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?
CHEAP POP OF THE WEEK:
A BIG CELEBRATION
While I had wanted Sami Zayn to hold the Intercontinental Championship for a little while longer, there is no denying that Big E was well over due for another singles title run, and, as of the Christmas day edition of SmackDown, that is exactly what he now has. However, a well deserved title victory is not the only reason that this makes the pop, as it was how WWE presented the match that was the real icing on the cake.
From a story perspective, having it contested under lumberjack rules was the perfect conclusion for Zayn's cheating ways, as there finally was no way for him to worm his way out of running. Simple, but effective.
Plus, do not forget that this was the last match of the night and not the Universal Championship. That one change in the schedule made the oft neglected mid-card title feel like a massive deal. Sure, it could be said that WWE wanted to close the Christmas show with a happy ending, and that was the reason for the match order, but to have Big E hoisted up by the lumberjacks and give him a mini confetti parade?
That type of celebration hardly even comes once every blue moon for the major titles!
A Big E victory would be well received regardless of placement, but WWE showed faith in both the title and title holder in presenting this as they did. It is a Christmas miracle.
CHEAP HEAT OF THE WEEK:
THE INEVITABLE BEGINS
I was not happy about the idea of Asuka and Lana winning the women's tag team titles, but, judging by what I have seen so far, I am not exactly all in for Charlotte and Asuka either.
The delivery and direction that this is going just feels awkward and going too fast. Charlotte wasted no time at all in making it obvious she wants the Raw women's championship, and it will obviously not be long before we get another Seth Rollins and Braun Strowman type deal. The non-singles champ wants what the other has, and tension will build until it causes the loss of the tag belts, and an inevitable WrestleMania victory for Charlotte.
This concept feels very well-worn at this point, as well as too predictable. Plus, it make the tag belts feel like an after thought again.
Furthermore, what was up with the writing team this week? It was exceptionally poor for the Raw promo segment. How do Shayna Bazler and Nia Jax look like reindeer? Where did that insult come from? Did they just have a Christmas reference quota to hit?
Sigh.
Thanks for keeping the belt warm, Asuka.
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!
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