Each week, we break down the world of professional wrestling and examine two of the polar opposite ends of the spectrum: one thing that was by far the worst thing (Cheap Heat) and the best thing (Cheap Pop) to happen over the past 7 days in sports entertainment. So, what went down this week that we loved and hated about the business?
CHEAP POP OF THE WEEK:
DALLAS DEBUTS
It was an exciting time for the WWE Universe this week with NXT graduate Bo Dallas making his official WWE debut* with pinfall victories against Sin Cara on both Friday Night SmackDown and Monday Night Raw.
While the matches themselves were by no means exceptionally memorable, Dallas's mic skills and bo-lief in himself were. Dallas's enthusiastic—yet conflicting—character has had some fans question "Is he a heel or a face?"
After the victory on Monday Night Raw, Dallas proceeded to congratulate a baffled Sin Cara and tell him how well he had done. But this was not just a mere handshake of respect. Dallas went all out as he grinned ear to ear and proclaimed that all Cara had to do was "Bo-lieve" and then he, too, could be great like him. To be honest, it was actually all rather annoying. A man like this in real life would be infuriating, but that is not the point. There were shades of big brother Bray in his mic skills. I was entertained and enthralled by his speech, and what's more—it was memorable.
To get ahead, a superstar must do or say something that will make them stand out and be memorable. Dallas is showing signs he will be able to do just that. He has clearly been well-trained under NXT, even though he still has a way to go to enhance some fluidity in the ring, but we are seeing his potential. With a bit more time and experience in the big bad WWE Universe, I have high hopes Dallas will shine.
Above all this, why I believe this is such a positive sign and my pop of the week: like Luke Harper, Eric Rowan, Big E and Paige, he is a product of NXT training. It BO-des well for the future of our WWE Superstars.
*Although technically Bo Dallas already appeared briefly in 2012, WWE consider this to be Bo's official debut for the main roster.
CHEAP HEAT OF THE WEEK:
HOGANS LONDON APPEARANCE
"WHATCHA GONNA DO WHEN THE WWE NETWORK RUNS WILD ON YOU BROTHER!!!" bellowed the Hulkster during his appearance on the London edition of Monday Night Raw.
Do not get me wrong—seeing Hulk Hogan pop up was brilliant. He was the figurehead for the Rock and Roll wrestling era. When I was 4 years old, I thought he was a superhero! In hindsight, he was more style than substance, but a taste of nostalgia is always welcome in the WWE Universe.
However, once the music and posing had stopped, I could not help feel a little underwhelmed by Hogan's appearance. His sole reason for appearing on the show was to once again advertise the WWE Network; a bit disappointing because it is not even available in England! So this was a little cruel to the fans in attendance. At present, we are still unsure if or when Britain is even going to get it.
Giving Hulk Hogan the WrestleMania 30 hosting position was a great thing to do—the right thing, even. The man was there in number 1 and it was a deserved post. But just coming out and being a walking and talking WWE Network advert does not feel like the best use of him now. Rather, it feels forced.
No one can begrudge WWE for wanting to advertise, but with the news that Ric Flair is coming back for an onscreen managerial role, why can't Hogan be used for something with a little more substance? We know he is feeding us an advert when he comes out to talk, and that doesn't always combine well with the taste of nostalgia.
I am not saying have him wrestle for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, but while he is still under contract, a few more backstage segments or appearances on YouTube shows like WWE Inbox and The JBL & Cole Show would not go amiss.
So there you have it, my two choices for the week. What do YOU think are the Cheap Pop and Cheap Heat this week in professional wrestling? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
0 comments: