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?



First, and foremost, I must emphasize that domestic violence on any level to any individual is abhorrent. I must mention this less anyone think that I am heralding the return of inter-gender wrestling in WWE for anything but the entertainment factor.

Once upon a time it had seemed impossible that WWE would ever return to men being able to wrestle women, but we saw the very seeds sown for such a thing this past week when Nia Jax secured a spot in the men's Royal Rumble. However, what was even more surprising was how, after she had given a very good showing, the men retaliated.

Not since the mid-2000's have we had intentional male on female contact. Sure, there has been story mishaps where a male has overshot an attack and accidentally made contact, but scarcely anything intentional. However, the same cannot be said for the female on male policy. Slaps, nut shots, and even judo throws have all been fair play there.

One can understand WWE not wanting to be seen promoting the violence of men against women, but the fact that is has been ok to happen the other way does not exactly promote the equality they strive for.

Nobody is asking for full on bloody street fights between the sexes, but if there is a suitable match up or a little segment where contact benefits the story, why not go with it? It opens up a lot of possibilities.



For reasons nobody can quite fathom, two of the most popular faces were turned into heels this past week on WWE. The first of these, Elias, could not have been face for much more than month before he reverted to his town and sports team insulting ways. Was this done so that he could work a program with the recently returned Jeff Jarrett? Otherwise, this feels like they never truly explored what could be done with him with a good guy persona.

Meanwhile, on the blue brand, it was the ever-lovable Rusev who would receive the 180 degrees character treatment by insulting and attacking the newly crowned United States champion, R-Truth. Odd, especially as he did it alongside the very man who had been the cause of his wife's recent injuries. I guess all is forgiven and forgotten on that front.

It is a little crushing that they ended Rusev Day with Aiden English in exchange for a brief US title run and to be in, what I suspect, will be a fully-fledged tag team. You know...like the widely over one he used to be in.

Two steps forward two steps back springs to mind.


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!