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?



Remember when fans begged for a Roman Reigns heel turn? Or a John Cena heel turn? With the benefits of hindsight, I believe that WWE did right to ignore the calls on both count. It may have taken longer than anticipated for some to come round to it, but I think that they do naturally lend themselves to being these larger than life superhero faces. However, the same cannot be said for Seth Rollins.

Following the town meeting on Raw, in which Seth called out and berated every superstar who failed to get the job done at Survivor Series. Though, excluding himself and his girlfriend from the blame, obviously. Seth’s rant did little to inspire his colleagues, and caused them to walk out on him. Well, all apart from Kevin Owens, who promptly delivered a stunner to the Shield’s original Judas.

However, before the night was out, Seth got the last laugh thanks to having acquired a beefed up version of J&J security in the form of the AOP. The Shield 2.0? Probably not, but this makes it no less cool. Also, this is more interesting than just letting the returning AOP straight back into the tag division.

Seth is a natural heel, and I have never quite enjoyed him the same as a face. His Twitter game is nowhere near what he thinks it is, and has sadly been the cause of a fair few social blunders this year alone. However, had he been doing it as a heel? Admittedly, some of it would still have been cringy, but it would it at least suit his personality better. Calling someone out for having a lesser bank balance when you are meant to be the top good guy is not a great look.

Rollins as a face was beyond saving, and I am glad that WWE was not stubborn enough to keep beating what was an already cremated horse. Suddenly, there is a wealth of possibility for Seth, and I am looking forward to wherever it is going.



SmackDown saw three returns from injury this week, all of which I was happy to see, but only one of which was especially exciting. The one in question I mean is, of course, Alexa Bliss making the save for Nikki Cross from Fire and Desire. This was well executed, and more than served its purpose.

Next we come to Sheamus. Now, I love Sheamus, and stand strongly behind the sentiment that The Bar were the best thing to happen to the tag division in years. However, could we not have had more than just a talking pre-tape promo? I just think someone with as much service and prestige as him deserves than OMG surprise pop when the music hits, or that roar of excitement when they turn up announced to cost someone a match. It is never the same when their return is now expected.

Last, we come to Elias. His return was a throwaway backstage comedy segment with Drake Maverick and Dana Brooke. Again, nothing awful about it. Fairly amusing, inoffensive stuff, but not the things returns are made of. Also, last time Dana asked for a song, Elias refused. All continuity has just gone out of the window!

Of course, I am being facetious, but I think these niggles are my heats because WWE has, largely, been a week of some rather great episodes all around. Well done WWE!

Though, give Sheamus something cool to do upon his actual return.

Promise?

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!