha and Bayley (and that is no knock on how talented those two are, even though they've gotten the shaft as of late too). I was also okay with the Orton and Mysterio stuff as well. Nostalgia is booming there.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 5: STORYLINES

I enjoy the Dean and Seth stuff, but if I have to sit through one more "(insert word here)" style face promo from Seth I am going to scream. He is so great on the mic, stop with the boring promos. Braun being out kills this show. He was on fire, and it sucks when anyone gets injured, but especially Braun and especially right now. Baron Corbin is too much for me now. I am tired of seeing him. WWE needs to get it together with The Revival before it is just The Ascension 2.0. Ronda is great, and it is clear she belongs in this business.

Heel Bryan is awesome. The heel smirk, the heel promos, and the heel wrestling. So good. The only bone I have to pick with the booking on SD Live is why did they feel the need to insert anyone into the Charlotte/Becky feud? Those two are good enough as heels that they didn't need to randomly assert anyone into the picture. I am glad that if it is going to be anyone, its Asuka. So, it could be worse.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 6: SCHEDULING / PACING

Nothing new here. SmackDown all the way.

WINNER: SmackDown

FACTOR 7: VISUAL PRESENTATION

Becky is back, and the people love her. I loved seeing her back, and I clearly wasn't the only one with the love she got.

WINNER: SmackDown

EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!

I want Raw to have negative points for two of the worst shows ever this week and last. So, negative one for you.

POINT ADJUSTMENTS: Raw (+0 / -1) / SmackDown (+0 / -0)


I think we have history here this week. This may be the first time ever that a show has ended with a negative score. SmackDown wins 7-(-1) over Raw this week. Something has to change with this program, and it needs to be sooner rather than later. It has been bland, boring, and nearly impossible to watch the last two Monday nights. With Roman and now Braun out, it may only continue to get worse with guys like Finn and The Revival getting the shaft when they could be headlining shows. Elias needs more, and Corbin needs way less for starters. SmackDown hasn't been overly memorable, but thank God it has been better. I am desperately hoping that when SmackDown jumps to Fox that things change on both shows. Let SmackDown be more about the wrestling and the sports like Fox wants, and then let Raw be the PG-14 show that everyone wants and just do something different. Everyone knows they need it. At this rate, if The Elite starts the promotion that has been rumored, WWE may have one less viewer in me.