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 am going to award this week’s winner to, of all things, a camera angle.

This single piece of cinematography took place on NXT and is, of course, that beautiful close up shot of Keith Lee rising up into the shot behind Finn Balor and then just clubbing him. It is like something out of a horror film, and as it made for such a wonderful visual that I could not but help highlight it here. Keith Lee looming up with a crazed look as if he is going to eat Finn Balor is all kinds of amazing.

Numerous comments on the YouTube clip of the match referring to the time stamp prove that I am not alone in thinking how much this struck a chord. A fabulous job by the cameraman, producer, and the wrestlers alike.

Was it planned or just luck that all the moving parts worked together this way? WWE and NXT are known for having slick production values, but never has a moment of framing awed me to write about it here.

Oh, yeah. Good match too.



People accuse Crown Jewel of being nothing but a glorified house show, but it feels like WrestleMania compared to WWE's version of Starrcade.

Last week’s edition got off to a shoddy start with production issues preventing many network users from even being able to watch the hour-long show. Though, as the story goes, there was not all that much they would have missed out on. An advertised bout between Bobby Lashley and Rusev did not materialize, and near enough everything else felt of little consequence or reason.

However, the, very few, fans in attendance were also treated to a Bray Wyatt vs. Braun Strowman match, but, like much of the show, was apparently entirely missable. If this were not given a network airing then few would think twice about the myriad of issues, but that WWE make it a special and name it what was once one of WCW's biggest shows is baffling.

Is it intentionally unremarkable to remind us of WWE's dominance over their former rival? Or to stick it to Cody? Admittedly, both are a little far fetched, but stranger booking decisions have happened.


Extra Heat: 24/7 Celebs - I think that WWE are overdoing the obscure celebrity of the week winning the 24/7 title. Ok, it hardly sullies the belt's prestige athletic track record to have them win it, but it is becoming a little too predictable even for WWE. Alternatively, if the celeb wins must stay, can we try to have a title victory that does not involve a roll up? We see quite enough of them in every other division going…

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!