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?


I find it brilliantly ironic that Heath Slater—a wrestler forgotten in the draft—is actually the one accruing more screen appearances than his coworkers simply by being the one wrestler still popping up on both shows. The story might be that WWE does not care enough about him to give him a show to call home, but the reality is clearly not the same.

I am really enjoying this twice-weekly story about his fruitless quest to prove his worth and gain a brand contract, and I would like to see it continue for a little while longer. His promos are passionate, his interactions with the GMs are entertaining, and the absolute nonsense over his 2-7 children is even better.

Let us just hope that when he finally settles into a home (assuming that he does) WWE does not then just forget about him! For that would just be bitterly ironic.


BONUS POP: PG PLUS?

Is WWE shedding the PG label? The Scooby Doo Promos would suggest not, but The Club 'Ringpostitis' joke would suggest yes. Can a happy medium be met? Nobody is expecting Attitude Era antics, but subtle adult jokes here and there like this are always fun.


WWE fans made it abundantly clear what they do not want in the new era when Puff Daddy showed up on Monday Night Raw. Despite having a reasonable excuse for being there (he is the executive music producer for the WWE 2K17 video game) his reception was less than stellar.

While his segment with The New Day was not as cringeworthy as it could have been, I feel that the crowd response was more to do with its harking back to a time when celebrities turned up every week to hawk their wares with no legitimate interest for wrestling.

WWE did hit upon winners with the likes of Bob Barker, Stephen Amell, and Hugh Jackman, but for the most part, celebrities were not a welcome addition to the show. They didn't want to be there, and we did not wish to see them.

Take note WWE.


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!