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?


A few weeks ago following Tyson Kidd's injury, I wrote that I was concerned that the time for pushing his tag team partner, Cesaro, was still not right. Admittedly, this was based on past failed attempts to capitalize and push him. However, this past week, I was pleasantly surprised to see WWE seemingly pulling off a push for him. It might actually be the right time, this time.

On Thursday Night SmackDown, Cesaro faced off against WWE Champion Seth Rollins in a highly physical and fast-paced match.

It was fantastic to see the crowd so behind the Swiss Superman despite the lackluster attempts WWE had made with him on the past. For though he still lacks electric charisma on the microphone, his work-rate, moves, flexibility, and strength are phenomenal, and fans know it.

Yes, he ultimately ended up losing to Rollins, but it was the fact he was even put in the position in the first place that is a good sign. Obviously, he is not up for an imminent World Heavyweight title shot, but him now going into a feud with Kevin Owens is no bad thing. Look at how much good the Cena/Owens feud did for both men's reputation. With Cesaro's abilities, there is no reason to doubt the same match of the year caliber could occur.

I shall be watching how this one develops with a keen anticipation.



As everyone and their brother knows, Hulk Hogan was released from WWE last week. Or, rather, he jumped before he was pushed, (so he claims).

Initially, the reason was muddled among a midst of conflicting stories. Hogan had made a sex tape, Hogan had signed up to Big Brother UK without permission, and Hogan had made racist remarks on a radio show. However, as the days went by, the waters were cleared and the exact reason became apparent — Hogan had indeed made racist remarks, but on said sex tape.

Quick question: Who in WWE was watching to have known about this!?

But to return to being serious for a minute. Hulk was cut from not only his Legends contract and role on Tough Enough, but all traces of him on WWE.com have since been removed. Harsh punishment indeed for a man who arguably swept in the changes to wrestling as we know it. This is the man Vince McMahon used to spearhead WrestleMania—to move wrestling from a regional to global phenomenon—the wrestler known by people who know nothing about wrestling.

Hogan has obviously since apologized for the remarks, but it is too little too late for him to be salvaged in the wrestling world now. The comments were undoubtedly distasteful, and apparent to see why he has offended so many, yet prominent black celebrities have spoken out to defend him and deny that he is a racist.

Who are we to believe? It almost does not matter anymore. Like an acquittal for a trial, you will still be guilty to some based on accusations alone.

WWE has a history of surprising us with banished and tainted stars returning, but I would be shocked to see Hogan in a WWE ring again, and given what he once represented, this is a sorry state of affairs.


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!