(RANT) WWE - SmackDown! vs. RAW - Better Brand Of 2005?

2005 is almost up and both SD! and RAW have had rise and falls this year. We've seen a lot this year from both brands, but which brand do you feel gave us more entertainment, wrestling and all the factors needed to win this battle of the brands of 2005?

SmackDown! vs. RAW!?

I am going with SD! for this one.

SD! has been memorable this year. Even though it is has been classified as the "B Brand" in the WWE, this year it has proved everyone wrong. We have seen great matches, fabulous new superstars and a whole lot of hope for the brand.

They started off pretty rough with the JBL/Cena feud but JBL is back opening matches and getting back to the status he should have been in, before 2005. After WM22, the draft occured and that spiced up some changes for both SD! and RAW.

SD! has had a very bumpy road these past few months. Christian quit, promising superstars such as Kennedy out of action for months, and Eddie passing away are just some of the downfalls. The CW limitations too have played an effect to the division but now the division look promising.

The SD! Tag Team Division is rocketing high and looks like the titles have regained its value. The CW Title is getting brought back and the CW restrictions seem to have cast off. The US Title, even though recently has been pretty much concentrated on Booker/Benoit, has developed to be worthy of its presence. The World Title too is also on it's way up. All in all, the SD! Titles and Divisions are certainly on a positive role unlike RAW's Titles.

RAW's Tag Team Division is rubbish. Kane/Show, The Heart Throbs, Snitsky/Tomko? That's about it. The IC Title is dead. It was hot in the 90's and look it now. Carlito had it? Now it's on Flair. It seems like they hand titles to anyone to try and make them look credible. I believe that one should make the title rather than have a title make a "superstar". Anywho, The WWE Title and the Women's Title are doing pretty average.

In terms of PPV wise, both RAW and SD! have had their ups and downs when compared to each others. You have RAW's awesome Vengeance to SD!'s fab Armageddon. Too bad the Tim White segment killed the PPV.

Anyways, regardless of what RAW tries to chuck in our faces, or shall I say the McMahons, SD! wins BOTY (Brand Of The Year :P) 2005 for me.

I go with RAW. Mostly because SD's storyline is crap, there rivalrys are crap, and the brand itself is crap! Raw is better because A. Better Wrestlers. B. Better Storylines and C. Because RAW kicks @$$. This is a breif summary of why RAW is better.

I go with RAW. Mostly because SD's storyline is crap, there rivalrys are crap, and the brand itself is crap! Raw is better because A. Better Wrestlers. B. Better Storylines and C. Because RAW kicks @$$. This is a breif summary of why RAW is better.

JoHn-CeNa346

I go with RAW. Mostly because SD's storyline is crap, there rivalrys are crap, and the brand itself is crap! Raw is better because A. Better Wrestlers. B. Better Storylines and C. Because RAW kicks @$$. This is a breif summary of why RAW is better.

JoHn-CeNa346

Its all about finishing strong for me, and that's exactly what Smackdown did.  Raw completely fell apart in all aspects of the game during the second half of the year, while Smackdown, depite a few blunders and setbacks, found its niche and things began to click.

For the first half of the year, Raw managed to pretty much own Smackdown until after Wrestlemania.  Raw had the terrific slow build to Batista-Trips, some terrific matches and moments like the Rockers Reunion, Trips-Benoit and the Gold Rush Tourney, there was the evolution of Edge's heel character, Christian elevating himself despite WWE's best efforts to the contrary, Shelton Benjamin developing into one of the best wrestlers on Raw.  They had their problems, Randy Orton's fall from grace, injuries to key players and Christy Hemme's attempts at wrestling.  Smackdown was just not up to level for the first half of the year, in large part due to one man, John Bradshaw Layfield.  Despite his best efforts and terrific promos, JBL was just an awful champion and his title reign came to an end in a suitably awful match.  Despite some good build up, John Cena's Title reign began with a whimper.  Kurt Angle was the highlight for Smackdown up until Wrestlemania.  His feud with Shawn Michaels made for two memorable matches (against both Rockers) and some memrable moments.  However, Smackdown shot Angle in the foot for his feud with Booker T, making him some kind of sexual predator. Smackdown was all right for the first half of the year, but not as good as Raw.

Shortly after the Draft, that seemingly reinforces Raw, Raw completely fell apart.  While Cena's poor wrestling was part of the problem, the writing was godawful, as was the booking, and Cena's title reign has suffered as a result.  Shelton Benjamin was depushed and demoted to Heat and jobber duty.  HBK found himself in a state of flux, as he was politically outmanuvered by Hulk Hogan and refused to turn heel.  WWE completely blew a potentially career making feud between Hardy and Edge.  Chris Jericho decided to take time off from WWE.  Raw became a brand that just had no idea what it was doing.  There was also the release and subsequent humiliation of the beloved Jim Ross by the ever fluctating McMahon family, the retun to TV of Stephanie, and of course, Jonathon Coachman's announcing.  Smackdown, on the other hand, recovered from some of their poor decisions and found a groove.  Batista and Eddie rebounded from some of Creative's missteps and Batista has proven to be a solid face champion. Chris Benoit and Booker T started in a well executed feud that has resulted in solid matches.  Randy Orton seemed to get back the edge that made him a star as a heel, when he wasn't dealing with the Undertaker  Smackdown benefitted from the Smackdown vs Raw feud.   There was the debut of Mr. Kennedy... Kennedy, and the promising Bobby Lashley.  The potentially awful Boogeyman turn into an entertainingly goofy  character.  Restocking of the Tag Division with MNM, the Mexicools, Regal and Burchill, London and Kendrick forming up an interesting combo of teams that can have some good matches.  Smackdown was not perfect, there was the depushing of Paul London and the cruiserweights, Dominick, everything involving the Undertaker and some poor, poor decisions.  Smackdown's year did end in tragedy with Eddie's passing, as well as injuries to Kennedy and a limiting injury to Batista, that have left the future in doubt, but the year still ended strong enough for Smackdown.

However, I give the edge to Smackdown.  They finished the year strong enough, while Raw was generally awful for the last half of the year.

Ok. This just may be a long one.

First of all. With the loss of Eddie Guerrero, end of year is sucking for Smackdown. The only thing that's keeping Smackdown alive each year is actually the trades that go on. Why? Because WWE wants to re-kick-start Smackdown each year, so they figure "hey, lets give them new superstars and watch the ratings fly by." My opinion? Raw is better.

Raw has to be better. Raw is clearly the more worked on, and has the better superstars. It has the likes of Lilian Garcia, Triple H, John Cena, Chris Masters, Carlito, Kurt Angle, etc. Triple H needs to go to Smackdown. Badly. Because right now, they're suffering without the likes of him or any other quality superstar that could actually make the brand better.

Moving on. I also think Raw's superstars have much better chances of getting involved with cooler storylines than Smackdown. Males have to get involved with females. *Cough* Batista *Cough* Melina *Cough* The Squid, haha kidding about that last part. But yeah, I mean, there's got to be better. It was hot, but there has to be better. Seriously.

Now, as for content. Yeah, Raw wins. Smackdown needs more variety. I mean Raw has like a bunch of stuff, like talk shows, and angles like that, while Smackdown settled for the Junior Division :|...

I'm not gonna bother going any further.

Raw wins.

Its all about finishing strong for me, and that's exactly what Smackdown did. Raw completely fell apart in all aspects of the game during the second half of the year, while Smackdown, depite a few blunders and setbacks, found its niche and things began to click.

For the first half of the year, Raw managed to pretty much own Smackdown until after Wrestlemania. Raw had the terrific slow build to Batista-Trips, some terrific matches and moments like the Rockers Reunion, Trips-Benoit and the Gold Rush Tourney, there was the evolution of Edge's heel character, Christian elevating himself despite WWE's best efforts to the contrary, Shelton Benjamin developing into one of the best wrestlers on Raw. They had their problems, Randy Orton's fall from grace, injuries to key players and Christy Hemme's attempts at wrestling. Smackdown was just not up to level for the first half of the year, in large part due to one man, John Bradshaw Layfield. Despite his best efforts and terrific promos, JBL was just an awful champion and his title reign came to an end in a suitably awful match. Despite some good build up, John Cena's Title reign began with a whimper. Kurt Angle was the highlight for Smackdown up until Wrestlemania. His feud with Shawn Michaels made for two memorable matches (against both Rockers) and some memrable moments. However, Smackdown shot Angle in the foot for his feud with Booker T, making him some kind of sexual predator. Smackdown was all right for the first half of the year, but not as good as Raw.

Shortly after the Draft, that seemingly reinforces Raw, Raw completely fell apart. While Cena's poor wrestling was part of the problem, the writing was godawful, as was the booking, and Cena's title reign has suffered as a result. Shelton Benjamin was depushed and demoted to Heat and jobber duty. HBK found himself in a state of flux, as he was politically outmanuvered by Hulk Hogan and refused to turn heel. WWE completely blew a potentially career making feud between Hardy and Edge. Chris Jericho decided to take time off from WWE. Raw became a brand that just had no idea what it was doing. There was also the release and subsequent humiliation of the beloved Jim Ross by the ever fluctating McMahon family, the retun to TV of Stephanie, and of course, Jonathon Coachman's announcing. Smackdown, on the other hand, recovered from some of their poor decisions and found a groove. Batista and Eddie rebounded from some of Creative's missteps and Batista has proven to be a solid face champion. Chris Benoit and Booker T started in a well executed feud that has resulted in solid matches. Randy Orton seemed to get back the edge that made him a star as a heel, when he wasn't dealing with the Undertaker Smackdown benefitted from the Smackdown vs Raw feud. There was the debut of Mr. Kennedy... Kennedy, and the promising Bobby Lashley. The potentially awful Boogeyman turn into an entertainingly goofy character. Restocking of the Tag Division with MNM, the Mexicools, Regal and Burchill, London and Kendrick forming up an interesting combo of teams that can have some good matches. Smackdown was not perfect, there was the depushing of Paul London and the cruiserweights, Dominick, everything involving the Undertaker and some poor, poor decisions. Smackdown's year did end in tragedy with Eddie's passing, as well as injuries to Kennedy and a limiting injury to Batista, that have left the future in doubt, but the year still ended strong enough for Smackdown.

However, I give the edge to Smackdown. They finished the year strong enough, while Raw was generally awful for the last half of the year.

The_Dude14

For the first part of year...I would have to say that Raw won....easily. 

SmackDown had too many problems to speak of...with domanit heel Champion in JBL, tasteless program involving Angle, Booker T and his wife, horrible US Champion run with OJ, Undertaker continuing his ego trip and along with other problems...SmackDown first part of the year was barely watchable, IMHO.

However, SmackDown did have some good qualities to speak of...Angle-Jannety managed to have one of the best TV matches of the year, Eddie-Rey had couple of great matches heading towards WreslteMania 21, MNN came on to scene and JBL-Cena actually had some good build up. However, the match itself was horrible-horrible sight to watch and big joke, considering it was WWE Championship match and SmackDown main event for WM 21.

On the other hand, Raw had very good feud in Batista-Triple H, great IC Champion in Shelton Benjamin, promising heel in Hassan, growning heel in Edge, awesome wrestler that is Chris Benoit, Gold Rush Tourney, little Chrsitian that could (despite WWE best efforts to otherwise not push him) and good number of great matches and moments along the way. However, Raw did have their problems in promising Orton that could not (get over with the fan, that is), injuryies in key players and Christy trying to wrestle (key word: Try).

However, SmackDown picked up steam after draft of 2005....gain great wrestler in Benoit, good wrestler in Christian (that provide one solid match after another) and SmackDown gained the stronger face Champion in Batista. Also, OJ's US run came to end, Eddie-Rey program came to end and JBL feel from grace (i.e good thing). In addition, Batista-Eddie friendship provided solid and entertaing matches and moments, Randy Orton's as heel character gained some of his lost momeuntum, SmackDown's tag-team division is growning and their quality in their division is obviously better than Raw's and newcomer such as Mr. Kennedy... Kennedy,  MNM,  Bobby Lashley and Kid Kash have shown that SmackDown has promising future ahead of itself.

Sure, SmackDown had their share of promblems in the ladder part of the year, some of which I have already mentioned. SmackDown has lost some tanlent in Christian, Hassan and in the late and great Eddie Guerrero. And yes....SmackDown had some horrible and/or tasteless storylines in Eddie-Rey-Donimick drama and the dragged out feud in Undertaker and Randy Orton. However...SmackDown's good qualities have managed to outshine the bad and SmackDown had managed to his finish out the ladder part of the year with most of their programs being very solid in past 3-4 months, IMHO.

Mean while....Raw has slowly, but surely lost the steam it had going for itself at the beginning of the year and their average show is that....average (or lower). Partly, due to flop of Champion in John Cena, also due to the fact that Shelton became jobber, Y2J leaving the WWE, utterly horrible-tag-team division on Raw and some seariously weak booking by creative. Also, Raw had weak and mixed-up program in Matt and Edge and the IC Championship has become nothing more than, well...I am not sure what is anymore, but surely is not Championship belt, with horrible runs in Carlito and Flair. In addition, McMahon Family (mainly Vince) appearances on Raw have mostly brought nothing that is good, from the firing of JR (and the tasteless skit that followed), to recent glorification of the 1997 Bret Hart screw job...state of Raw seems lost, random and weak, IMHO.

Yes, Raw has some good moments along the ladder part of the year, such as the always awesome Shawn Michaels and Kurt Angle (they bring mostly positives along with them), Triple H going mid-card and Joey Styles joining the Raw announce team...however, the negatives out weight the positives and IMHO, there are more negatives than positives...easily.

Bottom Line: The difference is this....Raw has been going down hill in quality, while SmackDown has been growning in quality. SmackDown has the better face champion, better roster, better young tanlent and better match quality...SmackDown wins this poll...the difference in quality is obvious, IMHO.

One guy votes for RAW and he gets ripped apart hmm... I vote for RAW because of Kurt Angle seriously he owns all, but then there's Benoit crap... I pick VelocityKotenks

Well said.... How is it that somehow you manage to always give a great explanation of the same thing I'm thinking???
DirtyDarren

Why? Because he is the Dude...that is why. :P

Just so you dont hurt your brain, Ill keep it short and simple:

If you want good wrestling matches, go to Smackdown. If you want non-talented wrestlers who cant wrestle even if their life depended on them get pushed, then go to RAW.

Chicago_Nut

[QUOTE="Chicago_Nut"]

Just so you dont hurt your brain, Ill keep it short and simple:

If you want good wrestling matches, go to Smackdown. If you want non-talented wrestlers who cant wrestle even if their life depended on them get pushed, then go to RAW.

DirtyDarren

[QUOTE="DirtyDarren"] [QUOTE="Chicago_Nut"]

Just so you dont hurt your brain, Ill keep it short and simple:

If you want good wrestling matches, go to Smackdown. If you want non-talented wrestlers who cant wrestle even if their life depended on them get pushed, then go to RAW.

Chicago_Nut

[QUOTE="DirtyDarren"] Well said.... How is it that somehow you manage to always give a great explanation of the same thing I'm thinking???
Link256

Why? Because is the Dude...that is why. :P

[QUOTE="Link256"]

[QUOTE="DirtyDarren"] Well said.... How is it that somehow you manage to always give a great explanation of the same thing I'm thinking???
The_Dude14

Why? Because is the Dude...that is why. :P

Smackdown hasnt been good since Hogan left!BadMrSnake

Smackdown hasnt been good since Hogan left!BadMrSnake

i pick raw for the reason that i never watched wrestling on friday's since i was out doing stuff more entertaining... raw was on a monday so i have no choice but to be home basically... jus didnt see enough of SD

[QUOTE="DirtyDarren"] [QUOTE="Chicago_Nut"]

Just so you dont hurt your brain, Ill keep it short and simple:

If you want good wrestling matches, go to Smackdown. If you want non-talented wrestlers who cant wrestle even if their life depended on them get pushed, then go to RAW.

Chicago_Nut

Here's my brief rebuttal.

A.Better Wrestlers
Good wrestlers, in my opinion(not counting divas):
Raw
1.Shelton
2.Flair
3.Angle
4.RVD, although he hasn't wrestled
5.Triple H, arguably.
6.HBK
7.Some can argue Cena, I guess
8.Val Venis, although he's more of a Heat guy
9.Chavo
10.Edge
11.Rob Conway
Smackdown
1.Booker T
2.Brian Kendrick(Velocity)
3.Paul London(Velocity)
4.Mercury
5.Nitro
6.Benoit
7.Eddie (RIP)
8.Juvi, sometimes
9.Kennedy
10.Kid Kash
11.Matt Hardy
12.Super Crazy
13.Psicosis(better than Cena)
14.Burchill
15.Orton
16.Regal
17.Rey
18.Super Crazy

Even if you count some divas for Raw, Smackdown still wins pretty easy. There is no way that Raw has better wrestlers.
JML897

What about Raw's Gregory Helms and SmackDown's Funaki? I would classify them as both being very good workers. 

What about Raw's Gregory Helms and SmackDown's Funaki? I would classify them as both being very good workers.

Link256

my choice.................................SmackDown! because there was batista ,moving to friday, eddie's passing [rip] and booker/benoit which is still going on.

raw: homecoming, cena, y2j fired, bichoff fired and what else SMACKDOWN RULES!

I have to say RAW!appaloosa582002

do you have any reason??

[QUOTE="appaloosa582002"]I have to say RAW!shoot_em_up123

do you have any reason??

They have my favorite superstar... Cena, and they had a lot of good matches earlier this year

batistawwefan1

I'll buy it

moving to fridaywwefan1

How does that make it better than RAW?

eddie's passing [rip]wwefan1

So you're trying to say because Eddie passed away, Smackdown is better than RAW?

and booker/benoitwwefan1

I can see how you may like that rivalry but you can't honestly say that you like to hear Booker running his mouth everytime you see him.