WWE: 5 Reasons Smackdown Is Currently Better Than Raw

Dare I say it?

Has the pre-taped, spoiler-ruined, Friday Night Smackdown become a better wrestling show than the live Monday Night Raw?

If you'd asked me the question the night after WrestleMania—you know, the warm April 2 night when the American Airlines Arena came unglued—I would have said it was impossible.

Allow me to reminisce—the memories are still fresh—the raucous crowd, the Daniel Bryan revolution, the F-5...

But in the weeks following, Raw has unmistakeably descended back into the predictable tripe that has historically alienated its devoted following.

One only needs to think of the recent John Cena/John Laurinaitis feud closing out Monday night after Monday night to realize the truth.

It's not difficult to see that the WWE is still stuck in the PG era—one only has to look out the window.

But whilst Monday nights continue to disappoint, a minor miracle is occurring on Fridays.

Smackdown is good again!

Here are five reasons to prove it.

Damien Sandow

Let me get this one out of the way first, because I may be showing my impartiality.

Daniel Bryan aside, Damien Sandow is the best thing to happen to the WWE post-WrestleMania.

His promos are pure gold.

Those who have seen him compete in FCW know full well that he has the in-ring ability to back it up.

With Sandow yet to appear on Raw, Smackdown has monopolised one of the premier "future" talents in the industry.

Decent Length Matches

Now I'm no mathematician, but it seems to me that the matches on Smackdown seem to last a lot longer than those on Raw of late.

Take last week's Friday night show, for instance: the two hours featured lengthy matches including a tag-team bout of Kofi Kingston and R-Truth against Darren Young and Titus O'Neil, Daniel Bryan beating Zack Ryder, Santino fighting Cody Rhodes and a near 20-minute main event match between Sheamus and Randy Orton.

Not only is that a great card, but it is one that gives its main event a chance.

Now I can't exactly recall how the Raw of that week closed, but it would most likely have included John Cena talking a lot.

Ryback

SPOILER ALERT: This video contains footage from tonight's WWE Smackdown.

Now I've not exactly been a huge fan of the man formerly known as Skip Sheffield since his post-WrestleMania debut.

But after watching the above, I am now.

I'll just let the footage speak for itself.

(Just don't start chanting "Goldberg! Goldberg! Goldberg!").

Merging of the Brands

With the recent erosion of the brand separation, WWE Raw no longer monopolises the top draw guys.

They've become a lot more willing to share, bless them.

This means, with the possible exception of John Cena (hey, he's got to have a rest some nights!), viewers of Smackdown have been privy to the talents of CM Punk, Dolph Ziggler, Chris Jericho and others on the show—guys who have, and are able to, put on fantastic matches.

And long may it continue.

Tonight's Show

Now how about this for a card?

Christian vs. Hunico

Ryback in action.

Sheamus vs. Jack Swagger

Damien Sandow vs. Yoshi Tatsu

A Daniel Bryan appearance!

Number One Contender's Match: Randy Orton vs. Kane vs. Alberto del Rio

Excited yet?