What is a heel in wrestling?

By HotBotUpdated: August 28, 2024

Introduction to Wrestling Terminology

Professional wrestling is a unique blend of athletic prowess, theatricality, and storytelling. Central to its appeal are its characters, particularly the "faces" (good guys) and "heels" (bad guys). The role of the heel is integral to the drama and excitement of wrestling, providing the conflict that propels storylines forward.

The Definition of a Heel

In wrestling, a heel is a villainous character designed to draw the ire and hatred of the audience. Heels are crafted to be despised, often through underhanded tactics, arrogance, and outright meanness. Their primary role is to provide a foil to the heroic face, creating a dynamic and compelling narrative that keeps fans engaged.

Historical Context of Heels in Wrestling

The concept of the heel dates back to the early days of professional wrestling in the early 20th century. Originally, wrestling matches were presented as legitimate contests, but promoters soon realized that crafting good versus evil storylines could draw larger crowds. Early heels were often foreign characters or those who cheated to win, playing on societal fears and prejudices of the time.

Characteristics of a Heel

Heels often exhibit a range of traits designed to elicit negative reactions from the audience:

• Cheating: Using illegal moves, interfering in matches, and breaking rules.
• Arrogance: Flaunting their superiority and belittling others.
• Cowardice: Backing down when confronted or only fighting when they have an advantage.
• Disrespect: Insulting fans, opponents, and even officials.

Famous Heel Wrestlers

Throughout wrestling history, many wrestlers have excelled in the role of the heel, becoming legends in the process. A few notable examples include:

Ric Flair

Known as "The Nature Boy," Ric Flair was the epitome of the arrogant heel. Flaunting his wealth, style, and wrestling prowess, Flair would often use underhanded tactics to secure victory. His catchphrase, "To be the man, you gotta beat the man," encapsulated his heel persona.

Vince McMahon

As the owner of WWE, Vince McMahon became one of the most despised heels in wrestling history. His on-screen character, Mr. McMahon, was the tyrannical boss who would do anything to maintain control and power.

Triple H

Triple H, also known as "The Game," is another legendary heel known for his ruthless ambition and willingness to betray allies. His reign of terror as the leader of factions like D-Generation X and Evolution solidified his place in heel history.

Techniques and Strategies of a Heel

Heels employ a variety of techniques to generate heat, or negative reactions, from the audience:

Promos

Heel wrestlers often cut promos (speeches) that insult the audience, their opponents, or societal norms. These promos are designed to provoke strong emotional reactions and build anticipation for upcoming matches.

Interference

Heels frequently interfere in matches, either to ensure their own victory or to sabotage their rivals. This interference can come in the form of physical attacks, distractions, or even manipulating referees.

Gimmicks

Many heels adopt specific gimmicks or personas that amplify their villainous traits. For example, The Iron Sheik portrayed an anti-American villain during the Cold War era, while The Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase used his wealth to belittle and humiliate others.

The Psychology of the Heel

The role of the heel is not just about being a villain; it's about understanding and manipulating audience psychology. Effective heels know how to push the right buttons, using their actions and words to elicit genuine emotional responses. This psychological manipulation is key to creating compelling storylines and memorable moments in wrestling.

The Transition from Heel to Face (and Vice Versa)

Wrestlers often switch between heel and face roles throughout their careers, a process known as a "turn." A face turn involves a heel becoming a good guy, often through acts of redemption or standing up to a greater evil. Conversely, a heel turn involves a face betraying their allies or revealing their true nature.

Examples of Notable Turns

Stone Cold Steve Austin

Initially a heel, Stone Cold Steve Austin's anti-authority attitude eventually endeared him to fans, resulting in a legendary face turn that made him one of the biggest stars in wrestling history.

Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan's heel turn in 1996, when he joined the New World Order (nWo), shocked fans and revitalized his career. As "Hollywood" Hogan, he became one of the most despised heels of all time.

Impact of Heels on Wrestling Business

Heels play a crucial role in the business side of wrestling. Their ability to generate heat can drive ticket sales, merchandise, and pay-per-view buys. Memorable rivalries between heels and faces are often the cornerstone of major wrestling events, drawing in fans and creating lasting legacies.

The Evolution of the Heel

The role of the heel has evolved over the decades, reflecting changes in society and audience expectations. Modern heels may be more complex, with shades of gray that make them more relatable or sympathetic. This evolution has allowed for more nuanced storytelling and deeper character development.

Anti-Heroes

In recent years, the line between heel and face has blurred, giving rise to the anti-hero. These characters, like CM Punk or Becky Lynch, possess traits of both heels and faces, making them more unpredictable and intriguing.

Role of Heels in Different Wrestling Promotions

Different wrestling promotions have their own unique takes on the heel character. WWE, for example, often features larger-than-life heels with elaborate storylines and character arcs. Promotions like AEW and NJPW may emphasize more realistic or athletic-based heel personas.

WWE

WWE has a long history of iconic heels, from the flamboyant Ric Flair to the corporate villain Mr. McMahon. The promotion often uses elaborate storylines and character development to build its heels.

AEW

AEW, a newer promotion, has focused on more athletic and realistic heel characters. Wrestlers like MJF (Maxwell Jacob Friedman) have brought a fresh take on the classic heel, combining in-ring skill with sharp mic work.

NJPW

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) emphasizes strong style wrestling, and its heels often reflect this with a more serious and competitive edge. Wrestlers like Minoru Suzuki and Jay White exemplify the ruthless and calculated nature of NJPW heels.

Women's Division Heels

The women's division has also seen its share of memorable heels. Characters like Trish Stratus, Charlotte Flair, and Sasha Banks have brought depth and complexity to the role of the female heel, proving that villainy knows no gender.

Trish Stratus

Trish Stratus transitioned from a valet to one of the top female wrestlers, with a heel run that showcased her mic skills and in-ring ability.

Charlotte Flair

Following in her father's footsteps, Charlotte Flair has become a dominant heel in the women's division, using her athleticism and arrogance to great effect.

Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact

Heels often evoke strong reactions from fans, ranging from boos and jeers to genuine hatred. These reactions are a testament to the skill of the wrestler and the effectiveness of their character. The cultural impact of iconic heels can extend beyond wrestling, influencing other forms of entertainment and pop culture.

The role of the heel in professional wrestling is multifaceted, involving a blend of athletic skill, psychological insight, and theatrical flair. From historical figures to modern anti-heroes, heels have continually evolved, reflecting changes in society and audience expectations. Their impact on the wrestling industry and pop culture at large is undeniable, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of fans worldwide.

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