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?


Over the past few weeks, I have given the Bobby Lashey vs. Sami Zayn feud a bit of a drubbing, but credit must be given where credit is due, and I have to admit to liking their army assault course segment on Monday Night Raw.

Was it the greatest section in Raw history? No, but it was refreshingly different, and actually had a logical tie into their story, namely, that Lashley formerly served in the army, and Zayn was refusing to believe him unless he was able to complete the course. Far better than say having a random dance-off.

Furthermore, who could fail to be impressed by what Bobby achieved? This, more than anything else he has done since his return, endeared me to him. He did not have to say a word.

He just looked like he was having a hell of a fun time sowing of his considerable athletic prowess. It is so easy to become almost immune to just how impressively athletic WWE stars are, but rarely do we seem show it off outside of a WWE match.

This was made all the more impressive because so many of us have participated in variations of the this assault course in school, service training, or the gym. Seeing him excel at relatable activities made me appreciate him a heck of a lot more.

Not saying that I am looking forward to their match or anything...but it is a start, right?



While Bobby vs. Sami Zayn tried to do something to do something different to drum up interest, I am not sure that the same can be said for the Big Cass vs. Daniel Bryan feud.

At this point, it almost feels one-sided, as if only Big Cass is feuding with Daniel, and not the other way around. Maybe that is the point? That Big Cass is the bully that refuses to stop picking the little guy, but this still feels a little dragged out, and Daniel Bryan has already moved on. Why should I be caring if even he does not?

Similar to the Zayn and Bobby feud, the story is built on a singular wafer thin plot i.e Daniel is small, and Big Cass is jealous that he gets the attention. Big Cass is really doing what he can to make dire scripting work, but as shown in his recent theme park restrictions promo, there is sometimes only so much promo skills can do.

The passion and delivery was there, but just like Sami Zayn, what he peddling was not in high demand.

Someone being small/fat/tall is ammo for a good heel quip or two, but structuring your story around it clearly not a sure-fire recipe for success. Piggy James anyone? Still, at least it should be all over after Money in the Bank.

Well, I want to believe it, but even I think that it sounds like a bit of tall-tale.


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!