WWE: Why Smackdown Will Always Be the No. 2 Show

Since its inception, WWE Smackdown has always played second fiddle to RAW.

There have been times when it was closing in on the WWE's longest-running show, but it hasn't ever quite gotten there. The reasons for this vary depending on the fan's viewpoint.

Sometimes it's because of a weaker roster, or because it is taped while RAW is live or because it is on a smaller channel. Others even argue that it has weaker story lines or not enough wrestling.

The truth is probably a mix of all of the above.

However, there is also one other glaring reason that Smackdown is the lesser show. It's because it doesn't have its own identity.

RAW is the flagship of the WWE, and its biggest draw is that it pushes the biggest stories in pro wrestling onto the TV screens of those that watch. The biggest stars and storylines come on Monday night.

For example, RAW has had the CM Punk storyline for the last few months.

Smackdown? Randy Orton vs. Christian and then Mark Henry.

It's not exactly a contest.

Smackdown is never going to beat RAW when it comes to storytelling, because the Monday night show is given preference.

That doesn't mean it can't find its own identity, though. All Smackdown needs is to find a niche that RAW doesn't cover, and it will be just as successful.

Until the WWE's executives decide what that is, Smackdown will always be RAW Lite, and treated as such.

And that is the biggest problem. It feels like the WWE has a second show that they don't care as much about, and as a result, neither does the audience.