10 Reasons Why RAW Is Quickly Becoming WWE's B-Show

10. Vince McMahon's Fingerprints Aren't As Obvious On SmackDown

As the flagship show for decades, Monday Night RAW remains the primary focus of WWE CEO Vince McMahon which, in 2017, actually benefits SmackDown. McMahon remains the final editor on all things WWE, but recently Brian James (Road Dogg) has reportedly been tasked with heading up SmackDown while VKM focuses on RAW.

At least for the first six months following WWE's 2016 brand split, SmackDown had a much different feel to it, especially in comparison to RAW. It wasn't WCW-to-WWF different, but given the parity that had existed throughout all WWE programming since its purchase of WCW in 2001, the change was noticeable. And welcome.

While the novelty of SmackDown Live! may have worn off in recent months, the show did a nice job in separating itself, again at least initially, from the negative connotations RAW had acquired in recent years. This is to say the Tuesday night show didn't feel like it was covered in Vince McMahon's fingerprints.

Thirty years ago, that would've been a problem, but at nearly 72 years old, McMahon's ability to connect with the audience is seriously lacking.