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 on SmackDown Live saw Kevin Owens deliver a promo many are calling his best one yet. Having rewatched it a few times now, I am inclined to see why. While Shane McMahon's speech about taking Kevin to Hell was a well written piece, the delivery of it was not quite fitting for the situation. His father had been brutally attacked, but he seemed more concerned about doing his best Samuel L. Jackson impression than genuinely wanting revenge.

Now, compare this to Kevin Owens passionate yet subdued response. Kevin was like the kid stealing candy who was only sorry that he had got caught. He apologized that he had done it, but accepted no responsibility. He blamed everyone, but expressed no real remorse. This was not his fault. He did not want to do what he did, but this was just the unfortunate fallout caused by everyone but him. So convinced that he was in the right, he said that it would earn him in a place of heaven doing what he had to do to Shane. Kevin did not need to get angry or raise his voice, but he commanded that camera and audience in a way so few can. In fact, he is so good, it would not surprise me if he actually was receiving divine inspiration!

That, or he is just really really good at what he does.



This past week saw WWE announce that they would be bringing back Starrcade.

The event was first established as an NWA event in 1983, and is widely considered Dusty Rhodes' baby.

Some may see this revival as an excellent tribute to the American Dream, but controversy has already started to build. Firstly, the argument that this should have happened while Dusty was still alive, and that this is a disrespectful cash in, but also that the Rhodes family should have been notified beforehand.

Furthermore, by making Starrcade a house show, some are seeing this as a belittlement to an event that was often mooted as the WrestleMania of WCW. Yet another reminder over who won the Monday Night Wars. Would WWE stoop to that level? I would like to say that may be a little too obscure even for them, but who can be sure?

However, among the social media heat emanating from the non-WWE employed Runnels, a shining light does have the potential to emerge. For after calling him out directly on Twitter, Michael P.S Hayes offered Cody a one-night return to team with Goldust at the show. Could Cody put his pride aside for the company that he believes has it in for his entire family?

The Rhodes and Authority feud of late 2013/early 2014 was such an exciting time. A perfect example of how booking without the heavyweight prize can main-event shows if done right. Plus, despite his own views of the Stardust character, I enjoyed a lot of his wacky skits alongside his elder brother. Would it not be great if people could look past the outrage, accept this is a nod to the son of a plumber, and watch Dusty's boys team once more time?

Well, one can dream.


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!