Why WWE's Judgment Day Is Better (& Why AEW's House Of Black Are)

It is easy to see why fans have drawn comparisons between WWE’s Judgment Day faction and AEW’s House of Black, though as time has gone on, the groups have gotten a little more different.

WWE’s group consists of Dominik Mysterio, Rhea Ripley, Finn Balor, and Mr. Money in the Bank Damian Priest, and AEW’s features Malakai Black, Buddy Matthews, Brody King, and Julia Hart. Which group of four is better though? Each offers positives and negatives, with each being better in different aspects than the other. Of course, this will all be subjective, as fans of each promotion will believe their favorite to be better in almost every way.

10 Why Judgment Day Is Better: World Champion Rhea Ripley

Although the young Julia Hart is looking stronger by the week, the way Rhea Ripley has been pushed is how exactly a young prospect should be handled. Ripley is still in her mid-twenties, she is one of the most over women on the roster, and she is currently a reigning world champion.

She is the only member of either faction who has been a world champion since the two groups were formed, and this gives the Judgment Day an edge over House of Black in terms of legitimacy.

9 Why House Of Black Is Better: Striking Entrance

Although WWE tried to make a great entrance for The Judgment Day with some good music and dramatic lighting, there are very few entrances in both WWE and AEW that come anywhere close to the House of Black.

Although their booking hasn’t always been perfect, the aesthetics side of the House of Black is among the best in the business, and their striking entrance is a big part of that. The darkened arena, the popping up in the ring, the spotlights, and more make this a great ring walk out.

8 Why Judgment Day Is Better: Dominik Mysterio’s Heat

Out of everyone in both the Judgment Day and the House of Black, no one gets reactions on the level of Dominik Mysterio. The slimy, cowardly heel is among the most hated members of the WWE roster, and he brings huge waves of heat from the crowd.

Hating him is fun, and fans love booing him out of the building. This makes the group more interactive and it makes their presence on-screen feel more significant than the House of the Black.

7 Why House Of Black Is Better: In-Ring Work

Whilst the Judgment Day is full of great talents, the House of Black on average has better matches. Malakai Black, Brody King, and Buddy Matthews all provide different styles and perform them to a world class standard.

They have ridiculous in-ring chemistry - more than the Judgement Day do - and steal the show more often. Matches against Death Triangle, The Elite, and The Acclaimed have all been great bouts.

6 Why Judgment Day Is Better: Building Younger Stars

As noted, Julia Hart is a good prospect, but she isn’t making a big impact in the AEW women’s division. Over in the Judgment Day faction, both Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley have gone from the undercard and turned into stars during their time in the faction.

WWE’s group has been far more successful in building these younger stars, benefitting both the wrestlers and the company much more.

5 Why House Of Black Is Better: Darker Characters

The House of Black is what the Judgment Day likely set out to become originally - a dark, brooding faction who look dominant and are impactful between the ropes. The promo style of the House of Black is unique, and their presentation is great in that aspect too.

The Judgment Day had to veer away from that because it simply wasn’t going well towards the beginning of their lifespan, especially when Edge (the founder of the group) was their leader.

4 Why Judgment Day Is Better: More Personality

The House of Black’s promos are decent, but unfortunately aside from Malakai Black, the group as a whole doesn’t show a whole lot or range of personality. Unlike many in AEW, they don’t feel like fleshed out characters.

The range of personalities in The Judgment Day are fantastic, and each member displays nuance and depth, at least more than the House of Black anyway.

3 Why House Of Black Is Better: Malakai Black As The Defined Leader

The House of Black is far better structured than the Judgment Day, and it has been from day one. Judgment Day had a lack of identity to begin with, kicking out leader Edge and then seemingly replacing him with Finn Balor, though at times it feels uncertain who is the key decision maker.

It is clear, by even just the name alone, that the House of Black has a clear and defined leader. It is rare that a group finds lots of success (there are exceptions of course) without someone at the helm, and it does make the House of Black stand out in a way that the Judgment Day perhaps doesn’t.

2 Why Judgment Day Is Better: Main Event Of Raw

Damian-Priest-Money-In-The-Bank-Judgment-Day

The Raw brand has been dominated by the Judgment Day for several months, with them arguably being the top heel act on the show. They have been presented as a top level group and they are often in either the main event storyline, segment, or match.

This is way above where the House of Black have ever been positioned in AEW, with them often going for weeks or months without even being featured on TV, let alone anywhere near the main event, which they haven’t even touched as of yet in the company.

1 Why House Of Black Is Better: Trios Championship Gold

Rhea Ripley may be the Women’s World Champion, but as a group the Judgment Day haven’t found much success. In fact, the group have hardly even tried to go for the tag titles.

The House of Black on the other hand are the reigning AEW Trios World Champions after winning the gold at Revolution 2023, winning gold as a group, which makes them feel much more together.