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 was thrilled to see Luke Harper return to WWE this past week, and even more so to see him involved in a prominent story. Luke Harper is an exceptional talent, and it was such a shame to see him sidelined and wanting to quit.

Though, as we know, WWE refused this request, and then responded by extending his contract. Typical, they then did nothing with him, literally paying him to sit at home. This man has all the goods to be a main-eventer player, and I am still disappointed that he did not get that WrestleMania match with Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton.

However, let us not let his return distract us from just how much Erick Rowan has improved as of late. Previously regarded as the least promising of The Wyatt Family, Rowan is rapidly becoming more and more deserving of his upper-card standing. His fluid decimation of opponent’s is great fun to watch, and his promos are becoming more and more engaging with each passing week.

Also, is this first time in WWE history where wrestlers have had their first names restored? [Editor's Note: Apollo Crews. - Mango] Welcome back Erick Rowan and Luke Harper. I look forward to seeing what you do next.




While I do appreciate the trashy attitude era soap style throwback that is the Mike and Maria Kanellis' baby daddy story, I am not sure how this can possibly end well.

Of course, it is great that it does give the pair some much deserved screen time, but I have a feeling that this will be another case of making it up as they go along, rather than working towards a pre-planned end game. Also, has it been designed so that the audience would get behind Mike? I am not convinced WWE know what they want. After all, Mike is the nice guy who loves his wife and is trying his best to please her, but then his constant losses and being made to look the fool are not exactly fodder for a title shot. Who is this meant to help? Maria? Because she is now a mega heel? Right, but a mega heel who will be off for a while after she actually gives birth. So, not sure that works.

Also, we had a Rusev return! A super lean and new look Rusev return! But all they did with it was use him as a bit part player in this directionless story. I want it to work out, but WWE creative needs to figure out what it even is.


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!