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?
CHEAP POP OF THE WEEK:
ROODOLPH CONTINUES TO SHINE
Dolph Zigger and Robert Roode seemed like such a random pairing when they were slung together as tag team title contenders, but, reflecting upon it now, I feel that they have far surpassed expectations.
However, as Roode got suspended not long after winning the titles, and then was unable to travel when the pandemic started, it looked likely that they would never get another chance to cement a longer lasting legacy as a duo. After all, this is the company that loves breaking up tag teams, and here they had a ready-made reason to do just that.
Yet, when Roode was able to return, they remembered the story from way back when, and paired them up once again. Good decision. I am really enjoying their current run on SmackDown, both in and out of the ring, and there is just something solid about their work all around.
The so-called Two Aces are classic heels who revel in their arrogance and cheating ways, and I am a big fan of these antics. Roode attacking Angelo Dawkins to cause a distraction for Dolph was not flash, but it is logical. Of course Montez Ford would notice and pause a second, leaving him wide open for the superkick and one-two-three.
Simple story telling, but no less fun.
CHEAP HEAT OF THE WEEK:
HERE WE GO AGAIN
Retribution is the gift that keeps on giving! In fact, in the six years that I have written this column, I cannot think of a single story or faction that has featured as much as these guys. Sadly, this past week did nothing to change that.
In a rinse and repeat from last week, Raw saw another loss for Retribution when Dana Brooke and Richocet defeated SLAPJACK and RECKONING in stupendously quick fashion. This was followed by Mustafa Ali, once again, chewing them out for failing. Can we take this as the beginning of the end for the group? Sure, it is arguable that they never started, but this is embarrassing either way.
It is not making Ali the star that they thought it would, and none of his goons are getting much out of it either. Unfortunately, I am not sure that WWE see I that way, and it looks like Ali may continue to try to recruit Ricochet into the fold. Will it make a difference if he does? No. Plus, wrestling requires a suspension of disbelief to enjoy. Someone willingly joining the group is beyond the scope of logic at this point.
Therefore, do not put it past them…
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!
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