SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...
In recent weeks, I’ve complained about “cool” heels in WWE, wrestlers purportedly cast as villains who undermine their babyface opponents by seeking fan approval. Fan ambivalence and emotional disengagement result, to the detriment of good storytelling and great television.
This week, I’m taking a look at some of WWE’s top classic heels in the Men’s Division, wrestlers who unabashedly embrace the bad-guy role and effectively elicit anger, disdain, and rejection.
They’re not so cool that we want to sing along to their entrances, chant their catchphrases, or cheer their victories. Like Darth Vader, Dr. Doom, and Voldemort, they represent obstacles to be overcome – the antagonists in contrast to whom heroes can truly shine.
Let the villainy begin!
Rising Star of the Week: Ethan Page
After 20 years perfecting his craft as a professional wrestler, Ethan Page has finally won a main-roster singles title in WWE. The new Intercontinental Champion unseated Chad Gable on Raw, realizing a lifelong ambition.
“All Ego” doesn’t break the mold; he follows in the footsteps of classic narcissistic heels who aren’t quite as good as they say they are and need to cheat in order to win. He doesn’t have a mustache, but if he did, he’d be twirling it with aplomb.
During his time in NXT, Ethan was most entertaining when he had a partner to play off. His alliances with Chelsea Green and, later, Ricky Saints were particularly fun. On the main roster, I also enjoyed his friendship of convenience with Rusev, which really highlighted the personalities of both performers.
I hope Ethan is able to incorporate a similar partnership into his reign as Intercontinental Champion. His appearance with Big Cass two weeks ago, when the two attacked Gable, Dragon Lee, and Rey Mysterio, suggested just such a connection. Although the two haven’t been seen together since, I believe such a pairing could really work. Ethan would work well with a powerhouse heater like Big Cass and has enough personality for both of them.
Runner-up: Sami Zayn
Just a few short months ago, it seemed questionable whether Sami Zayn would ever be a World Champion in WWE. I can’t say I was particularly looking forward to the possibility.
I didn’t know what I was missing.
Now that Zayn is on top as WWE Champion, I can’t help but wonder what took WWE Creative so long to give him the spotlight.
Zayn has been firing on all cylinders since winning the championship. He elevates any segment he’s involved in, making it more intriguing and entertaining, all while keeping fans alienated and anxious to see him fail.
Zayn’s fully committed performance as an unlikable heel has greatly benefited each babyface wrestler he is pitted against, allowing fans to embrace them without hesitation or ambivalence.
On last week’s Raw, Zayn declared, “No one in the history of this business has done more with less than me.”
Considering his everyman look and relative ordinary athleticism, is hard to argue with him.
Second Runner-Up: Grayson Waller
Red-hot on the mic and more than serviceable in the ring, the “Arrogant Aussie” is turning heads in his role as NXT Champion. His youthful good looks add credibility to his presentation as an egotistical upstart whose mouth writes checks that his body can’t cash. Waller has the tools to fill an important role in WWE – another classic heel in the mold of The Miz or Logan Paul.
However, he’s never really been given much of a chance to shine in this role, at least not on the main roster, where he languished as a lower-card talent for over two years.
Waller’s partnership with Austin Theory lacked chemistry, as did his connection with The New Day as their sycophantic lackey. He was never put in a position to succeed and had precious few victories to establish him as an effective competitor.
Since his return to NXT, Waller has been given the spotlight the main roster never gave him and is taking full advantage.
He’s been remarkably effective as the brand’s top heel and has been entertaining in the role to boot. Waller’s championship match with CM Punk this week on NXT promises to be the most high-profile of his career. Although Punk has slowed down considerably in the ring, Waller has the conditioning and skill to provide the necessary movement and pacing to make their encounter a convincing one.
Waller has proven that if he is given a more important role upon his return to the main roster, he can make the most of it. All he needs is the chance to shine in a major role.
ARTICLE CONTINUED BELOW…
Check out the latest episode of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Post-show covering the latest episode of Raw: CLICK HERE to stream (or search “wade keller” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any other iOS or Android app to subscribe free)
Fading Star of the Week: Royce Keys
Keys is in the highest-profile spot of his career. He is the leader of a hot new faction in The 946 and the primary antagonist in the main storyline of Raw going into Survivor Series. He has succeeded in looking truly dangerous and threatening, and he stood across from Raw’s top stars in The Bloodline. However, Creative hasn’t given him enough material to truly seize the moment.
Keys clearly has ample reason to bear a grudge against The Bloodline. Reigns commanded Keys’ long-time friend Jacob Fatu to not only turn his back on Keys, but intentionally injure him in a callous show of loyalty. Fans must infer that Keys’ motivation for forming The 946 is a measure of revenge because he has never stated a clear mission statement for himself or his group, which has been a glaring missed opportunity.
What’s worse, his first singles main-event match on Raw during his heel run underwhelmed. Keys is largely untested in longer singles matches in WWE, although he did have an impressive showing against Gunther in a number-one contender’s match on SmackDown in May. By contrast, his one-on-one encounter with Solo Sikoa was far from impressive. The pair appeared sluggish and unmotivated, leading to a dull affair with a dissatisfying finish.
Keys badly needed a win to establish his heel character as a threat, but had to settle for a disqualification loss against Solo Sikoa on Monday. It’s difficult to take him seriously as a threat to Roman Reigns, given that he wasn’t able to defeat Sikoa even with outside interference from Jada Parker.
Keys seems to be on the verge of becoming a major player on Raw, but he needs the support of Creative and better ring performances to do so.
First Runner-Up: Carmelo Hayes
A couple of weeks ago, things were really looking up for Hayes. He joined the 946 in laying waste to the roster during a show-closing angle on Raw. He seemed primed for a character refresh on an elevated stage, and past performance indicates he has more than the necessary mic skills to take advantage of the opportunity and embrace a new persona. Fans waited for a promo that would explain his change of alignment and motivation for joining the 946.
What we got was… nothing.
Hayes appeared on 946 promos only to spout a version of his catchphrase, “I didn’t miss,” alongside that of his new faction, “Ain’t nobody safe.” No mission statement. No hint of a character trait to set him apart from the rest of the 946 thugs.
Hayes is a true ring technician, and his involvement will elevate the overall wrestling quality of the upcoming men’s WarGames match at Survivor Series. His brand will benefit simply from being in such a high-profile matchup – the premium live event’s highest-profile match – rubbing elbows with the likes of Roman Reigns and Jey Uso.
If Hayes is going to make the most of this opportunity, he needs much more than just a spot in WarGames. He desperately needs WWE Creative to give him a chance to differentiate himself from the rest of the 946. Melo needs to be a distinct character, not just another hoodlum.
