WWE SmackDown 5 Takeaways: Raw Makes Long-Awaited Statement

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1. Raw’s Invasion Was Worth the Wait

The buildup towards the 31st annual Survivor Series has featured a battle for brand supremacy the likes of which we have never seen before.  Both Raw and SmackDown want to prove they’re the best and up until last night, SmackDown had the advantage by pushing the envelope on several occasions.

But being the go-home edition of SmackDown leading into Survivor Series, many believed Raw would make its presence felt last night.  And boy, did it ever.  The main event of SmackDown featured Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn battling The New Day, but the match would never end.

The Shield’s music hit and the trio, along with countless other Raw superstars that would follow, went to the ring and began taking out the blue brand.  It all culminated with The Shield taking out SmackDown commissioner Shane McMahon with the help of Raw GM Kurt Angle as the red brand reigned supreme at the close of last night’s SmackDown.

It seemed like Raw should have retaliated sooner to SmackDown’s siege a few weeks ago, but the red brand’s retaliation was perfectly done and proved to be a defining moment in the buildup towards Team Raw vs. Team SmackDown at Survivor Series.  Now with the stakes raised, Survivor Series gets even bigger.

Next: WWE Raw 5 Takeaways From Nov. 13 Show

Which brand will reign supreme, red or blue?  Raw or SmackDown?  The pieces are in place for a memorable showdown and if momentum means anything, Raw now has the advantage leading into Survivor Series.