WWE Raw vs SmackDown Live: Which was better? (4 & 5 February 2019)
The last episode of RAW received low viewership due to the absence of the Universal Champion, Brock Lesnar and his challenger and 2019 Royal Rumble winner Seth Rollins.
While Lesnar is known to be frequently absent from WWE programming, Rollins is currently recovering from an injury. The show saw some major feuds being built up for Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania 35.
On SmackDown Live, the focus was much on the Elimination Chamber match as we saw 2 singles matches between the competitors of the Chamber match, while there was also a triple threat tag team match featuring the three female teams of SmackDown who will step inside the demonic structure to battle for the women's tag team championships.
So which show was better?
To determine the winner, I’ll be looking at the opening segment, the mid-card, the tag-team division, the women’s division, and the main event of both the shows. Then I’ll be able to conclude who wins when it comes to WWE Raw vs SmackDown Live.
#1 The opening segment
RAW: Stephanie McMahon returned to Monday Night RAW to kick off proceedings, and she invited the 2019 Women's Royal Rumble winner, Becky Lynch, to the ring. Becky took some shots at Stephanie when the Billion Dollar Princess pointed out her knee injury and asked her to get medically cleared.
The Irish Lass Kicker then attacked Stephanie, just to be suspended by her. Ronda Rousey confronted her backstage and told her that it was wrong to attack Stephanie McMahon (as if Rousey didn't attack her multiple times herself).
SmackDown Live: Charlotte Flair opened SmackDown Live showing how Becky's behavior led to her getting suspended on RAW. Lynch tried to interfere, but the referees stopped her. Triple H came out next, and after he sent Charlotte backstage, he ordered Lynch to go to the doctors and get medically cleared.
The Man, however, did not listen to him and went on to have a heated conversation with the Game. To end the segment, Becky slapped Triple H and went out of the ring smiling.
Which was better: Both segments focussed on the WrestleMania match between Ronda Rousey and Becky Lynch. But Becky Lynch's ruthless behavior on the blue brand helps SmackDown take the victory here.
Winner: SmackDown Live