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 am loving the Daniel Bryan vs. Drew Gulak story. It all started a few weeks back, with Bryan facing off against talent that are, to put it politely, not on his level. Actually, that is not fair, as very few men are of his ilk, and these men are not losers, but WWE's booking may have had you think otherwise. Apparently, this whole thing was Bryan's idea, and I have no problem believing that. It is such a kind Daniel Bryan thing to do.

Sadly, and by no fault of his own, it will probably benefit Bryan more in the long run, but by giving the lesser used talent an airing, maybe, just maybe, WWE will remember how good some of their oft forgotten talent is, and come up with something substantial for them within the near future.

Oh, and that it has led to Bryan vs. Gulak at the Elimination Chamber? Better and better.



Poor Ricochet. Has anyone else in WWE history gone from fighting for the biggest prize in the game to the lowest in less than a week? Even Jinder Mahal had an interim period as a United States Champion before he began chasing the 24/7 title, but at least he won it a few times! Ricochet cannot even claim that.

The zero offence match against Brock Lesnar was one thing, but not even getting a 24/7 consolation prize? Ouch. Who did he hurt?

This is one of the most baffling career trajectories in recent times, and, if it is not a punishment posting for some breach in the book of McMahon, I cannot understand the logic behind it. They were high on him a mere fortnight ago! Thankfully, Ricochet is one of those performers that fans will get behind despite his booking, and, assuming WWE does not somehow push him further down the card, should recover from this.


Extra Heat. I am not sure if this qualifies as a heat or not, as it might just be so bad it is good, but who thought that it would be an animatronic Spider? Are we meant to think that it is real? Or will we never hear from it again a la Rowan’s doppleganger?

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!