10 Reasons Why WWE SmackDown Is Better Than Raw
9. Talking Smack
Even though wrestling fans all know that what they're watching is predetermined, one thing that hardcore fans all seem to want is more of an attempt to treat wrestling as if it were a legitimate sport. Wrestlers don't need to be in character all the time, but an actual on-screen consistency would be helpful.
For that reason, Talking Smack has been a success. Every week after SmackDown, the WWE Network hosts the half-hour show that features an emphasis on important angles and live interviews with stars. Those interviews especially, have gained a lot of notice - they feel less scripted than the ones that air on the main shows, and hearing stars speak extemporaneously while in character really gets their feuds over.
The Miz became the talk of the wrestling town with a particularly brutal promo on Daniel Bryan in September, and John Cena achieved similar (though slighter) praise for a dressing-down of Dean Ambrose. Talking Smack is the rare wrestling recap show that actually enhances the original show.