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?



This past week brought us another solid episode of NXT, but the most notable occurrence of it, or the week, could only possibly be attributed to Finn Balor's heel turn. Some turns we seeing coming a mile away, but, with the exception of a hair style change, there was little sign posting for what Balor had in store, and that is what made this so successful. It was a great surprise.

Finn has been face ever since he emerged on the Raw roster in 2016, and once you got over the entrance, I do not think that it would be unfair to levy his character with a charge of style over substance. Put simply, there just was not much to him beyond having a big grin and, once or twice a year, painting his face. Yes, he never failed to prove his worth as a wrestler, but being a smiley wrestler involved in no noteworthy stories and frequently losing will only ever go so far. Finn needed this change, and so did NXT.

If you were unaware that Balor had even moved to the yellow brand, chances are that you have heard about it now. In one fell swoop, intrigue in Finn has been restored, and I would not be surprised to see a slight increase for the viewing figures for NXT either. After all, history has proven that Finn can excel in a bad guy role, and this now has all the potential to be something special.

Furthermore, we have been left with a cliffhanger over what this means for The Undisputed Era. Has Finn joined? Could there be a power struggle for the leadership? While that might sound like a rehash of the Nation of Domination story, would that be a bad thing? I mean, that Rocky Maivia fellow did not too badly out of it.

I am looking forward to see where this one is going.



A few weeks ago, my heat topic of choice was the poorly devised Rusev/Lana/Lashley love triangle. However, I did say that I would give it time to breath and see what direction it took. Having now given it said time, I can safely say that I am suitably disappointed and, as shown by the torrent of WHAT chants during Raw, I am rather convinced that I am not alone.

Fans are not into this story, and it is clear as day that Rusev does not enjoy it either. Admittedly, Lana and Lashley are doing a good job in their role, but the concept falls flat with Rusev not caring.

He is meant to be incensed that Lashley has stolen his wife, but he speaks his lines with a defeated air about him, and could not look less invested if he tried. Though, who can blame him? This is the third time that he has placed in the position of playing the cuck. Fourth, if we include that little joke The Rock made that one time. With Rusev's contract nearing its end, and WWE are desperate to stop talent jumping ship, what on earth are they playing at here?

Not Rusev’s day? Try not Rusev's year.

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!