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?


This past week saw the first episode of Raw post brand-split, and boy did it hit the mark: a new women's champion in fan-favorite Sasha Banks, minimal management drama, a public dressing down for Roman Reigns, and Finn Balor becoming a number 1 contender for the new WWE Universal Championship.

While I am still not ecstatic over the two championship belts concept, I accept that there was little choice left here, so I will just have to take the bad with the good (which the all new Raw is showing plenty signs of having!)


BONUS POP: Randy Orton's Retort

I know many found this section long and overwrought, but I was very entertained by the Battleground Highlight Reel. Not least for Randy Orton's "enhanced performance" comment.

Well, at least someone in WWE has acknowledged it. Your move, management.


Take the battle royal, for instance. Once the top five had been chosen for the six-pack challenge, it became glaringly apparent that there was not exactly a large pool of top-tier talent left fighting for the remaining spot.

Add a small group of women with nothing to fight for, a pointless tag team scene, and a meek new theme song, and it really seems like SmackDown and Raw are simply not on an even keel.

Of course, this is very early days, but it does seem like SmackDown are starting the fight with one hand tied behind their back.


EXTRA HEAT: Mr. Irrelevant Curtis Axel.

Is this a full-time gimmick change? Who came up with this?  Maybe he is in on the joke and taking it in his stride, but if not, way to destroy a man's credibility and self-esteem WWE.

EXTRA EXTRA HEAT: BOO(B)S

Eva Marie + 95% boobs exposure = Still being booed. Not much hope, is there?

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!