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:
WRESTLING ISN'T WRESTLING
What has the wrestling world buzzing this past week? The answer isn't wrestling.
Confused? Allow me to elaborate.
Screenwriter Max Landis released a 25-minute video this week entitled "Wrestling isn't Wrestling" which depicts the rise of Triple H from blue blood to degenerate, evolving all the way up to his present-day corporate role. The video both ribs and reaps praise upon the fictional masterpiece we know as the WWE Universe.
All the roles of male wrestlers are hilariously performed by women, and some of the divas (like Chyna) by men. It also features several cameos from renowned wrestling fans, including the likes of Seth Green and Macaulay Culkin — all to humorous effect.
The idea is barmy; on paper it probably looked silly, but it works. The video is a labor of love that will not fail to raise a smile from any wrestling fan.
This is not something designed to ridicule wrestling. Well, to a certain extent, it is, but I feel the primary purpose of it explores just why we adore a sport most dismiss as fake. It is not even intended to be malicious to Triple H (Landis cites The Game as one of his favorites).
Although there is a rumor that WWE personnel were advised not to comment, Triple H himself tweeted to the creator that he "gets it"; a move, that speaks volumes for him as a person. For let's face it, he probably has the resources and influence to get this taken down if he really wanted.
As the video shows, wrestling isn't wrestling in the traditional sense anymore. But, honestly? Through all the good, bad, awful and excellent—I would not have it any other way.
CHEAP HEAT OF THE WEEK:
STUNG AGAIN
I enjoyed the opening segment of Monday Night Raw. It was interesting to see Sting deliver a more substantial speech on his reasoning for having come to WWE. I also enjoyed the barbed exchange between Stephanie McMahon and the so-called last standing WCW solider.
But when Stephanie's attempt to deliver a zinger to The Stinger got blocked, this is where disappointment set in.
For when Triple H stormed out to protect and defend his wife's honor; he looked like he meant business. It looked like The Game would play to his strengths; that he would get some long-awaited retribution on Sting.
But sadly, that is not how it went down. No offense was used and we were treated to another teasing stalemate showdown.
Triple H has yet to get the better of Sting and I am not sure this is the best route to have taken. It all feels one-sided.
WrestleMania should not be all predictable, and to a certain extent, WWE has achieved this for WM 31, and with confirmation of a contract extension for The Beast Incarnate; Reigns vs. Lesnar could go either way. Several theories exist about how it could go down, but nobody outside the inner WWE circle really knows the answer.
Then take the seven-man Intercontinental ladder match. Sure, there are predicted favorites like Ambrose and Bryan, but the build up has at least allowed room to speculate.
Of course, WWE still may have been stringing us along, and Triple H does end up winning after all, but so far, little suggests this is a tangible possibility for us to even consider.
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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