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?


Brock Lesnar being away with the Universal Championship is an annoyance for some, but is it forcing WWE to double down efforts on their other titles?

For instance, both the Raw and SmackDown tag divisions had a strong showing this week. The blue brand with a very fun Fashion Police skit for Breezango, and the red brand had the newly heel Cesaro and Sheamus explaining their actions and then fleeing from Matt and Jeff Hardy.

My first thought on the pair's turn was a feeling of uncertainty. I did not hate it, but I saw no reason for it. Following Monday Night Raw, I now think that this was a good move for the duo, as it adds a new dimension to their feud with The Hardyz and is elevating the title picture as whole.

Meanwhile, both midcard titles felt like important parts of the show. The opening segment featured their respective champions and both cultivated in main event matches which related to the title in some form. Both belts feel like they have a purpose and plots going forward too.

Last, but certainly not least, we have the women's divisions. Alexa Bliss declaring herself Goddess of WWE and holding a coronation ceremony was an excellent Raw segment that helped to lay the seeds for many potential stories. SmackDown was arguably less focused on their own title, instead putting the spotlight on their new heel female faction, but this did not make it any less interesting to watch. The contrasting variety of the divisions gives each show a different feel.

Sure, I am looking forward to a Braun Strowman and Brock Lesnar match at some point, but if his absence has this effect on the rest of the title pictures, then I am all for him having as long a break as he likes!



Many people had an understandably hard time buying into the idea of Jinder Mahal as a number one contender, but WWE has done a good job building him as the arrogant coward who we know now can win thanks to what fans are calling the Indian Division of J&J security. It does not make him popular, but that is sort of the point.

Stealing the belt from Randy Orton and carrying it around as if he won was also a good call too, so why did he surrender it so easily to Shane McMahon? The fact that he just sullenly handed it over after being asked made him look little more than a scolded schoolboy. Would it not have added more to his credibility had he stubbornly held it for a little longer? Or at least have Randy Orton be the one who took it back just before Backlash. How does it make Randy Orton look that he was unable to retrieve it, but Shane O'Mac could?

Hardcore title reigns lasted longer than that!


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!