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?



There was a lot of interesting developments in the world of wrestling this past week, but one of the biggest talking points has to be the new WWE 24/7 championship.

Is it a perfect concept? No, which is why the topic shall also be covered in the Heat column, but to dismiss it outright based on a few negatives would be short-sighted.

Firstly, it gives the lower card something meaningful to do. Once upon a time this was typically a purpose served by the European and Hardcore titles, and this almost feels like a merger between the two. Indeed, R-Truth thinks that it is the European championship!

While there are an awful lot of titles across WWE's various brands, I would argue that this one actually raises the value of the IC and US titles. WWE can now use those to really show who their serious solid workers and potential main eventers are, while this one can be a fun side-step title that is completed for under very different rules to a standard match.

Is it gimmicky? Yes, but when you have a 3+ hour wrestling show, a bit of variety is not a bad thing. We also have to remember that this is potentially an intergender title too. Throw in the 205, NXT and NXT UK lot as well, and there is plenty of potential for some really fun cross over antics. Plus, let us not forgot that Mick Foley mentioned WWE legends might also want to get in on the mix. I am intrigued to see who they might have in mind.

WWE need to be careful not to run the concept to the ground, but as it stands? I am all for it.



Well, first and foremost, let us address that unveiling . Of course having Mick Foley be the one to reveal it was going to cause people to think that it was the Hardcore title. What did they expect? You could see poor Mick's reaction change when he registered the reaction (or lack of) of the crowd.

Though, this said, one can understand why the name might not have washed with their family friendly sponsors.

However, what is less excusable is just how Goddamn ugly the thing is. Yes, the Hardcore title was never going to win any beauty contests, but it was a fitting design to the nature of the matches it was contended under. This looks like a giant green wrist watch! After the glut of bland doppelganger titles, WWE had seemed to be back on track with the aesthetically pleasing women's tag titles, but who approved this one? Only the most diehard collector are going to want a replica of this one, surely?


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!