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?



The last Raw of 2019 gave us a surprising turn of events in the form of a Liv Morgan/Lana lesbian liaison. Initially, I was trying to figure out whether I should class this as a Pop or a Heat, but, after letting the dust settle, I have come to the decision that it, as it currently stands, can place a foot in both camps.

First off, it was unexpected. For better or for worse, we did not see this coming. It can be boring if absolutely everything goes as predicted. Secondly, it is a form of representation for a group that has had little exposure in WWE. To err on the side of optimism, one would hope that a public traded company such as WWE would be sensitive enough to handle this with care.

Again, I know that their track record for similar matters has been far from great, but they cannot be blind to how this could be a potential PR disaster if handled poorly.

Indeed, going off the fact that a clip of the event hit the #1 trending video spot on YouTube, many people are aware that this has happened. So, whatever we thought of Lashley and Lana story, there is no denying that it has got a lot of eyes on the product.

Fingers crossed that this knowledge plays into WWE putting some serious effort into where we go from here.

Oh, and let us not forget that, whatever happens, these series of events have proven that the universal love for Rusev is damn near bulletproof. WWE should absolutely being taking note of that too.



So, with the positives out-of-the-way, let us delve into why this could go down as a last-minute entry to the worst WWE moment of 2019.

Firstly, is this really what we wanted from a Liv Morgan return? I had previously written about my concerns for her repackaging based upon the vignettes, but have they since been availed? Well, not exactly. Plus points for WWE not going down the hot blonde man-eater route, but, is this much better?

I have explained why there is reason to keep some optimism for the handling of the character, but it is foolish to assume that they are guarantees. My proof? Past history aside, such as Billy and Chuck’s wedding, the fact that Liv Morgan came out in a suit gives me the impression that we may see every lesbian stereotype and trope in the book before all is said and done.

In addition, the story has not gone down great with Sonya Deville, ­­­­ an actual WWE lesbian wrestler. One can understand her feelings when, reportedly, she has been pitching an LGBT story between her and Mandy Rose for months! Surely, if WWE wanted to avoid any bad publicity, having this helmed by someone who truly understands would make far more sense?


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!