Over the past few years, SmackDown became the obvious B-show and with it moving to USA Network, they had to find a way to get better ratings for it. Making the show live and implementing the brand split seemed like a solid solution, so all WWE had to do was execute it well to secure a bright future for the blue brand. The new element to the story was added when Stephanie and Shane enlisted their new General Managers who are both high revered by the faithful WWE fans. But we’re talking about Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley which is annoying to me. Sasha says she’s Charlotte’s worst nightmare and she’s coming for the WWE Women’s Title on RAW. Enzo and Cass are the next team to be drafted and will be going to Monday Night Raw as Mick picks the pair next.
Advertisement
There are two interesting leaders already on the Smackdown Live roster that could lead a devious heel faction.
But wait, there’s more! A McMahon family feud is nothing new and has several incarnations in the last two decades and there is a need to be a new element to the story. The latter’s past his prime in the ring, of course, but the former gives Raw ridiculous depth. A lot changed leading up to last night, including Reigns’ failed WWE drug test and Brock Lesnar’s failed UFC drug test, in addition to Cena’s reduced schedule. Chris Jericho in the mix not only keeps “the summer series” these four are having, but also keeps a well-known name for Raw. But Monday is going to be the highlight of the week. Raw’s Women’s Division is definitely superior to Smackdown’s with those two picks.
Regardless of what was originally planned before the WWE Draft this week, WWE was successful in splitting nearly every member of the WWE roster into either the Raw and SmackDown brand. On Smackdown, they ended up getting the WWE championship ( Dean Ambrose) and the Intercontinental title ( the Miz). They selected wrestlers like John Cena, Randy Orton, and AJ Styles.
SmackDown was filled with veterans. After the televised portion of the draft ended, SmackDown nabbed Zack Ryder with the 43rd pick (and later his “bro” Mojo Rawley) and Apollo Crews with the 45th pick.
In an interesting development, considering Raw’s poor ratings in recent weeks, is that SmackDown has much more star power.
Perhaps most importantly, though, SmackDown is always going to have an edge as the more “watchable” and consistent weekly show because it’s shorter. RAW then chooses Kevin Owens. “I think Raw going forward needs to be about the Superstars, it needs to be about the performers in the ring and not about how Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley co-exist”.
Advertisement
NXT’s one-hour length always feels too short, but SmackDown’s two-hour window is flawless – and they now have a diverse roster of established stars (Cena and Randy Orton), veteran guys who needed a mixup to the format (Del Rio, Kalisto), and exciting new faces. Make them feel different, present them different, and that will create that fabricated competition that the WWE wants so badly.
