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 was very impressed with this week's SmackDown Live as a whole, but what really stuck out for me was the clever incorporation of continuity for the Team Hell No story.

In a world where WWE often acts like they do not think anyone watched the previous week, let alone five years ago, plot elements are oft forgotten or disregarded altogether. However, someone at SmackDown Live has been wise enough to remember that Team Hell No were not last seen on the most amicable terms.

Kane was one of Daniel Bryan's last real feuds before he was forced to vacate the WWE championship in 2013. It seems so obvious to bring it up, but this approach is such a rarity that it stands out as special.

The trip down memory lane continued later on in the show when Daniel demanded an apology from Kane for a laundry list of misdemeanors. This was a small, but beautiful use of embracing and acknowledging the past, and something that WWE really needs to do more of. Also, full marks for bringing up the Kane origin's story from twenty years ago again.

Now all we need is a new single from Sweet Beets and Curly Kane.



Let me start by saying that I was thrilled to see the return of the Dr. Shelby. This was a great tie to the recent Team Hell No reunion, and Shelby is clearly one of the more popular non-wrestling character guests, but even he could only elevate the counseling between Banks and Bayley so far.

What on earth was Bayley doing when Shelby asked her to try impersonating Banks? Sasha's take at least had a point about the character of Bayley, but Bayley's impression just made me feel embarrassed for her. Also, her snipe about Sasha pretending Snoop Dogg is her cousin did not actually make any sense. Snoop Dogg IS her cousin! WWE have keenly acknowledged the family ties. Making out otherwise is not an insult or a knock.

Though, maybe we should not be surprised, this is the same writing team that gave Bayley, a wrestler, a story in which she was reluctant to hurt people.

They want to replicate what they did with Team Hell No, but the dynamics of the characters are entirely different. It is simply not reasonable for them to expect the same results.

Maybe a visit from the former star pupils to show them how it is done?


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!