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:
REMNANTS RISING
For months, The Authority reigned supreme, mowing over those who opposed their throne and rewarding the followers who enforced and protected the regime.
But at Survivor Series, The Authority was supposedly vanquished—banished to remain out of WWE ring business evermore. Well, at least Triple H and Stephanie McMahon were, but what of the remaining members of this shadowy faction? Seth Rollins, Kane, Big Show and J&J Security are the last strands clinging on to what came before and what they insist will come again.
I loved the lengthy, slow-burning storyline of The Authority. It created a lot of great stories and matches and it seems only right it does not just fade away to be forgotten.
This past week has seen the ongoing efforts of those once in favor continuing to extract revenge against those who opposed. Big Show vs. Eric Rowan, Ziggler vs. Harper; feuds that started back when The Authority was in power still rages on.
The members have fallen from grace, but they fight on, trying to bring their former masters back.
It makes a welcome change from programs built on little to no real animosity or ones that run for one month or less, ending with no real consequence, feeling, or aftermath (Bo Dallas vs. Swagger anyone?)
People are not going to forget The Authority any time soon. Yes, it is no longer the central focus of the WWE Universe anymore, but it is still there, continuing to manifest itself in different ways. I feel we are not quite done with this story, as there is still another chapter to tell.
Hey, if it keeps me watching, it is still best for business indeed.
CHEAP HEAT OF THE WEEK:
THE SLATE OF AFFAIRS
Poor Heath Slater.
WWE is under a barrage of bad publicity as of late—Punk last week, and now the (supposed) actions of Heath Slater.
It has come to light that police have an arrest warrant for the One Man Rock Band for allegedly putting a female hotel security guard in a chokehold and trying to force her back to his room.
This is far from the first time a celebrity has been accused of such a thing, and neither is it the first time it has happened to a wrestler. However, truth or no truth, it is exactly the sort of story the mainstream media love.
Normally, when an allegation like this happens to a celebrity, many are quick to say they always knew and condemn them before a trial is ever heard. I am pleased to say that scanning comments on news sites and Twitter, most are on Slater's side.
I have to say I agree. Bias of my love of wrestling aside, the evidence is sketchy. Supposedly, the attack happened around WrestleMania 27. The guard claims her supervisor was going to file a report, but after three months, she realized he had not done this, so she went and did it herself.
Now, any wrestling fan will know WrestleMania 27 was three years ago. The time scale here does not add up. Either this is a mass misprint or error on her part, but even if she did mean WM30, there is still a large gap of her not doing anything to follow up what is allegedly a very serious assault.
I don't believe Heath is in the wrong here, but it is never great when the business we love gets a light shined on it only ever when something goes wrong.
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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