How WWE Raw Is Like SmackDown (& How They're Different)

For the past 20 years, RAW and SmackDown have been WWE's two most prominent flagship shows produced on television. RAW has been around since the early 90s, while SmackDown has been the proving ground for guys like Edge, Rey Mysterio, John Cena, and more.

Both shows have regularly competed for brand supremacy over the years, to varying degrees of success. Raw and SmackDown today have things that make them similar to one another. However, for all their similarities, there are some aspects to each show that make them feel different as well. As both shows continue to evolve, some of these similarities and differences will become more pronounced.

10 Different: RAW's Post-PPV Bump

RAW also has the advantage of being the first show after a PPV. The RAW after WrestleMania, for instance, is one of the most anticipated shows on WWE's calendar. Surprises are expected on the show, including debuts from NXT talent and returning stars like Cody Rhodes speaking for the first time since leaving the company.

Fans want to see the next phase of a storyline, so they immediately tune into RAW. While SmackDown benefits from being the go-home show for a PPV, RAW receives a massive post-PPV bump.

9 Similar: The First Hour Mark

Long-time fans of WWE would recognize the structure of their two flagship shows. Often a heated segment featuring a main event talent would kick off the first hour, followed by a match of some kind. An important storyline involving Roman Reigns would be kept at the top of the hour, so fans have less chance to miss it.

For a while, this hourly structure wasn't clear for most fans. However, as the years went by, many picked up on the repetitiveness of each show. Things under Triple H are a little more unpredictable, but this template is mostly adhered to.

8 Different: SmackDown Is A Digestible Two Hours

When RAW switched to three hours, it began a new era for the red brand. Matches now were thought to be given more time to breathe, and superstars had more chances to showcase their skills. However, RAW soon became too much of a drag for most long-time fans who were used to the two-hour format.

Suddenly SmackDown became the more digestible show on WWE's weekly programming. While the segments on SmackDown aren't stellar, those watching the show don't have to put up with an extra hour of filler. Even Seth Rollins once said that the three-hour format of RAW is "obnoxiously long."

7 Similar: Recaps Galore

One of the significant issues surrounding both shows is the constant recaps. Fans in attendance have to endure recaps for PPVs, television shows, and reels from WWE's charity work.

These recaps bring the programs to a screeching halt and take away time from other storylines and talent that needs it. Plus, it also doesn't make sense when RAW is showing a recap of something that happened on SmackDown. A recap video of Kofi Kingston defeating Sheamus on SmackDown shouldn't even air on RAW. Hopefully, this will change to an extent with the next WWE Draft.

6 Different: RAW's Rich History

Mankind (Mick Foley) wins the WWE Championship

Because RAW has been around longer, it's often been labeled as The A Show. Many of WWE's most important storylines have been featured heavily on RAW, often leaving SmackDown with next to nothing to play with.

RAW also was WWE's flagship show during the Monday Night Wars. Moments like Mankind capturing the WWE Title occurred on RAW, so it will always be considered the more historic show. This balance in power has shifted somewhat since SmackDown moved to Fox, but RAW's legacy will never be forgotten by longtime fans.

5 Similar: SmackDown On Fox

But even though RAW has such a rich history, that doesn't mean SmackDown for the past few years has gone unnoticed. Since it moved to Fox, SmackDown has become the destination for many top names in WWE.

Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns has featured almost exclusively on SmackDown, despite holding both titles. Brock Lesnar won the WWE Championship on the first SmackDown episode on Fox as well. Both shows are far more balanced in terms of star power than they have been in a long time.

4 Similar: Mid-Card Titles Still Suffer

It doesn't matter which mid-card title is on which show; the titles have gone years without any love. It's even more heartbreaking considering the more recent champions are guys who could hold the fort while a part-time champion at the top of the card isn't around as much.

Whenever a mid-card title is featured on either show, it boosts the show. Suddenly, an episode of RAW goes from unimportant to interesting just with the announcement of a mid-card title match. Triple H's treatment of the United States and Intercontinental Championships has been proof of that, and this is hopefully a trend that will continue.

3 Different: SmackDown Can Still Develop New Stars

For the longest time, SmackDown was considered the show where new stars were given a chance to develop their characters. John Cena debuted on SmackDown against Kurt Angle and later formed his charismatic rapper gimmick, which helped him get over while ushering in the Ruthless Aggression Era.

Although the show's an hour shorter, it still gives new stars like Raquel Rodriguez and Gunther more time to showcase their skills to a broad audience. It'd be interesting to see more NXT talent join the SmackDown roster, especially as more established stars like Roman Reigns start to take on a lighter work-load.

2 Similar: Decline In Ratings

SmackDown and RAW have shown a steep decline in viewership over the past two decades. SmackDown once averaged 3 million viewers but has gone down significantly to a 2.2 rating. RAW, which once got over 5 million viewers, has gone down to 1.5.

There are many factors to the rating decline, including the rise of streaming. One clear thing is that many people who once watched these shows ten plus years ago have yet to return.

1 Different: SmackDown Offsetting The Competition

SmackDown airs two hours before AEW Rampage. This gives SmackDown the chance to set the mood of the pro wrestling Friday night, which often feels like the lead-in to a better quality show. It puts a lot of pressure on the blue brand to deliver the best possible product.

While RAW was at the forefront of the Monday Night Wars with WCW, SmackDown has now stepped in to an extent.