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?



There was once a time where it seemed almost impossible to imagine Daniel Bryan ever being heel again. He was the true hero of the people, their chosen face and champion of the company, and just an all-round nice guy. Famously, he took a psychiatric personality test with the company and ranked as one of the least ambitious people to have ever been tested.

Yet, the past few weeks on SmackDown Live have turned all of that on its head, and he is now one of the best heels in the business. While the annoying vegan ecowarrior persona is not necessary new, as he used a lesser version during his early WWE days, this one is far more eccentric, passionate, and fantastically over the top.

Furthermore, the issues that he talks about are all close to Daniel’s heart, so it is not a far stretch for him to elaborate on them like he is.

What makes this work so well is that you know that he is right about so much. Of course, reducing plastic consumption is a good thing, but you do not want to be called out and insulted about it by this preachy man.

I was not sure about the turn when it happened, but I can see now that Daniel Bryan really did need this. His return to competition consisted mostly of lesser foes or misjudged booking, but almost instantly you can see the amazing opportunities, stories, and opponents open up in front of him.



When I saw Rhyno vs. Heath Slater advertised as a loser leaves Raw match, I assumed that Slater would be the one taking the fall. Naturally, not actually leaving the company, but resurfacing the following week on SmackDown Live or even NXT.

Not for a second did I predict that, not only would Slater be getting the win, but that this sneeze length match would be the last time we saw Rhyno in active competition. Though, perhaps I should not be that surprised when I consider the not exactly illustrious final days of other such ECW originals.

Could WWE have really not have spared three minutes to allow his retirement speech to be broadcast? Having him doing it during a commercial break is just insulting to a man who has given so much of his life to the business. In addition, was this match really how he wanted to go out? It was an odd way if by choice.

While I never saw him during the ECW halcyon days, I have had a soft spot for Rhyno ever since he charged into WWE in early 2001 to buddy up with Edge and Christian and help them out at WrestleMania X7. I also have very fond memories of his time in the hardcore division, and what a great feeling it was when he and Heath became the inaugural SmackDown Live tag champions.

Thank you for all the great times and entertainment Rhyno. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.


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!