WWE Survivor Series 2018: Ranking The 5 Best RAW vs. Smackdown Brand Warfare Matches

Dream matches await!

#1. Team RAW (Kevin Owens, Chris Jericho, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Braun Strowman) vs. Team Smackdown Live (Shane McMahon, Randy Orton, Bray Wyatt, Dean Ambrose and AJ Styles)/w James Ellsworth

Stalwarts of Brand Warfare

Unlike its predecessor and successor, the build for this match seemed off especially with the two rosters just settling in. There were some fun interpersonal dynamics and Shane McMahon hadn't yet worn out his welcome. The matches finer points came in a confrontation between the two teams, parlaying future narratives as well as past issues.

Smackdown's side featured a bit too much focus on James Ellsworth, especially since he'd insert himself unnecessarily into the main title feud. While RAW relied on distracting Seth from his goal to destroy Triple H to help his and his wife's brand succeed. Logic was out the window between willing partners that are combustible elements, in a poor way.

A former WWE writer just went after JBL for his comments HERE

Even then come match time it all worked out perfectly, with even Shane playing his part in reckless fashion. We got a smart way to have Braun Strowman get eliminated, by the efforts of the whole team, some voodoo from Bray Wyatt and James Ellsworth. It paid back a long-gestating story. Meanwhile, there was some fun had with the pairing of Owens and Jericho.

Finally, Ambrose's early elimination caused by AJ Styles gave way to a thrilling SHIELD reunion. Speaking of which the end featured a somewhat tenuously bonded SHIELD duo of Rollins and Reigns take on old rivals in new packaging in the form of the Wyatts with Bray and Orton. It ended with a sensational win for the Wyatts, leading into their story come to Wrestlemania. A brand war for the ages!

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Edited by Nishant Jayaram