Christmas Raw vs SmackDown (25th, 26th December): Which show was better this week?
Last week we brought you the first ever Sportskeeda WWE Raw vs WWE SmackDown, proving that Survivor Series isn't the only place you'll see the red brand take on the blue brand, as they'll be doing it every week here. And this week it's a special Christmas edition!
Last week, Monday Night RAW comfortably beat SmackDown LIVE to become the most entertaining show, but could RAW triumph over SmackDown LIVE with its first ever live show on Christmas Day?
In case you're not familiar with the format yet, We'll be looking at the best match of the night for both shows, the opening segment, the mid-card, the tag-team division, the main event and any surprises or shocks that may have happened on either show.
Then, at the end of it all, we'll be able to tell you whether RAW or SmackDown LIVE was the best show for that week.
The Opening Segment
RAW
Monday Night RAW decided to kick off its first ever live show on Christmas Day with a bang, by opening with the return of John Cena to an utterly raucous ovation from the Chicago crowd.
Cena cuts a promo about Christmas and handed out merchandise to a child with disabilities, leading to a 'Merry Christmas' chant. However, the festive merriment was cut short by Elias who told Cena that WWE stands for 'Walk With Elias.'
Elias then said that for weeks he's been interrupted, leading to 'CM Punk' chants. Elias responded by saying that CM Punk won't be interrupting him and that he's going to sing a derogatory song about Chicago, leading to Cena calling him a jerk. Elias feigned a change of heart before attacking Cena and challenging him to a match.
The match itself wasn't a particularly great one, even though it hit all the narrative beats of a typical Cena match, with Elias dominating for almost fifteen uninterrupted minutes before Cena rallied, hitting his Attitude Adjustment for the win.
SmackDown LIVE
SmackDown LIVE opened with General Manager Daniel Bryan addressing the events of last week where Dolph Ziggler abandoned the United States Title in the middle of the ring and walked out. Bryan announced there would be a tournament to crown a new United States Champion.
Bryan was then interrupted by Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin, Rusev Day and The New Day, who all want a shot at the SmackDown LIVE Tag-Team Titles. Bryan then announced an impromptu Triple Threat match, with the winners becoming the new #1 contenders for The Usos' titles.
Rusev Day received a HUGE reaction from the crowd but alas it wasn't to be a Rusev Day on SmackDown LIVE as American Beta managed to retain their #1 contendership status when Chad Gable pinned Big E with a Bulldog from the top rope.
Who was better?
I feel the same as last week, whilst SmackDown LIVE's opening segment was practical and expected and not at all a disappointment, the Monday Night RAW opening segment just felt a little more upbeat and energetic. Plus, there isn't much that can compete with John Cena making his WWE return.
Winner: Monday Night RAW