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 am so pleased that WWE remembered Mickie James is on their roster! After a brilliant return as a masked luchador in an angle reminiscent of the Los Conquistadores, Mickie began an angle acting as an aide to help Alexa Bliss retain her title. So, it seemed a foregone conclusion that she would eventually tire of playing second fiddle, and get to challenge Bliss for the title.

However, this was not the case, and James soon tumbled down to merely being there to fill numbers. She had no story, no fanfare, and very few victories to speak of. It was the Dudley Boyz 2015 return all over! The nostalgia wave had ended, and WWE did nothing to give newer fans a reason to care. I felt so bad that someone as iconic as Mickie James was coming out to pin-drop silence.

Would anyone have been surprised if she had asked for her release?

Thankfully, this all looks set to change with her recent reignited feud with Alexa Bliss, and I am looking forward to seeing these two clash in the near future. Also, can we take a moment to appreciate the willingness of James? Find me another performer whose stories include being a stalker, fat, and being old!

Still, she should probably count her blessings that she was not around when someone decided a farting diva was what was missing from the program…



What happened to poor Mike Kanellis? He debuted in June with what many thought was one of the greatest theme songs in recent WWE history, quickly lost a sort of feud with Sami Zayn, and has done nothing of note since.

The lovely dovey gimmick he had with his wife may have burnt out eventually, but WWE did nothing to help fan the flames. In four months, aside the Zayn feud, I can recall exactly one backstage segment with he and Maria and two matches where she interfered to protect him.

But with Maria now out because of her pregnancy, they can no longer even try to continue with this character.

At this point, people have more investment in the Curt Hawkins losing streak gimmick! Given his super quick losses in recent weeks, it does not look like WWE has any idea where to go next with Mike, or even if they truly care.

Let us hope that they can kiss and make up soon.


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!