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 - May 16, 2022 - Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia
WWE Friday Night SmackDown - May 20, 2022 - Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan
BATTLE OF THE BRANDS:
RAW vs. SMACKDOWN
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
Raw = I'm all for goofy finishes to matches, but only if it makes sense and protects both competitors involved. The Steel Cage match between Omos and Bobby Lashley was the perfect example of this, but the rest of the matches left something to be desired.
SmackDown = The main event was a superb contest, ending in a unification that I was not expecting. I did not expect a definitive finish to the match as it was on free television, but all four men competed like it was the main event of a pay-per-view.
WINNER: SmackDown
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
Raw = I was somewhat disappointed by Lacey Evans' promo, as it does not feel as if WWE are certain on how to present her.
SmackDown = Almost every promo was a home run this week, aside from a very poor Happy Talk segment.
WINNER: SmackDown
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
Raw = Raw doesn't seem to have a definitive direction for most of it's feuds, with some either treading water or making theor first steps towards an intriguing narrative.
SmackDown = RK-Bro vs The Bloodline was once again progressed in stunning fashion, with The Bloodline ending the show as the undisputed leaders of WWE. Was the trigger pulled too soon with the WWE Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Championships being unified? Perhaps, but it at least suits the ongoing storyline.
WINNER: SmackDown
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
Raw = Raw's pacing was fine, but it felt lacking in direction.
SmackDown = SmackDown was paced well, although the Happy Talk segment brought the show down.
WINNER: SmackDown
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
Raw gains points for Omos looking monstrous!
Raw also gains points for Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins continuing to work well together.
Raw loses points for the main event becoming victim to politics.
SmackDown gains points for the sumptuous GUNTHER squash on Drew Gulak. I say this every week, but GUNTHER's squash matches are a fantastic thing of beauty!
SmackDown also gains points for introducing LA Knight's new persona, Max Dupri, in a slightly unique manner.
SmackDown loses points for the burial of Sasha Banks and Naomi. It came across as extremely petty and impetuous.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: Raw (+2 / -1) / SmackDown (+2 / -1)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = SmackDown
With a score of 5 to 1, SmackDown wins this week's Battle of the Brands. Raw was a victim to politics and hiccups that affected the show negatively, and whilst a hatchet job was made on SmackDown towards Sasha Banks and Naomi, the blue show was more consistent overall.
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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