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?


Brace yourself dear readers, for the first time in CPCH history, My POP choice is TNA-related!

Last week brought us the much hyped Bound For Glory PPV, which included a triple threat match for the TNA Championship between Ethan Carter III, Drew Galloway, and Matt Hardy.

Now, prior to this event, I had only ever seen one TNA match (and that was only because Al Snow was competing) so it would be a stretch to call me a fan of the product. But as I heard rumors this might have been the last one, I thought I would give it a shot. You know what? I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised.

I enjoyed the main event match. It was well-fought, had a good pace, a decent ending, and it had nice little touch of that NXT indy atmosphere going on. I was also very pleased to see Matt Hardy getting the victory. Though the TNA Heavyweight Championship is no longer regarded as being a "true" world championship (ouch), it is an accolade well-deserved nevertheless.

I know I am in the minority, but I always preferred Matt to Jeff back in the WWF/E days. I never could much relate to Jeff's pop socks, face-painting, tattoos, and substance abuse. I felt much more affinity for the elder Hardy boy, even more so after reading their 2003 autobiography, in which Matt comes across as the far more dedicated brother to the sport.

Sadly, TNA have since had him vacate the title as part of an injunction angle, but it was briefly nice while it lasted. Much like TNA really.


Wedding bells will soon be upon on us in the WWE Universe, but I'd say the funeral march would be more appropriate, because this Rusev/Summer Rae angle feels as good as dead.

The audience on Monday Night Raw was presented with a perfect opportunity for some Daniel Bryan Yes/No action when Summer Rae proposed to Rusev. We normally never miss a chance to do that. What? I said we never turn down a chance to do that.

But it was horribly noticeable how only a handful of people halfheartedly got involved. However, it is understandable why, for I suspect most people have no strong feelings either way what happens here—I know I don't.

The chance of that mixed tag match seems increasingly unlikely with each passing week, which is a shame, as that could have had interest, especially given Lana has yet to compete. Instead, we will get our WWE wedding: Dolph Ziggler will interrupt and Summer Rae will get covered in cake.

This angle might be all about love, but nobody else seems to be feeling it.


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!