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?


Last week's SmackDown saw another skit by WWE's resident fruitcakes R-Truth and Goldust.

While dressed as a bellboy in a hotel, Goldust continued to try to persuade R-Truth to join up with him in a tag team that he has already taken the liberty to name "The Golden Truth."

Is this just a rehash of 2003's successful Goldust and Booker T pairing? It would be very hard to deny that is what WWE is aiming for, but frankly, who cares? It is hilarious.

And why not pair them together? Neither is likely to be involved in a singles title reign anytime soon, the audience responds well to their humor, and both can move like men 20-years their junior. It would be a shame for WWE to not utilize such seasoned veterans while they can.

Team Hell No, The Rock 'n' Sock Connection, Austin and Dude Love, Head Cheese—the WWE Universe has always responded well to the true odd couple pairings.

As far as I can see, the only downside to the pairing is the timing. I mean, does anybody want to see The New Day lose the tag team titles? Ever?


Bonus Pop: The overwhelming love and support of the WWE Universe for Daniel Bryan and WWE's handling of his retirement. Of course, this brings me to our Heat of the week as well...


I cannot believe that Daniel Bryan's in-ring career has ended. It does not feel like six years have passed since the NXT "rookie" invaded WWE as part of The Nexus.

Ok, the writing was on the wall with WWE continually refusing to clear him to compete, but we all had a tiny bit of hope considering two separate doctors gave him the all clear. In addition, it was as recent as last month that he was tweeting at the debuting AJ Styles over a potential match somewhere down the road.

I was truly inspired by his attitude, journey, and overall outlook on life. He was proof that anyone can achieve the impossible—proof that with enough willpower, passion, and hard work, you can achieve your goals despite everyone telling you that you can't.

From a no-charisma "small fish in a large pond," Bryan would eventually grow to coin the most popular crowd catchphrase since "What?" and this alone is a legacy that will endure for decades to come. But that is hardly all we will remember him for. Lest we forget he was part of some of the biggest, best, and funniest angles of the era.

Remember the anger management sessions with Kane? The love triangle with CM Punk and AJ Lee? And then, of course, his long-running battle with The Authority?

Was there anyone who truly wanted Batista to walk away the WWE champion at WrestleMania 30? No, we all wanted Bryan to complete his ultimate underdog story, and for the first time in what felt like an age, WWE let us have the champion we all truly wanted.

And boy, are we going to miss him.

#ThankyouBryan.


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!