Smark Out Moment

Welcome to another edition of Cheap Pop and Cheap Heat from Smark Out Moment!

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?


Much of the WWE universe is — ahem — crowing about Sting's appearance on Monday Night Raw, but for me, the best thing came from the promo video for Brock Lesnar's title defense. I was previously lukewarm for the Heavyweight Title picture, but in three minutes flat, WWE has managed to hook me in and ramp up my anticipation tenfold.

Lesnar rarely gives promos. Despite his intimidating prowess and size, he is fiercely shy. This is a man who lives on a farm in the middle of nowhere just to minimize the amount of contact he has with people. However, with Paul Heyman by his side, there has never been much need for him to be vocal. But while Heyman is brilliant, under the right circumstances and in short measure, Brock can deliver a killer interview on his own accord.

The promo saw him discussing his past accomplishments; how he was in defense mode — as opposed to hunting mode— and just how dangerous he was in either. Lesnar went on to make it clear that he has zero intentions of losing his title whether he remains in WWE or not. The beautiful thing about this is the reality to it. Nobody bar Brock knows whether he is renewing his contract. If WWE knows, they certainly are not letting on. This is a brilliant embodiment of the so-called "Reality Era" of wrestling we live in.

WWE has always been keen on mixing fact and fiction; to utilize wrestlers real-life personas and problems into the ring. From Daniel Bryan's veganism, the Edge/Hardy/Lita love triangle, to Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels' legitimate loathing of each other.

By embracing the legitimate threat that exists and not ignoring the fact many fans are savvy to these things nowadays, WWE has added a whole new element into the match. One that has me counting down the days until it all unfolds.


As above, I cannot wait Lesnar vs. Reigns at WrestleMania. I am also looking forward to the Intercontinental and United States Championship matches. Effort has gone into building credible storylines and anticipation for hard-hitting action packed matches.

However, the same cannot be said for the Tag Team Championship.

I had to double-check the card prior to writing this article just to make sure I did not miss the announcement, but it seems we do not yet have a Tag Team Title match.

As none of the prolific tag teams are scheduled for the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, I am going to presume (hope) there is still a chance. I love tag team wrestling, but it does feel like a lack of effort and interest on creative's side.

There does seem to be something brewing around Cesaro/Kidd, The Usos, The New Day and Los Matadores, leading to a possible four-way tag team match, but the story behind it is hardly enticing thus far. The Brass Ring Club and The Uso Family have had their differences, but other than wanting the gold, why Los Matadores or The New Day? The lack of narrative and emphasis here is a snub for the division.

I do not mean to be that Attitude Era hanger on, but let us not forget this is the same division that once brought the likes of the Triangle Ladder Match and TLC 2 to the grandest stage of them all.

WWE still has time to make something of this, but they need to get cracking — on the double.


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!