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:
E+C REUNION
So, what reeked of awesomeness this week? Why, Edge and Christian guest hosting for Raw of course!
E+C were my favorite team during the early noughties. Who can forget the battles against The Hardy and Dudley Boyz? The Commissioner Foley skits? Or how about the 5-second poses and the playing of theme songs on the kazoo.
Regrettably, we never saw a true in-ring reunion run with Captain Charisma and the Rated R Superstar. Though, at one point in 2011, a match was scheduled for the duo to face The Corre in a Tag-Team title match, but for reasons unknown, the match never took take place. Strangely, the promo video quickly disappeared from the WWE YouTube channel too (I swear, I did not imagine this!).
It was a good dash of nostalgia to see these two together again (#EdgeandChristian trended worldwide). The sections with Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman were entertaining, as was the actual section involving Seth Rollins, The Big Show and J&J Security.
Seth threatening to Curb Stomp Edge's neck upon the steel stairs was something of a U-turn from the PG era; it felt closer to the type of action from the Attitude Era days.
Sadly, what followed took a little shine off the section itself, which brings us to this week's Heat.
CHEAP HEAT OF THE WEEK:
TOO MUCH TOO SOON?
I am one of The Authority's biggest supporters. The long spanning story was as engrossing as it was enthralling; it kept viewers emotionally invested. I even liked the post-Authority plot; with the splintered remnants trying to bring back the powers that used to be.
I had a feeling it might happen one day, but I just did not expect it to be this soon.
On Monday Night Raw — the last one of 2014— Seth Rollins, The Big Show and J&J Security stormed the ring to apprehend Raw host's Edge ad Christian. But what started as a verbal barrage soon degenerated into a hostile takeover.
Seth disposed of Christian and Edge found himself face down against steel steps against the looming threat of a Curb Stomp. Seth vowed to go through with it unless John Cena allowed The Authority back.
Faced with the responsibility of Edge's vulnerable neck, Cena had no choice but to consent to their wishes, agreeing to an immediate reinstatement for Stephanie McMahon and Triple H.
While one cannot deny this section — and Raw as a whole — was exciting and action packed; I do feel the return happened too fast.
Do not get me wrong, I am happy The Authority is back, but it has been just over four weeks since Ziggler vanquished The Authority at Survivor Series (a Slammy award-winning match, I will add). So, why was it so hyped? Why have so much at stake? Why have Sting debut? It almost feels like a betrayal to have been so emotionally invested in the whole thing.
Dolph Ziggler said it best in his Raw Fallout interview: "What was the point?"
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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