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:
CHOKING OUT CRIME
In last week's column, I reported on how WWE is rarely in the mainstream news, especially in Britain. That is, unless of course, it is for all the wrong reasons. But is this always the case? This past week, Daniel Bryan has given me reason to say NO! NO! NO!
The YES Movement starter had just come back to his Phoenix home, after his Comic-Con appearance, when he and his wife Brie Bella, saw a man fleeing out of his front doorway and along the driveway.
What Bryan did next goes a long way to shutting up the wrestlers aren't tough critics, "I put him in a rear naked choke, I didn't want to hurt him, I just wanted to make sure that he was subdued." Bryan kept him there (did he tap out I wonder?) until the police were able to arrive and arrest the intruder.
Reportedly, Bryan and Brie had just moved into the house, so did not actually have much there, but Bryan was fearful of losing a bracelet given to him by his father before he died, the inscription of which reads "To the man that you've become and the son you'll always be."
What a touching feel good tale, and with the likes of ITV, Metro UK and even BBC picking up upon the tale in Britain, after last weeks bad Rusev related press, it certainly helps put a good light on Bryan and in turn, WWE.
BONUS POP: Daniel Bryan confirms autobiography for April 2015 release. His journey from childhood, to the indies, to WrestleMania 30 —YES YES YES! (Not just an exclamation of excitement, though, this also happens to be the title of it).
CHEAP HEAT OF THE WEEK:
MRS CM PUNK! MRS CM PUNK!
For this week's Heat choice, I am going to have to go with what is happening to poor AJ Lee at the moment.
On this past week's Monday Night Raw, AJ had a great in-ring section with her on-again/off-again friend, Paige, where on being called the dreaded C word (crazy), she promptly delivered a short but sweet microphone rebuttal. Many felt it had shades of CM Punk's style, and perhaps that is partly the problem.
AJ is a phenomenal in-ring talent and talker. She always has been able to get over on her own merits. But instead of any acknowledgement being given to her, the crowd began chanting for her now retired husband, CM Punk.
Now, Punk is easily one of my favourites, no question about it. But this is tiring now. He walked out and did not wish to renew a contract. I am sure WWE would have him back if he wanted in, but evidently, he does not.
I cannot help but feel this has become something to say for the sake of saying it, and frankly, maybe it is not intently so, but I also find it disrespectful to AJ. She is her own person, not just CM Punk's wife.
Maybe this was just a one-off occurrence, but if it keeps up, I hope AJ does not get disillusioned and exit stage left to join her husband. She deserves respect for who she is, not just who she married.
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!
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