Smark Out Moment

What's been going on this week in the world of professional wrestling? It's time to break it down in the latest edition of SMACK TALK, my wrestling podcast and the quick notes below. Make sure to subscribe, comment on the videos and this post, and let us know your thoughts.

Watch each part below:
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

On this eighteenth edition of SUPERSTAR SCORES, we take a look at one of WWE's most recent releases: the son of a son of a plumber, Cody Rhodes.

If you're unfamiliar with how the segment works, here is a quick breakdown: Each edition, a wrestler will be put under the spotlight and rated on a 0-100 scale based on 10 categories that have been broken up into 5 umbrella sections: In the Ring Skills, On the Mic Skills, Appearance, Behavior, and Crowd Reaction. The rating scale is as basic as you can get: 0-1-2-3-4 | 5 | 6-7-8-9-10. It follows the Three-Count Critique method of green being the good, yellow being in the middle, and red being the bad. A perfect 100 is the goal.

Update: On March 20, 2020, we did a recalibration of points for a 25th episode special. In that episode, nearly every wrestler saw some adjustments. Below, you'll see the original scores on the left and then the updated score on the right, with the original description for the original score underneath. For explanation on the updated points, check out the 25th edition podcast.

IN THE RING SKILLS

Athleticism: Does the person have a good signature moveset and finisher? Can they perform a wide variety of moves on a regular basis and not botch them?

My Rating = 7
I loved the Cross Rhodes and the Beautiful Disaster Kick. Every so often, Cody would pull out a new move that he'd added to his repertoire and it would become a signature maneuver that I'd get used to seeing him utilize, and none of them ever bugged me. He was very well-rounded in the ring.

Psychology: The wrestler's ability to tell a story in the ring. Do they make you believe it's real or do they forget to sell their injuries properly? Can they make a long match stay interesting and not get boring?

My Rating = 7 / 8
I've got nothing to really ding him for, but I also kind of can't remember a multitude of matches that had such amazing storytelling that revolved around Cody's character. His feud with Rey Mysterio is one of the few that stands out. Positive marks, but not something I can go crazy on. I'm a big fan of the guy and I liked his work.

ON THE MIC SKILLS

Charisma: If they get a mic, can they cut a promo without stuttering? Are they repetitive or do they keep things fresh?

My Rating = 6 / 8
Cody struggled for a while when it came to the mic, but he improved. I can't say he was one of the best on the roster, but I'd trust him to cut a promo more than a lot of others.

Character: Is their gimmick(s) interesting? Can they pull off being both a heel and a face?

My Rating = 8
He was okay as a clean-cut babyface for a bit, the Dashing gimmick was interesting and was taken into a great direction with the face mask, and then Stardust was okay for a bit before it got on my nerves. I hated the mustache, though. My personal preference was the Cody Rhodes who was a heel with the Intercontinental Championship around his Big Show feud, but I wanted him to reach a point where he was a top babyface and that never came to fruition.

APPEARANCE

Physique: Are they in the proper shape for their gimmick or are they out of shape? (note: someone like Mabel isn't supposed to look like John Morrison, but Matt Hardy gaining weight deducts his points).

My Rating = 6 / 7
If Cody were a little taller and a little more muscular, he would have been given a world title, guaranteed. The guy is really fit and has a great body, but in comparison to a lot of others on the roster, he doesn't stand up as far as looking threatening. For instance, I'd much rather have Cody's body than Brock Lesnar's as far as looks go, but which one do you think looks like a more credible fighter?

Entrance: Their music, the pyro if they have any, whatever taunts or actions they do to make it interesting.

My Rating = 7 / 8
I liked the paper bags given out to the crowd when he was doing the masked gimmick, the mirror was interesting for the Dashing gimmick, and the Stardust one was intricate enough to justify giving him a positive score like this.

BEHAVIOR

Backstage Professionalism: Are they a locker room leader or do they cause problems behind the scenes? Are they bogged down in politics? Do they put other people over or screw people over?

My Rating = 9
If this dude put up with as much shit as it seems like he did, and he just now cracked, I give him a lot of credit. I don't remember ever hearing about any situations where he was argumentative or problematic, either, and it seemed like he was willing to go all over the places when it comes to his positioning on the card, putting people over, and so forth.

Public Relations: Does this wrestler project a bad image onto the company with arrests and such, or are they someone that promotes the company well, does charities, talk shows, etc?

My Rating = 9
Cody Rhodes has nothing working against him here and even did reading seminars as Stardust. High marks, but obviously not as high as someone like John Cena. Cody would go to comic book conventions, tap into a different side of the culture, and do his part very well in promoting the company.

CROWD REACTION

Popularity: How loud are the cheers and boos for them? Do they sell merchandise? Are ratings up or down when they're on screen? How many Twitter and Facebook followers do they have?

My Rating = 5 / 8
Ugh, man....I really want to give him a higher score, but Cody was never the biggest attraction and I can't just let my personal preferences influence it. I certainly wouldn't give him lower than this, but I can't see giving him much higher, either.

Credibility: Is this person someone you would see as a main eventer and a future legend or are they doomed to forever be a jobber?

My Rating = 6 / 8
While I always wanted him to be a main eventer, he never reached that status. For a good portion of his career, Cody was a viable midcard champion and even upper midcarder that could have won the Intercontinental or United States Championship at any point, but he also had spots where he was nothing more than a jobber, sadly.

TOTAL SCORE: 70/100 - 80/100

FINAL THOUGHTS: Here's a situation where I think his rating is lower than it should be and it's almost entirely to blame on WWE's method of using him. Cody had more potential than the company often gave him credit for and he spent too much time as a lower-card guy, which hurts him in the Crowd Reaction categories. He should score higher there, and he should have been given more opportunities to show off the positives in the other fields, too. If I had things my way, I would be in a position where I could rank him in the mid-70s instead, but it is what it is.

Update: Naturally, with the past few years and the 2020 adjustments, big things changed with Cody going on the indies and helping create AEW. That explains the big change.

This week's episode of WWE Thursday Night SmackDown was taped on May 31, 2016 at the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford, IL. The following are spoilers for the results of what transpired during the show:

• Becky Lynch defeated Charlotte
• The Dudley Boyz defeated Golden Truth
• Dean Ambrose and Sami Zayn defeated Kevin Owens and Alberto Del Rio
• Rusev defeated Jack Swagger
• AJ Styles defeated Kofi Kingston

This week's episode of WWE Main Event was broadcast on May 31, 2016 and is coming to you from the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford, IL. The following are the results of what transpired during the show:

• Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady defeated The Vaudevillains
• Zack Ryder defeated Viktor
• Sasha Banks defeated Summer Rae

Tonight's episode of WWE Monday Night Raw for May 30, 2016 is coming to you live from the Resch Center in Green Bay, WI. Follow along here for live, ongoing coverage of the results of the show to find out what happens as things occur and chat with fellow WWE fans in the comments below and in the chat on the sidebar!

Monday Night Raw Episode 1,201: The Return of the Cenation. I would've put roman numerals but 1,201 in roman numerals is probably pretty hefty. Nonetheless tonight is the night that John Cena returns full-time to a WWE ring since his injury and subsequent surgery. We got a glimpse of him at WrestleMania 32 where he came out to help The Rock dispose of The Wyatt Family, but The Champ is here once again! Will we see the last entrant into the Money In The Bank ladder match field tonight as we push towards yet another PPV with massive implications. Will "The Club" continue to fall apart as AJ and his former New Japan buddies seem to separate farther and farther. The Man is back as well as Seth Rollins prepares to meet Roman Reigns in the main event of Money in The Bank! This is also the first Monday Night Raw since the bombshell dropped out SmackDown moving live to Tuesday nights with a brand split and a draft coming back, so expect some major excitement being spread from the WWE big wigs. Its also Memorial Day, so thank you to all of those who have served, will serve, or are currently serving in the armed forces!

To start the show, WWE honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice with a moment of silence and ringing the bell with all the superstars and divas standing on the stage. They also show a video package.

PROMO: The opening promo of Raw belongs to Shane-O-Mac. Before Shane can say a word, out comes his sister Stephanie. Shane starts off by saying that the landscape of WWE is changing on July 19th as SmackDown goes live on USA Network. Stephanie says that SmackDown can wait, but for tonight we get to see the return of John Cena. Before they can say anymore, out comes the Tag Team Champions! The New Day is in Titletown! They bring up how excited they were about the SmackDown change, but that quickly changed to paranoia. Shane says its true that the two shows will have two different rosters, and Kofi brings up Shane's awesome shoe game. The New Day is all about the new era. They then ask where The New Day is going, and Stephanie says that no definitive decisions have been made and everyone will find out in due time. The New Day jump her saying she is dodging the questions. Shane says that nothing is off the table when it comes to the brand split; insinuating that The New Day could be split. Big E then asks who is going to SmackDown, and Stephanie says that they have yet to figure that out as everything is still a work in progress. Shane says that everything will be well thought out. The New Day then stirs the pot by saying it must be the sibling rivalry. The New Day says if there was ever a time they couldn't agree on something they would solve it one way.. A dance challenge! Stephanie says no way, but Shane is all for it as he dances with New Day. Stephanie then falls prey and gets ready to dance, but is stopped as they are interrupted by The Vaudevillains. Who are scheduled to take on New Day up next.

*Commercial Break*

MATCH: The New Day vs. The Vaudevillians

During the match, Gallows and Anderson attack Xavier Woods on the outside and then attack the others. Laying waste to The New Day.

RESULTS: The New Day wins via DQ.
THOUGHTS: I was a little surprised by this. I figured if anyone was getting involved it would've been Cass & Enzo, but I was wrong. (Shocker)

*Commercial Break*

PROMO: Renee stops Gallows and Anderson and asks why they did what they did. They said it was to prove that they can inflict just as much damage without AJ by their side. The best way to do that is to cause as much damage in the tag team division as they can, and they're just getting started.

PROMO: Apollo Crews is working out before his match backstage, and Big Show stops by to see him. Show asks him if he's ready to kick Sheamus' ass, and Crews says he is. Show says that Sheamus is scared by this "New Era" business, and he's a bully. He's going to scratch, claw, and do whatever he can to stay in his place. The reason he picked on him is because he thinks Apollo is going to back down, but the question is.. Will he?

*Commercial Break*

MATCH: The Usos vs. Breezango

The Golden Truth is on commentary for this one.

Breezango attacks The Golden Truth, but The Golden Truth stand tall after the attack.

RESULTS: The Usos win via pin fall.
THOUGHTS: My only thought through this entire "Breezango vs. The Golden Truth" this is.. "I don't care." The best part of the whole think was JBL saying "I like molten poop better than I like Golden Truth."

*Commercial Break*

PROMO: Roman Reigns is coming down to the ring. Roman starts off by reminding the crowd that two years ago Seth broke up The Shield, and ever since then he has called himself "The Man". Roman doesn't agree because he is always running from "The Guy" which is himself. He then calls Seth out to the ring to prove he's the man, and Seth answers the call. He teases getting into the ring, but then heads to the stage and grabs a mic instead. He then tosses the mic down and heads for the ring again, but does the same thing while laughing this time. He repeats the process a few more times playing the mind games. He grabs the mic, gets ready to say something, looks at the crowd as they boo him, and he throws the mic down and leaves. Then he comes sprinting from the back right up to the ring and backs away again saying "Things are gonna be run my way around here."

*Commercial Break*

MATCH: Rusev(w Lana) vs. Zack Ryder


RESULTS: Rusev wins via submission.
THOUGHTS: Not surprised at all here.

PROMO: Rusev says that Ryder is just like all Americans. He thinks he is entitled to everything even though he has lost everything, but before he can continue out comes Titus O'Neil. Titus takes offense to Rusev calling himself a great American especially on Memorial Day. He says great Americans fight for what they believe in, and isn't buying the hype around Rusev. He lands an incredible punch and Rusev wants nothing to do with Titus.

*Commercial Break*

PROMO: They play a video package of the breakdown between Charlotte and Ric, and showing superstars and divas talking about the "incident". Stephanie then stops Charlotte in back and says that she is embarrassed to have her as the Women's Champion after that outburst and how she is nothing but a waste of talent.

*Commercial Break*

MATCH: Enzo & Cass vs. The Dudley Boyz


RESULT: Enzo & Cass win via pin fall.
THOUGHTS: I am a huge fan of Enzo & Cass(who isn't), and I think their time as Tag Champs is coming.

PROMO: Sami, Dean, and Cesaro are talking about their strategy for their upcoming 6 man tag match between KO, Alberto Del Rio, and Chris Jericho. All of which are Money in the Bank ladder match participants.

*Commercial Break*

PROMO: The Champ is back! That's right. John Cena makes his return right now on Memorial Day. He starts off with a touching tribute to the men and women that risk their lives for our freedom and that he is with their families and friends on a day like today. He goes on to talk more about freedom and how that freedom allows him to say that he is back on Monday Night Raw. He brings up hoe a "new era" has started and people are wondering when his spot will be taken from someone else, but he assures that he will not going quietly into the night. The future goes through him. Then out comes AJ Styles! AJ Styles and John Cena in the same ring.. Wow. After nearly 3 minutes of standing and listening to the crowd go crazy, AJ Styles tells John he has been waiting for this moment for a long time. AJ says he doesn't understand the bad rep that Cena gets with all his hard work, and his work outside of the ring. Two worlds collide. He then extends his hand for a handshake and welcomes Cena back home. But before anything else happens, out comes Anderson & Gallows. Gallows says that they've agreed to go separate ways from AJ, and their way was causing havoc by attacking New Day earlier tonight. But AJ's way seems to sucking up to the big names. Anderson says they are in the business to kick ass and not kiss it, and AJ is included. AJ and Cena get ready to fight off Gallows & Anderson, then AJ turns on Cena! All three men beat down Cena and stand tall over him on his return. AJ goes back 3 more times to lay a beat down on the 16x champ. Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant.

*Commercial Break*

MATCH: Dana Brooke(w Charlotte) vs. Natalya

After the match Dana and Charlotte start attacking Natty, but Becky comes to her rescue.

RESULT: Dana Brooke wins by pin fall.
THOUGHTS: This was all thanks to a distraction from Charlotte. The run-in from Becky was great, but I miss Sasha.

PROMO: Jojo is with Dolph and they talk about the technical wrestling match they will have tonight. He finally gets the chance to show off everything he has learned since he was 5 years old.

*Commercial Break*

MATCH: Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin

Remember, this is a technical wrestling match. Not your average match.

Ziggler gets his wrestling gear on and then kicks Corbin right below the belt to get payback for Corbin doing the same to him at Extreme Rules.

RESULT: Baron Corbin wins via DQ.
THOUGHTS: I wasn't expecting this, but I enjoyed it.

*Commercial Break*

PROMO: Maryse introduces The Miz, and he says he is a true champion and no one can beat him. Your usual champ stuff.

PROMO: Del Rio, KO, and Y2J are backstage talking about their strategy for tonight, but its more like arguing. They are on the same page on one thing, and that's that they want to make sure Zayn, Ambrose, and Cesaro never make it to Money in the Bank. They aren't getting along at all, but will main event as a team up next.

MATCH: Sami Zayn, Dean Ambrose, & Cesaro vs. Kevin Owens, Del Rio, & Jericho

Ambrose hits the Dirty Deeds and pins Owens for the win.

RESULT: Zayn, Ambrose, & Cesaro win via pin fall.
THOUGHTS: I was definitely expecting someone to interfere, but it was a good match!

AJ Styles has turned heel on the May 30, 2016 edition of  Monday Night Raw. During the show, he realigned with The Club (who had firmly cemented themselves as heels earlier by attacking The New Day) and attacked the ever-babyface John Cena.

My first reaction: Frankly, I don't have much of a positive outlook for this, but I also kind of don't care. I think AJ Styles is better in theory as a babyface, but the concept of this brand extension has rendered everything up in the air. Could this be the best move? Possibly. Could it be a disastrous decision? Certainly. If that split wasn't impending, I would be 100% against this, but we'll have to see.

Click here for the full list of people who have turned heel or face throughout the year.

This week's episode of WWE Superstars was taped on May 30, 2016 before Monday Night Raw at the Resch Center in Green Bay, WI. The following are spoilers for the results of what transpired during the show:

• Paige defeated Summer Rae
• Jack Swagger defeated Viktor

Welcome to another edition of Power Rankings from Smark Out Moment! Each week, we will break down the current roster and examine who has gone up the WWE hierarchy and who has unfortunately taken a step down the ladder. Factoring in things such as wins and losses, suspensions, injuries, making a name for one's self, being humiliated, and more, who is at the top of the food chain and who needs to make up some ground next week?

Sheamus lost against Sami Zayn on Raw.


Apollo Crews lost against Chris Jericho on Raw.


Dana Brooke got involved in the match between Charlotte and Natalya at Extreme Rules. Her match with Natalya on SmackDown ended in a no contest.


The Dudley Boyz cut a promo at Extreme Rules. Bubba Ray Dudley then lost against Colin Cassady on Raw.


Vaudevillians lost against The New Day at Extreme Rules.


Dolph Ziggler lost against Baron Corbin at Extreme Rules and against Dean Ambrose on Raw.


Kalisto lost against Rusev at Extreme Rules and on SmackDown.


The Usos lost against The Club before interfering in the match between Roman Reigns and AJ Styles at Extreme Rules.


Natalya lost against Charlotte at Extreme Rules. Her match with Dana Brooke on SmackDown ended in a no contest and she beat Summer Rae on Superstars.


Baron Corbin beat Dolph Ziggler at Extreme Rules and Jack Swagger on Main Event.


Charlotte beat Natalya at Extreme Rules, cut a promo on Raw and interfered in the match between Natalya and Dana Brooke on SmackDown.


Alberto Del Rio beat Zack Ryder on SmackDown to win a place in the Money in the Bank ladder match.


Colin Cassady cut a promo at Extreme Rules. On Raw Enzo Amore returned and cut a promo with Big Cass. Cass then beat Bubba Ray Dudley on Raw.


The Club beat The Usos before interfering in the match between AJ Styles and Roman Reigns at Extreme Rules. The Club then cut a promo on Raw.


The New Day beat Vaudevillians at Extreme Rules before beating Social Outcasts on both Raw and Main Event.


Kevin Owens lost against The Miz at Extreme Rules. He then beat AJ Styles for a place in the Money in the Bank ladder match on Raw. Kevin Owens then cut a promo on SmackDown.


Sami Zayn lost against The Miz at Extreme Rules before beating Sheamus for a place in the Money in the Bank ladder match on Raw. Sami Zayn then cut a promo on SmackDown.


Cesaro lost against The Miz at Extreme Rules before beating The Miz for a place in the Money in the Bank ladder match on Raw. Cesaro then lost against The Miz on SmackDown.


See above.


Chris Jericho lost against Dean Ambrose at Extreme Rules before beating Apollo Crews on Raw for a place in the Money in the Bank ladder match.


Rusev beat Kalisto at Extreme Rules to win the Intercontinental Championship. He then beat kalisto again on SmackDown.


Dean Ambrose beat Chris Jericho at Extreme Rules. He then beat Dolph Ziggler for a place in the Money in the Bank ladder match on Raw. Ambrose then cut a promo on SmackDown.


AJ Styles lost against Roman Reigns at Extreme Rules. The Phenomenal One then cut a promo before losing against Kevin Owens on Raw.


Roman Reigns beat AJ Styles at Extreme Rules. He then cut a promo on Raw.


Seth Rollins returned to attack Roman Reigns at Extreme Rules. Rollins then cut a promo on both Raw and SmackDown.

Each week, DIVAS DEBRIEF runs down the events that transpired in women's professional wrestling from the past couple of days. From the WWE Divas to the TNA Knockouts including some other companies as well, Smark Out Moment attempts to keep you up to date on all things going on with the ladies of the ring.

Charlotte addresses the WWE Woman's Championship

Charlotte comes out arm in arm with Ric Flair and Dana Brooke. Charlotte gets on the microphone and lets out a “WOO!” Ric Flair takes the microphone and the crowd buzzes. Flair says before she starts tonight, he just wants to convey to her as a father how proud he is of her for everything she’s accomplished since she won the WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania. As a child, every time he turned around, she had her hand in the candy jar. Even when they hid it, she found it. Everything she’s touched in her life, she’s made happen. She’s that fabulous. Last night with her back against the wall, she once again prevailed. She even got someone like her Uncle Arn in Dana Brooke. Without Charlotte Flair, there is no Dana Brooke. Flair says he’s proud of her.

Charlotte wants to thank one person, and that’s obviously herself. She’s also proud of Dana Brooke. She made the right decision because she wants to be the best. Dana thanks Charlotte for the opportunity to stand in the ring with the dirtiest player in the game. Charlotte asks if Flair knows what she remembers growing up. She remembers Thanksgivings, Christmases, and Birthdays. The crowd gives her the “WHAT” treatment. She dares them to say “WHAT” one more time. She remembers her mother saying her father would always be there, but he wasn’t. She had to watch him on TV. She understands why he wasn’t there. Her mother had to rub her hair because she was crying, but she gets it now because she’s the WWE Women’s Champion. She’s never been more powerful or confident. Now she understands. Her father knew what it was like to be the man. She’s the woman. That’s why she has the courage to say this to her father: “Get out of my ring!” She asks if he’s hard of hearing. She figured he’d stand there looking dumbfounded. Everyone from his generation is the same. They never want to leave the spotlight. She was compassionate enough to let him bask in her success. Does anyone know what it’s like to walk into a room and be called Ric Flair’s daughter? He’s Charlotte’s dad. She asks if he’s going to cry. Her spotlight shines brighter than his ever did. Flair begins to cry.

Charlotte appears like she’s on the verge of tears saying all these things. Charlotte says Ric Flair abandoned her for the last thirty years of her life. Ric Flair is immortal to the fans, but to her he’s dead. Now he can watch her on TV like she had to do for him. She tells him to get out of the ring. Flair sadly leaves the ring as she sings “Kiss Him Goodbye” at him.



Paige vs Summer Rae

They lock up and Summer with a waist lock and she hits Paige in the back of the head. They lock up and Paige hits Summer in the rear end a few times. Summer avoids being tripped by Paige but Paige with a kick and she sends Summer to the mat. Paige with a knee to the head and she gets a near fall. Paige with an Irish whip but Summer sends Paige to the apron. Summer with a forearm and spinning heel kick to knock Paige to the floor.

Summer sends Paige back into the ring and she chokes Paige in the ropes. Summer chokes Paige in the corner. Summer with an Irish whip but Paige catches Summer. Summer counters and gets a near fall. Summer with a Million Dollar Dream. Paige escapes but Summer with kicks to send Paige to the mat and Summer gets a near fall. Summer returns to the Million Dollar Dream.

Paige with a back heel kick and both women are down. Paige with kicks to Summer and we are reminded of Paige’s real estate portfolio. Paige with a knee into the corner and a running knee in the middle of the ring for a near fall. Summer has a spin kick blocked and Paige hits a fallaway slam. Paige hits the RamPaige for the three count.

Winner: Paige
Match Rating: 1.75/5



Gail Kim vs. Sienna w/Maria and Allie (If Kim loses, her TNA career is over)

Gail attacks Sienna as she enters the ring and hits a series of forearms and elbows. Gail hits a Kneebreaker and then a Flying Clothesline for a one count. Gail leaps to the top and kicks a charging Sienna followed by a Springboard Flying Cross Body for a near fall. Gail hits the ropes but eats a Running Knee from Sienna. Sienna charges at Gail again but Gail catches her with a hurricanrana over the top rope to the floor! Gail hits Sienna with more forearms but as she turns around to go after Maria, Sienna hits Gail from behind. Sienna hits a Flapjack on Gail across the guardrail. Sienna tosses Gail into the ring and connects with a massive Forearm Smash. Sienna chokes Gail in the corner and then hits a Running Samoan Drop on Gail for a near fall. Sienna seems to be favoring her knee a little bit. Sienna whips Gail hard into the corner and then she whips Gail into the opposite corner. Sienna goes for another Samoan Drop but Gail counters it into a Reverse DDT! Gail climbs up top but Maria grabs her leg as Sienna distracted the referee. Maria pulls Gail down and slams her into the apron. Maria tosses Gail into the ring and she goes for her finish but Gail counters into a Sunset Flip for the pin.

Winner: Gail Kim
Match Rating: 2.5/5




Alexa goes to the floor to allow Carmella and Nia battle and then potentially take advantage of the situation. Nia runs Carmella into the corner and puts her on the turnbuckles. Carmella with a knee and she goes for a sunset flip but Nia does not go over. Carmella with a side head lock and Nia throws her aside. Carmella with a top wrist lock and Nia sends her to the mat. Nia with a knee to Carmella and Alexa goes up top but Nia sees her and Alexa realizes that is her bad.

We are back and Nia continues to work over Carmella while Alexa watches from the floor. Carmella tries to counter a power bomb but Nia holds on for a moment but Caremlla with a rana to send Nia into the turnbuckles. Nia is pulled to the floor and Alexa gets a near fall. Alexa with a forearm to the back and she slams Carmella’s head into the mat. Carmella gets a rollup for a near fall but Alexa sends Carmella to the mat again. Alexa with a slam and then she slams Carmella’s head into the mat and Alexa with a splash for a near fall.

Carmella with elbows and Alexa grabs Carmella by the throat and then sends her to the mat followed by a handspring knee drop. Nia breaks up the cover and Alexa with a double knee drop to Nia. Alexa goes up top for the Sparkle Splash but Carmella breaks up the cover. Nia misses a splash into the corner when Carmella and Alexa move. Alexa and Carmella try for a double suplex but Nia blocks it and hits a double suplex of her own.

Carmella and Alexa battle by the ropes and Nia tries for a splash but she is sent to the floor. Carmella sends Alexa to the floor and then she goes for a suicide dive onto Nia but Nia catches Carmella. Alexa kicks Carmella from the apron. Alexa is sent to the floor. Carmella with a suicide dive onto Nia. Alexa hits Carmella from behind but Carmella with two flying clotheslines but Alexa escapes a belly-to-back suplex. Carmella sends Alexa into the corner and then Carmella with a Bronco Buster. Carmella sends Alexa to the mat and she sets for the head scissors choke but Nia breaks it up.

Nia with a head butt to Carmella and Nia gets Carmella up but Carmella with a rear naked choke. Nia is down to her knee but Nia gets back up and backs Carmella into the turnbuckles to get out of the hold. Carmella with a Thesz Press from the turnbuckles for a near fall. Carmella sets for the Bronco Buster but Nia recovers and hits a spinebuster followed by a leg drop for the three count.

Winner: Nia Jax
Match Rating: 3/5



Dana Brooke w/Charlotte vs. Natalya

Charlotte joins the commentary team for this match. Brooke and Natalya locks up. Natalya with a side headlock takedown. Natalya with a series of right hands to Brooke in the corner. Brooke clotheslines Natalya. Brooke goes for a elbow drop, but Natalya rolls out of the way. Natalya gets Brooke in the Sharpshooter. Charlotte storms into the ring and attacks Natalya to cause the disqualification. After the match, Charlotte gets trapped into the Sharpshooter, but Dana Brooke makes the save. Charlotte whips Natalya head onto the mat. Brooke with a boot to the face. Charlotte drops Natalya with a exploder suplex.

Winner: Natalya
Match Rating: 2/5



Natalya vs Summer Rae

Natalya starts off with a headlock and then with an arm drag into a near fall. Another headlock from Natalya and she asserts her dominance over Summer Rae. Summer Rae then tries t go for a kick but Natalya blocks it and responds with a couple of kicks of her own. She then goes for the Sharpshooter but is unable to do so and shoves Summer Rae out of the ring. Summer Rae then gets hit with a baseball slide from Natalya. Summer Rae, being pushed back into the ring, finds an opening and throws Natalya to the mat. Then, Summer Rae kicks and uses her knees to keep Natalya down while "You can't wrestle" chants are heard through the arena. Near fall from Summer Rae and then she goes for a submission move on Natalya but then she counters with a submission of her own. Summer Rae escapes and then tries to go for a near fall, working Natalya's left leg. Summer Rae then continues the submission moves and goes for a near fall. Natalya then finally connects on the Sharpshooter and Summer Rae taps.

Winner: Natalya
Match Rating: 1.25/5



So there you have it, the breakdown for the week in women's wrestling. What were some of your favorite and least favorite moments from these women? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Who is the sexiest WWE superstar on the roster right now? Here is your chance to determine who you think are the hottest women in World Wrestling Entertainment today by voting and picking your favorite in each match of the tournament.

The results from the Round 3 quarterfinals are in and the winners are as follows (and can be found in more detail here):

Nikki Bella defeated Maryse | Alexa Bliss defeated Renee Young Lana defeated Eva Marie | Paige defeated Becky Lynch
We are now on the semifinals with Round 4's set of matches. Cast your votes below and decide who moves on to the finals in Round 5!






Vote on your favorites in the Google Form below. If you are unable to view it, click here to open the direct link in a new window.


Next week, the tournament will conclude with Round 5. If you want to show your support for a particular person, share this post on Facebook, Twitter, or anywhere else. You can also tweet @ the particular superstars themselves to show your support and encourage their followers to vote for them as well.

Who is the sexiest WWE superstar on the roster right now? Here is your chance to determine who you think are the hottest men in World Wrestling Entertainment today by voting and picking your favorite in each match of the tournament.

The results from the Round 3 quarterfinals are in and the winners are as follows (and can be found in more detail here):

Dolph Ziggler defeated Finn Balor | Roman Reigns defeated Dean Ambrose Randy Orton defeated The Rock | Seth Rollins defeated John Cena
We are now on the semifinals with Round 4's set of matches. Cast your votes below and decide who moves on to the finals in Round 5!






Vote on your favorites in the Google Form below. If you are unable to view it, click here to open the direct link in a new window.


Next week, the tournament will conclude with Round 5. If you want to show your support for a particular person, share this post on Facebook, Twitter, or anywhere else. You can also tweet @ the particular superstars themselves to show your support and encourage their followers to vote for them as well.

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?

How hot is the Intercontinental Championship scene? Recent attempts to re-establish it as the solid workhorse belt have been mostly stops and start attempts, but now feels like a golden era in the title's 37-year history.

The Fatal 4-Way at Extreme Rules was my favorite match of the card. Everything about it worked. The technical wrestling was fluid, the simple story and sub-stories made sense, and every one of those men came out looking a winner.

While I was a little bummed out that Zack Ryder lost his title one day after WrestleMania 32, I love The Miz as the weasely cocky Houdini champion that just gets out by the skin of his teeth.

Another great aspect of the match was how any one of these men looked like they could have walked away as the champion, and not one of them looked like they were there to bump up the numbers.

Calling it now for a Match of The Year candidate.


BONUS POP:

Seth Rollins Returns. How could I not mention this? The architect's surprise appearance made for a very nice ending to Extreme Rules. We now have a story raring to go straight out of the box.
One time friends, still bitter rivals, and a champion who never lost his title vying to get it back. Roll on Money in the Bank.


This past week saw the requested release of Cody Rhodes.

That is not WWE saying that he was no longer welcome there, but Cody saying that there was no point. He saw the writing on the wall (or in the stars) that WWE would never see him as main event material.

Has there ever been a greater misuse of talent than this present era? Even more tragic is Cody's confessions on Twitter about the Stardust character. For the longest time, stories circulated that this was his character, his choice, and that he wanted to remain as Stardust.

However, it turns out that WWE told him to paint himself up like his brother, that WWE insisted he kept the character despite his begging, and that Triple H told him that WWE is a play, and not everyone gets the biggest role.

A fair point. However, not one that should have applied to Cody.

There was never a stigma of Cody just being Dusty's Rhodes kid. Sure, Dusty probably knew the right people to get him in, but nobody ever looked at Cody as someone sitting on Daddy's coattails. He was his own man, and would have got there on his own merit. Every gimmick he was given, much like Damien Sandow, he made work better than they ever probably expected him too.

Sadly, this was still never enough for them.

I have a huge amount of respect and admiration for Cody in the ring, as a person, and for walking away. He knew his worth, he what he was capable of, and he gave WWE every chance to keep him on.

Shame on you letting this one get away WWE. Really. Shame on you.

#ThankYouCody


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!

With news that SmackDown will be airing live on Tuesdays and that it will feature a unique roster broken yesterday, speculation on a WWE Draft ran amok and seem to be confirmed, so Smark Out Moment's Carlos Toro and Callum Wiggins decided to do a mock draft of their own. Callum will be drafting for Raw and Carlos will be drafting for SmackDown. Below is the first 10 picks of their draft with part 2 coming next week.

There are a few rules in this draft:

• All main roster (i.e. Raw and SmackDown, not NXT) superstars are eligible.
• Tag teams and factions as of May 25th will be drafted as a unit, not as individuals. 
• While Charlotte can be picked to a team, she will defend her title on both shows as their is only one Women's Championship.
• This draft will not consider possible future championships that may be implemented.
• Each brand gets 20 main roster draft picks and 1 NXT draft pick in which they can secure the rights to, bringing each brand a total of 21 draft picks each.

Superstars picked will be in bold.

1. Callum Wiggins


Okay, well my first pick is relatively simple. John Cena - he's been WWE's cash cow for well over a decade, and while he's in the latter stages of his career he still generates the biggest reaction from audiences. Plus, he has been putting on the best matches of his entire career and is more popular among both casual and hardcore wrestling fans than ever before. This is a no-brainer for the first pick.

1. Carlos Toro


Well you definitely stole my first pick (now I know how Vince felt in the 2002 Draft). I suppose my first pick is going to be Roman Reigns. He's the future of the company (whether we want to or not) and he has been getting better and if pushed just right, he can be the future face of the company. Not like Cena, but he would THE guy in WWE.

2. Callum Wiggins

I actually wanted Reigns next. But if that's not possible then why not pair the perennial good guy John Cena with the WWE's greatest villain? Of course, I'm referring to Kevin Owens, who is arguably the best wrestler, talker and overall performer in WWE today. Given dominant prizefighter booking, he could and should be a multi-time World Champion.

2. Carlos Toro

Well since we are talking about arguably the best wrestler, my second pick is going to be none other than AJ Styles. Styles has done nothing but produce great match after great match since he came to WWE. Plus, Mauro Ranallo has followed Styles' career better than anyone else in the company and he can properly put Styles over on commentary. Plus he can still be a World Champion in his time in WWE.

3. Callum Wiggins

Fuck! I forgot SmackDown had Mauro Ranallo - can we trade? But as for my next pick, I would like a former WWE Champion. Seth Rollins has recently returned and it's obvious from the crowd reactions he's received how much he is over. His athleticism is remarkable, and when the bell rings there are few better in between the ropes. He could be the face to replace John Cena when he eventually hangs up his boots.

3. Carlos Toro

Cena, Owens and Rollins. Three pretty strong draft picks for you, but I think my third pick to side with Reigns and Styles is just as strong. My next pick is going to be Dean Ambrose. The way I see it, Ambrose is finally getting getting pay-per-view wins and is headed for a big, strong push for the summer and Ambrose has consistently been a big crowd favorite and being one of the faces of SmackDown is the way to go for the Lunatic Fringe

4. Callum Wiggins

I'm glad you've managed to pick two perennial losers to help make Roman look strong on your roster tongue emoticon But they are a capable trio. My fourth choice is the ultimate underdog, Daniel Bryan-lite, Sami Zayn. He needs to be on the same roster as Kevin Owens to constantly rekindle their feud, which now on a separate brand can be given the main event attention it deserves. Plus, Zayn is a massive crowd favorite and stirs so much empathy that it would be criminal not to grab him quickly.

4. Carlos Toro


Sometimes in the business, wins and losses don't always matter. But I do have two big babyfaces in three picks, so I'm going for a heel that needs to have the spotlight back on him and that would be Bray Wyatt and by extension, the Wyatt Family. This group has so much potential and the 50/50 booking has been their Achilles heel. They need to return as the creepy backwoods cult that terrified Cena by surrounding him with singing children in sheep masks. There is still hope for them and I'm banking on that potential

5. Callum Wiggins

The whole Wyatt Family? That's quite a big swoop there. To counter that I'm going to need my own faction. One that totally rocks. Wait a minute - New Day rocks! Yes I'm taking all three because they can switch between face and heel on a dime and remain one of the most over acts on the roster. Furthermore, they all have varying degrees of potential should the group split, particularly Big E, who could be a dark horse for a world title run.

5. Carlos Toro

Well picking up the WWE Tag Team Champions was big, but I got my own big tag team and that would be Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. This feud with AJ is not stopping anytime soon I think and you can definitely work a lot with them. They are good enough to be tag champions and if they were to ever split, it's not unthinkable for either of them to have a run with a midcard title. Plus, like with Styles, Ranallo can be a huge instrument in getting them over on commentary.

6. Callum Wiggins

They're a dominant tag team I'll agree. But, unless I'm not mistaken, neither of them are Certified Gs. And they aren't 7 foot tall. Sadly, you can't teach those things, which is why it's great that my next pick of Enzo Amore & Big Cass already have those qualities. They literally exhale charisma with everything they do, and are fast becoming this generation's New Age Outlaws. In addition, Enzo could be a fantastic mouthpiece should Big Cass tap into his potential as a main event star.

6. Carlos Toro

I knew I was rolling the dice waiting to pick them next but I guess this is what make drafts great. So I'm going to pick someone who is a certified badass and it is Cesaro. Cesaro embodies what the old Paul Heyman led SmackDown was. A great wrestler that is organically over with the crowd and produces nothing but amazing matches. He can thrive on SmackDown and has all the tools needed to be a SmackDown star. Plus I'm loving this James Bond/Jason Statham gimmick.

7. Callum Wiggins


I really wanted him next, Cesaro has so much potential. But I've decided to mix it up a little because this draft is becoming a sausage fest fast. My next pick is The Boss, Sasha Banks. She's a phenomenon, and simply put she could be the driving force for women's wrestling to become a definitive draw for WWE. She oozes charisma, is capable of playing both heel and face, and can always be relied upon to produce unbelievable matches.

7. Carlos Toro

Well then you certainly did a good job mixing it up. But I can do it better. My next pick is none other than the BEAST INCARNATE BROOOOOCK LESNAR! Yes I'm rolling the dice on a part timer but with who is on the roster right now, the potential for big time matches is already there. Cesaro vs Brock Lesnar is a dream match and I'm sure for a lot of other people as well. That is potential match of the year candidate waiting to happen. When he steps into the ring with anyone, it feels legitimate which is what SmackDown has been lacking for years.

8. Callum Wiggins

Well I look forward to the three matches he puts on for your roster this year. Instead, I'll go with someone who's great everyday of the year, and in my opinion gets so much undeserved hate from smarky fans who suggest he can't perform. That is The Miz, who deserves this extended reign as Intercontinental Champion and is the most natural heat magnet in professional wrestling today - it's simply too easy to dislike the guy. Also by proxy I'll be taking Maryse to Monday Nights too (and I'll let you have Paul Heyman in return - let's face it Brock's going to need him.

8. Carlos Toro

Damn, that was going to be my next pick. Having the IC Champ and the best pure heel on the roster would have been a great addition to SmackDown. But I guess it's time for me to show some love for the ladies and so my next pick is going to be Becky Lynch. I'm rolling the dice because Sasha is not on SmackDown but with Charlotte being able to defend the title on both shows, she can still have a lot of great storyline potential. She has a lot of personality that has not been properly explored. She's still a great wrestler and worthy of being a top woman in the division

9. Callum Wiggins


You've taken a few big risks that could be big rewards which I can respect. But my next choice is someone who doesn't have any respect, and is another amazing heel to bounce between the midcard and main event. I am of course, referring to Chris Jericho, who has the legendary status of other part-time stars but can still wrestle quality matches on a consistent basis and put over young, exciting talent on the way out.

9. Carlos Toro

Jericho is definitely a Raw type of guy so I'm not too upset over losing him. I do have someone that is now transitioning into that veteran that puts younger guys over and that is none other than Randy Orton. He's coming back soon and can imediately be the top heel for now until other heels are elevated OR you can have Orton come back as the huge RKO out of nowhere babyface. There is stil a lot left on the tank for the Viper

10. Callum Wiggins

Good choice, another veteran with plenty to give back. Now I have a veteran heel I need someone for him to pass his wisdom onto, and that comes in the form of Baron Corbin. Fans hate him because he's not an indie darling, and Corbin thrives by shoving that back in their face every chance he gets, and that's what could make him a future WWE Champion in my opinion. I think given the right booking and direction, his potential is limitless.

10. Carlos Toro


Corbin does have potential I'll give you that, and my next pick is a bit on the lost potential side. He does however hold a U.S. Title and that is Rusev. Rusev is here just to add depth to the roster and is pretty much a mid carder, but with the WWE World Heavyweight Champion on SmackDown, maybe Cena can get back the title and have the U.S. Open Challenge come back, which, let's admit, was the best segment and match for many a Raw while he was the U.S. Champ.


Do you agree with these picks? Who would you have picked instead? Who has the better roster so far? Sound off in the comments.

Big thanks to Peter Piccininni for taking part in the Sign Me Up initiative to help promote Smark Out Moment!

Amazingly, this is the fifth time Peter's brought a sign to an event, having done so before at SummerSlam, the live Madison Square Garden event, and two editions of Monday Night Raw. Adding another show to his list (and another character to dress up as, keeping that tradition going), Peter brought a sign to this past Extreme Rules event dressed in AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan gear:

If you are attending a professional wrestling event of some kind (pay-per-view, TV taping, house show, autograph signing, etc) for WWE, TNA, ROH or any other organization and you'd like to show your support for Smark Out Moment, take a picture or a video of yourself and send it to me so I can give you a shout out on the website. Any help getting the word out about us is greatly appreciated!

What's been going on this week in the world of professional wrestling? It's time to break it down in the latest edition of SMACK TALK, my wrestling podcast and the quick notes below. Make sure to subscribe, comment on the videos and this post, and let us know your thoughts.

Watch each part below:
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5