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?



One thing that I feel SmackDown Live does better than Raw is looking to the past to build the future. No, I do not mean simply using nostalgia acts, but picking up threads or ideas from stories past and using them as a springboard to justify new ideas or directions.

For instance, some newer fans may find it odd that Rowan has joined up with Daniel Bryan, especially if they only know him as a Bludgeon Brother, but it makes perfect sense for those that recall that being an intellectual was his first post-Wyatt brothers gimmick back in late 2014. Though, this time around they actually have something for him beyond solving Rubik cubes and playing chess!

Similarly, the recent Naomi and Mandy Rose feud, while not setting the world on fire, it was cool to have the reason behind Mandy’s hatred dating back to her time with Naomi on Tough Enough. Of course, there is every chance that they just lucked out with these examples, but I like to think that someone remembers these nerdy details like we do.



Fittingly, I do not have too much to say on this topic, but it nevertheless necessitates a mention.

EC3 has been on the main roster for a few weeks now, and as illustrated on his talk show debut, he appears to have been saddled with something of a silent protagonist gimmick. Surely, this is not the long-term plan for him?

They did have him go over a former WWE Champion for his first match, so there must be some future they see in him. Unless, of course, that was simply a joke on the possibly departing Ambrose.

Regardless, this is a strange character decision if it is going to stick. One generally need to be impressive both in the ring and on the mic to make it in WWE. How far can he get if the latter is not even an option for him?


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!