WWE Raw vs. SmackDown: Winner, Top Highlights and Botches for Week of June 8

WWE Monday Night Raw and SmackDown Live are in the books for the week of June 8, and fans had plenty to be happy about this time around.

The red and blue brands have always been in competition, of course, but that notion has been reinforced over the past year. Monday's flagship program is infamous for the amount of promos that occur, as well as the backstage spots that may or may not lead to matches.

The ironic part of that is the amount of Raw talent that's capable of delivering in the ring every week.

SmackDown Live has the reputation of being the wrestling program, and that's been the case for quite some time. The blue brand is indeed mostly action, with very little talk. The Superstars let the matches speak for them, and it's one of the reasons why SmackDown has become the favorite of many WWE fans.

But picking a winner for the week of June 8 is a bit tough because of the content both programs delivered to the WWE faithful.

Raw's highlights consist of some key promos that have ramifications for ongoing storylines. Building the angles is essential to keeping fans interested, and creating enough drama that will keep them coming back for more is always the goal.

Raw succeeded on both of those fronts.

SmackDown Live's matches did the same for the blue brand's own narrative and paved the way for what's to come on the road to Money in the Bank. Fans were surely more than impressed with what they saw, and that means choosing a victor between both programs is not easy.

However in the end, SmackDown Live arguably came out on top of Monday Night Raw. The matches that WWE gave fans on the Tuesday night showcase were above Raw, and the groundwork laid by the blue brand was of strong merit as well.

The botches were few, the highlights were memorable, and both programs were entertaining. What more could fans ask for?

Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt

The fallout from Extreme Rules was felt on Monday Night Raw, as Roman Reigns faced off against Bray Wyatt. Any fan that's followed WWE over the past year knows that both men have a long history together, which means this match was nothing new.

But it was good.

The best part about Reigns and Wyatt is their chemistry. Fans that may tire of seeing them work cannot deny that they work extremely well together. The Big Dog and The Eater of Worlds do not get enough credit in that regard, and this match was proof positive of how good they are.

Reigns' immediate path is unknown, and Wyatt's is seemingly a mystery as well. But that does not mean they can't deliver when the time comes, and that's just what they did on Monday Night Raw.

Could it be that their next programs lead back to each other?

Reigns is much better than some fans believe. Wyatt is capable of much more than what he gets. They may not gain any new ground in another feud together, but no one can argue that it would surely deliver some extremely solid matches.

The same was true of their bout on June 5.

Samoa Joe Attacks Paul Heyman

This was the moment that perhaps put Raw over SmackDown in the minds of some fans.

Samoa Joe had the defining moment of his career when he physically attacked Paul Heyman. But it wasn't the Coquina Clutch submission move he applied; it was what he did before that still has people talking. Joe finally unleashed the killer inside.

Joe took his time when he spoke to Heyman. He didn't yell. He didn't scream. He didn't lose his composure. Joe very calmly informed Heyman that he was going to choke him out.

The moment was both intense and scary. Joe had the demeanor of a heartless predator hunting his prey. Heyman was perfect as the terrified victim while he begged for mercy. For the first time, WWE fans saw what Samoa Joe was truly capable of.

They've only seen a glimpse of what's to come.

Joe may not be the physical equal of Brock Lesnar, but he is the man that will not back down. He will hunt Lesnar just as he's always hunted everyone put in front of him, and he will do so with no fear. Joe wants to conquer The Beast Incarnate, and this promo was just the first step on that journey.

Dean Ambrose Surprises The Miz

Dean Ambrose versus The Miz may be a tired feud, but that does not mean it's over yet.

WWE evidently wants to keep it going, and Raw was proof of that. The Miz celebrated his newly won Intercontinental Championship, but fans knew it was only a matter of time until The Lunatic Fringe got involved.

That's exactly what happened.

The spot was nothing fans had not seen before, but it was fun all the same. Ambrose always appears to be flying blind without a plan, and that was the case on Raw as well. He was given the night off by Kurt Angle only to return later in the program.

When he did, fans knew who he was coming for.

Ambrose attacked Miz and made a statement at the same time. He's up for a rematch and will get it. Their rivalry may end with the next showdown however, as it may be time for both men to move on. The Miz should continue as Intercontinental champion, and Ambrose will surely keep busy being the rebel that he is.

Big Show Fills in for Big Cass

The mystery surrounding Enzo Amore being attacked on Monday Nights reached a new level of odd on Raw.

This time it was Enzo's partner Big Colin Cassady that found himself face down and left for dead. The Revival has been seen backstage over the past couple of weeks, and many surely believe they're responsible for the mayhem.

But could it be that Cass is the man responsible?

Playing dead on Monday Night Raw would be the perfect way to distract fans and cast doubt on his role in the attacks. If it is indeed a setup on Cass' part, then it's a convoluted storyline to say the least. It's an obvious way to split the two up and set Cass on a singles path that could take him to the top.

But he will likely meet some resistance along the way, namely from the Big Show. Show filled in for Cass with Amore and helped him defeat Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows. Big Show had fun, and he deserves to be on TV more than he is.

He may get that chance as this angle continues to develop. 

Samoa Joe vs. Seth Rollins

The match of the night for Raw was Seth Rollins versus Samoa Joe.

As Braun Strowman came to power and Finn Balor made his return, the spotlight had seemingly began to fade for Rollins. At one time the former Shield architect was the top guy on Raw, but he's been overshadowed recently. 

The June 5 edition of Raw proves why he deserves that spotlight once again.

Rollins gave Samoa Joe all he could handle and then some. Joe was full of confidence and rage, both of which he used in an effort to destroy his opponent. But Rollins kept fighting because that's what he does. Rollins seemed to be on his way to winning the match, until the distraction from Bray Wyatt.

Instead of taking Joe down, Rollins found himself being choked out. 

But while this match was good, Rollins and Joe don't seem to have the chemistry that Wyatt and Roman Reigns have. However, they're both experienced veterans, and they both know how to make a match work. 

Of course, now that Rollins appears to be moving on to Wyatt, Joe will have the opportunity to move on to Brock Lesnar. 

Lana Interrupts Shane McMahon

The women of WWE continue to break new ground.

The first-ever women's Money in the Bank ladder match will take place on June 18 at the event of the same name. Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, Carmella, Natalya and Tamina will compete for the right to challenge Naomi for the SmackDown Women's Championship.

But what if Naomi is not the champion when Money in the Bank comes to an end?

For whatever reason, Lana has been booked in a title match with Naomi. The move defies logic, mostly because of her inactivity since leaving Monday Night Raw. She's never been a full-time competitor in the ring, and her biggest claim to fame is her marriage to Rusev.

However that's not stopping WWE from giving her the biggest moment of her career thus far.

Fans are apparently on her side, though, and her inclusion at WWE's MITB event will surely make those fans happy. At the very least, it provides another talent for the SmackDown women's division. 

Or course, if she goes over on June 18, then it would completely change the landscape of women's wrestling on Tuesday nights.

AJ Styles vs. Dolph Ziggler

One of the complaints against Dolph Ziggler versus Shinsuke Nakamura from Backlash was that Ziggler perhaps was too competitive.

It seemed like an odd issue, mostly because many fans didn't want to see Nakamura simply squash his first main roster opponent. But it was curious that Ziggler would be so challenging for Nakamura, especially since WWE didn't seem to have a plan for Ziggler.

The same is true for Ziggler now, as once again he's been a tough competitor for a modern day legend.

AJ Styles and Ziggler had a good match on SmackDown Live, which was definitely a highlight of the program. AJ continues to be arguably the best hand in the company, and this match was yet another platform for him to hold the limelight.

The Showoff himself was once again on the losing end.

Ziggler's track record of high-profile matches is indeed impressive, but he must start winning at some point. Perhaps the next legend he faces will be the man he finally beats.

The New Day Seek Help from Breezango

Comedy definitely has a place in WWE.

That's been the case for years, but it's especially true now thanks to SmackDown Live. Breezango and The New Day crossed paths in a highly entertaining spot on June 6. The New Day went looking for some Intel on The Usos, and Breezango was more than happy to help.

What followed next was nothing short of hilarious.

The Fashion Police gimmick is over more than perhaps anyone thought it would be, and Breezango have definitely made it work. Fandango and Tyler Breeze have great timing and have completely immersed themselves into their characters.

What began as a goofy tag team is still a goofy tag team, but now it's working for them.

Fans are having fun with it, and that's the most important part. The New Day's arrival on SmackDown Live is a good thing for the program, as they have breathed some new life into the blue brand. Their bit with Breezango is proof that New Day is still on its game. 

Spots like this are one of the reasons why both teams continue to be among WWE's most popular.

Jinder Mahal vs. Mojo Rawley

From the moment Jinder Mahal became the new WWE champion, the onus has been on the company to make it work.

After all, Mahal wasn't exactly ready; he had not earned such a high level of regard, and he especially had not earned the right to step past a roster full of Superstars. But that's what happened, and the only thing fans could do was wait and watch it all unfold.

But much of the responsibility went to Mahal, who has truly stepped up.

With each passing week, Mahal looks more like a champion. He has immense intensity, and that has been the driving force of his character since winning the title. This time Mahal faced Mojo Rawley, another man that could potentially break through as a new main event Superstar.

Rawley did ultimately lose, but the match was effective because it allowed Mahal to flex. If he is to be taken seriously as a world champion, then Mahal must truly act the part.

Rawley will get more opportunities, but Mahal should remain right where he is. 

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kevin Owens

Once again SmackDown Live moved past the red brand thanks to the wrestling.

Shinsuke Nakamura faced Kevin Owens in the main event, and it was a match that definitely deserved its placement on the card. The United States champion and The King of Strong Style had great chemistry in the ring, and fans loved every minute of it.

Nakamura and Owens are both headed to Money in the Bank, which is surely the reason why they faced off on SmackDown Live. They will join AJ Styles, Dolph Ziggler, Baron Corbin and Sami Zayn in a Money in the Bank ladder match. Many fans are beginning to wonder if Nakamura could potentially win it all.

Nakamura continues to be booked against competitive talent, which is putting him on the fast track to the top of the blue brand. That's evidenced by his booking on June 18.

It could well be that he is the next Mister Money in the Bank. 

Matches like this one will surely continue leading to MITB. Of course, if they're the caliber of this bout, then fans will surely be more than happy to watch.

Tom Clark can regularly be seen on Bleacher Report. His podcast, Tom Clark's Main Event, is available on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Android, Windows Phone and online at boinkstudios.com