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Is SmackDown and Raw the same?

Author

Olivia Shea

Updated on February 24, 2026

Is SmackDown and Raw the same?

What is it? WWE Raw is a professional wrestling television program that currently airs live on Monday nights on the USA Network in the United States. WWE SmackDown is a professional wrestling television program that currently airs on Friday nights on Syfy in the United States.

Similarly, it is asked, which one is better Raw or SmackDown?

Raw has always been the flagship brand of WWE programming, so SmackDown has usually had an uphill battle to catch up. With a greater emphasis placed on it from a roster depth and storyline development standpoint, the show has surpassed SmackDown as the higher-quality program in WWE.

Beside above, is WWE Raw and SmackDown? RAW is a three-hour show, while SmackDown is on the air for two hours. RAW is considered the flagship show of the WWE, while SmackDown has been giving RAW a run for its money in recent years.

Also, is Raw and SmackDown separate?

In March 2002, the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) began promoting its core business of professional wrestling through two distinct brands, named after their two major television shows Raw and SmackDown!. On May 25, 2016, WWE announced a relaunch of the brand extension, billed as the "New Era".

What is Raw SmackDown?

Raw is a professional wrestling video game released on the PlayStation 2 by THQ and developed by Yuke's. Raw name) and is based on the professional wrestling promotion World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), particularly the WWE brand extension. This game is the sequel to 2003's WWE SmackDown!

Who is the best WWE wrestler?

Top ten WWE superstars of all time including The Rock, Triple H, Ric Flair and The Undertaker
  1. The Undertaker.
  2. Stone Cold Steve Austin.
  3. The Rock.
  4. Shawn Michaels.
  5. Ric Flair.
  6. Hulk Hogan.
  7. Triple H.
  8. John Cena.

Is WWE real or acted?

As in other professional wrestling promotions, WWE shows are not legitimate contests, but entertainment-based performance theater, featuring storyline-driven, scripted, and partially-choreographed matches.

What does raw in wrestling stand for?

WWE RAW. World Wrestling Entertainment - Real American Wrestling.

Why is SmackDown so much better than RAW?

#5 SmackDown has better long term booking than RAW

Other than two or three storylines, most of the bouts seem to be throwaway matches of no consequence. When it comes to SmackDown, the matches have a greater purpose. There's been better long-term booking with acknowledgment of previous storylines.

Who runs Raw and SmackDown?

On the July 11 episode of Raw, Vince McMahon named Shane McMahon the commissioner of SmackDown. Then next week on Raw, Daniel Bryan was revealed as the new SmackDown General Manager. Due to Raw being a three-hour show and SmackDown being a two-hour show, Raw received three picks each round and SmackDown received two.

How Much Is Vince McMahon Worth?

1.9 billion USD (2021)

What does NXT stand for?

NXT
AcronymDefinition
NXTNext
NXTNick Xenophon Team (political party; Australia)
NXTNITE XML (Extensible Markup Language)Toolkit

Why is it called WWE Raw?

Finally, in 2002, the name was changed again to "WWE Raw", due to the WWF being sued by the World Wildlife Foundation for use of the WWF logo. In 2012, the show was extended to three hours.

Who runs WWE Raw?

Raw (WWE brand)
Logo for the brand and the Raw television program as of September 30, 2019
Product typeProfessional wrestling Sports entertainment
OwnerWWE
Produced byVince McMahonBruce Prichard
CountryUnited States

Who started WWE?

Vince McMahon
Linda McMahon

Who holds WWE belts?

The United States Championship is held by Sheamus, who is in his third reign. He won the title by defeating Riddle on Night 2 of WrestleMania 37 on April 11, 2021. The Intercontinental Championship is held by Apollo Crews, who is in his first reign.

How did Raw end?

McIntyre ended Raw by driving a Claymore into the face of the WWE champion.

Who is WWE brand ambassador?

STAMFORD, Conn. --(BUSINESS WIRE)-- WWE (NYSE: WWE) today announced that WWE Global Ambassador Titus O'Neil been named the recipient of the 2020 Warrior Award.

How many wrestlers are in WWE Raw?

The list of WWE wrestlers compiles at a total of 207 superstars across five different brands, i.e, WWE Raw, WWE SmackDown Live, WWE NXT, WWE NXT UK, WWE 205 Live, and three unassigned wrestlers (John Cena, Kane, The Undertaker).

Why is WWE drafted?

Background. The WWE Draft is an annual process used by WWE while a brand extension is in effect to refresh the rosters of their brand divisions, typically between the Raw and SmackDown brands. In 2019, the promotion held two drafts, the first in April and the second in October.

Is WWE Network shutting down?

The WWE Network did not shut down when Peacock launched its WWE content page on March 18. However, this was likely done to give fans time to make the transfer, because all support and functionality for the WWE Network will cease on Sunday, April 4. By April 5, the service will be no more.

Does WWE Network have all Raw episodes?

Every episode of Raw and Smackdown, with current full episode replays 30 days after air. Every episode of NXT, including full episode replays available the next day.

How can I watch Raw and SmackDown in the UK?

WWE Raw will be broadcast live on BT Sport 1 at 1am on Tuesday mornings. Watch the action live, record and watch later, or enjoy Raw on catch-up after the live show. WWE Raw will be broadcast live on BT Sport 1 at 1am on Tuesday mornings.

Why is raw and smackdown not on WWE Network?

But in spite of the pandemic, WWE is continuing their Raw and SmackDown Live shows, but they are already pre-taped. So this the reason they are not aired on WWE network. Every show is been held at the Performance Centre of WWE.

How do you get on WWE Raw?

On a Web Browser
  1. Go to www.wwe.com/wwenetwork.
  2. Select RAW or SMACKDOWN from the secondary navigation menu.
  3. Looking for older episodes? Use the filters to narrow down the listing to a specific year.

What is WWE Raw underground?

RAW Underground, the shoot-style wrestling that was introduced for the third of WWE RAW, has not been on air in recent weeks. RAW Underground debuted on August 3 on WWE RAW and was introduced by Shane McMahon, who returned to WWE television for the first time in eight months since being "fired" from WWE last October.

Is SmackDown older than RAW?

WWE Raw is generally seen as WWE's flagship program over its sister programs, SmackDown! and ECW, due to its longer history and the way it is promoted.

Who has won more Survivor Series Raw or SmackDown?

Raw won the competition in 2016, 2017, and 2018, with a 3–2 victory in 2016, a 4–3 victory in 2017, and a clean sweep 6–0 victory in 2018 (the pre-show match, which SmackDown won, was not counted that year).

Can you play Smackdown vs Raw on PC?

WWE SmackDown Vs. Raw Online Makes Its Way To The PC! Bleacher Report | Latest News, Videos and Highlights.

Is NXT better than WWE?

NXT is incredibly popular and is the best direct competition that the WWE has for AEW. The talent is generally younger and more athletic. They also tend to have more of a high flying, acrobatic skill set which fans like. The WWE is considering merging 205 with NXT to capitalize on the mutual talent and styles.

What does WWE stand for?

World Wrestling Entertainment