Heel vs Babyface: Which Should You Use In Writing?

Are you a wrestling fan? If so, you may have heard the terms “heel” and “babyface” thrown around. But what do these words actually mean? Let’s dive into the world of wrestling and explore the difference between heel and babyface.

We should clarify that both “heel” and “babyface” are proper words in the wrestling lexicon. “Heel” refers to a wrestler who plays the villain or antagonist in a match or storyline. They may cheat, use dirty tactics, or simply have a bad attitude. On the other hand, “babyface” refers to a wrestler who plays the hero or protagonist. They are typically the underdog, fighting against the odds to come out on top.

Now that we have established the meanings of these terms, let’s explore their significance in the world of wrestling. The dynamic between a heel and babyface is essential to creating an engaging and entertaining match or storyline. The heel provides a challenge for the babyface to overcome, while the babyface represents the values and ideals that the audience can root for. This dynamic creates a sense of drama and excitement for the audience, drawing them into the story being told in the ring.

Define Heel

A heel is a term used in professional wrestling to describe a character who is portrayed as a villain or antagonist in a storyline. The term originated from the early days of professional wrestling when the audience would throw their shoes at the wrestlers they disliked, hitting them with their heels. The heel’s role is to create conflict and generate heat from the audience, often by cheating or using underhanded tactics to win matches.

Heels are often characterized as arrogant, selfish, and cowardly. They are usually pitted against the babyface, the hero or protagonist of the story, in matches and feuds. Heels will often resort to dirty tactics such as hitting their opponent with foreign objects or attacking them when the referee’s back is turned. The ultimate goal of the heel is to generate a negative reaction from the audience and make the babyface look good by comparison.

Define Babyface

A babyface, also known as a face or a good guy, is a term used in professional wrestling to describe a character who is portrayed as a hero or protagonist in a storyline. The term originated from the early days of professional wrestling when the audience would cheer for the wrestlers they liked, showing their smiling faces.

Babyfaces are often characterized as brave, honorable, and virtuous. They are usually pitted against the heel, the villain or antagonist of the story, in matches and feuds. Babyfaces will often overcome the odds and win matches through sheer determination and perseverance, often in the face of overwhelming odds.

Babyfaces are typically the most popular characters in professional wrestling, with the audience cheering them on and rooting for their success. They are often portrayed as underdogs, fighting against the odds to overcome their opponents and emerge victorious.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to discussing wrestling, it’s important to use the correct terminology to avoid confusion. Two terms that come up frequently are “heel” and “babyface.” Here’s a guide on how to properly use these words in a sentence.

How To Use “Heel” In A Sentence

The term “heel” refers to a wrestler who is portrayed as the villain or antagonist in a match. Here are some examples of how to use “heel” in a sentence:

• “The crowd booed loudly as the heel made his entrance.”
• “The heel cheated by using a foreign object during the match.”
• “The heel cut a scathing promo on his opponent.”

As you can see, “heel” is typically used to describe a wrestler’s character or actions that are intended to make them unlikable to the audience.

How To Use “Babyface” In A Sentence

The term “babyface” (or “face” for short) refers to a wrestler who is portrayed as the hero or protagonist in a match. Here are some examples of how to use “babyface” in a sentence:

• “The crowd erupted in cheers as the babyface made his entrance.”
• “The babyface won the match with a spectacular finishing move.”
• “The babyface gave an inspiring speech after the match.”

As you can see, “babyface” is typically used to describe a wrestler’s character or actions that are intended to make them likable to the audience.

More Examples Of Heel & Babyface Used In Sentences

Understanding the proper usage of the terms heel and babyface is crucial in the world of professional wrestling. Here are some more examples of how these terms are used in sentences:

Examples Of Using Heel In A Sentence

• The wrestler played the heel perfectly, taunting the audience and cheating to win.
• Heels are often portrayed as arrogant and selfish characters.
• The wrestler’s turn to the dark side was a shocking moment for fans who had always seen him as a babyface.
• The heel’s antics in the ring often lead to boos and jeers from the audience.
• Some wrestlers are known for their ability to play both the heel and the babyface, depending on the storyline.
• The heel’s betrayal of his tag team partner was a classic moment in wrestling history.
• Heels often use underhanded tactics to gain an advantage in the ring.
• The wrestler’s transition from babyface to heel was a gradual process that took several months.
• Heels are often the most entertaining characters to watch, as they are willing to take risks and push the boundaries.
• The heel’s feud with the top babyface in the company led to some of the most memorable matches in wrestling history.

Examples Of Using Babyface In A Sentence

• The wrestler’s natural charisma made him a perfect fit for the babyface role.
• Babyfaces are often portrayed as heroic and virtuous characters.
• The babyface’s comeback victory had the crowd on their feet, cheering him on.
• Some wrestlers struggle to connect with the audience when playing a babyface character.
• The babyface’s dedication to his craft and his fans has made him one of the most beloved wrestlers of all time.
• Babyfaces often have a signature move or catchphrase that the crowd loves to chant along with.
• The wrestler’s transition from heel to babyface was a risky move, but it paid off in the end.
• Babyfaces are often the role models for young fans who aspire to be wrestlers themselves.
• The babyface’s feud with the top heel in the company was the main storyline for several months.
• Despite facing adversity and tough opponents, the babyface always manages to come out on top in the end.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to professional wrestling, the terms “heel” and “babyface” are often used interchangeably by fans who may not be familiar with the nuances of the industry. However, it’s important to understand the distinct differences between these terms in order to fully appreciate the storytelling that takes place in the ring. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Heel” And “Villain” Interchangeably

One of the most common mistakes that fans make is using the term “heel” to refer to any wrestler who is portrayed as a villain or antagonist in a storyline. While it’s true that many heels are villains, not all villains are heels. Simply put, a heel is a wrestler who is intentionally portrayed as the antagonist in a storyline, while a villain can be any character who opposes the hero.

For example, a wrestler who is portrayed as a corrupt authority figure may be a villain, but not necessarily a heel. On the other hand, a wrestler who cheats, taunts the audience, and generally behaves in a despicable manner to generate heat from the crowd is a classic heel.

Assuming All Good Guys Are Babyfaces

Another common mistake is assuming that all good guys in wrestling are babyfaces. While it’s true that babyfaces are typically portrayed as the heroes in a storyline, not all good guys are babyfaces. In fact, some wrestlers may be portrayed as “tweeners,” or characters who are neither fully heel nor babyface.

For example, a wrestler who is portrayed as a lone wolf, taking on all comers and refusing to align with any particular faction, may be a tweener. While the crowd may cheer for this wrestler, they are not necessarily a babyface, as they may still engage in questionable tactics or have a morally ambiguous backstory.

Offering Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

If you’re new to wrestling or simply want to avoid making these common mistakes, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Pay attention to how wrestlers are portrayed in storylines. If a wrestler is intentionally being presented as the antagonist, they are likely a heel.
• Don’t assume that all good guys are babyfaces. Look for subtle clues in a wrestler’s behavior and backstory to determine whether they are a babyface, tweener, or something else entirely.
• Watch matches and pay attention to the crowd’s reactions. Are they cheering or booing a particular wrestler? This can be a good indicator of whether they are a heel or babyface.

Context Matters

When it comes to professional wrestling, the choice between portraying a heel or a babyface can depend heavily on the context in which they are used. While a wrestler may have a preferred persona, the circumstances of a particular match or storyline may dictate a different approach. Let’s take a closer look at some examples of how the choice between heel and babyface can change based on context.

Match Type

The type of match being contested can have a significant impact on whether a wrestler should portray a heel or a babyface. For example, in a singles match between two fan favorites, it may make sense for both wrestlers to be portrayed as babyfaces, with the crowd cheering them both on. However, in a tag team match where one wrestler on each team is designated the legal competitor, it may be more effective for one team to have a heel and a babyface, creating a dynamic where the heel can cheat and use underhanded tactics to gain an advantage.

Storyline

The storyline being told in a particular match or segment can also have a significant impact on whether a wrestler should be portrayed as a heel or a babyface. For example, if a wrestler has been involved in a long-standing feud with another wrestler, it may make sense for them to be portrayed as a heel in order to create a sense of animosity and tension between the two competitors. On the other hand, if a wrestler is being positioned as an underdog who is fighting against the odds, they may be better served by being portrayed as a babyface in order to garner sympathy and support from the crowd.

Crowd Reaction

Finally, the reaction of the crowd can also play a role in determining whether a wrestler should be portrayed as a heel or a babyface. If a wrestler is consistently being booed by the crowd, it may make sense for them to embrace a heel persona in order to lean into that negative reaction and generate heat. Conversely, if a wrestler is consistently being cheered by the crowd, they may be better served by being portrayed as a babyface in order to capitalize on that positive reaction and generate support.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the terms heel and babyface are commonly used in professional wrestling, there are some exceptions where the rules for using them might not apply. In this section, we will identify some of these exceptions and offer explanations and examples for each case.

1. Tweeners

A tweener is a wrestler who does not fit into the traditional heel or babyface categories. Instead, they have characteristics of both and are often portrayed as being unpredictable or rebellious. Tweeners can be difficult to classify because they do not conform to the typical hero or villain archetype. They may have a loyal fan base but also engage in unethical behavior, or they may be disliked by fans but still display heroic qualities.

One example of a tweener is Stone Cold Steve Austin, who was known for his anti-authority persona and willingness to break the rules. While he was often portrayed as a heel, he was also cheered by fans for his rebellious attitude and entertaining promos.

2. Face/heel Turns

A face/heel turn is when a wrestler changes from being a babyface to a heel or vice versa. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as a change in character or a storyline development. When a wrestler turns, they may not immediately fit into the new role and may display characteristics of their previous persona.

For example, when Hulk Hogan turned heel in the 1990s and joined the New World Order (nWo), he initially struggled to adapt to his new role as a villain. He continued to display some of his traditional babyface qualities, such as posing for the crowd and using his signature moves. However, over time he fully embraced his new persona and became one of the most iconic heels in wrestling history.

3. Cultural Differences

While the terms heel and babyface are used in wrestling around the world, their meanings and applications may differ depending on the culture. For example, in Japanese wrestling (known as puroresu), the heel is often portrayed as a more honorable and respectful figure than in American wrestling. This is because Japanese culture places a high value on respect and humility, even in a villainous character.

Another cultural difference can be seen in lucha libre, a style of wrestling popular in Mexico. In lucha libre, the babyface (known as a técnico) is often portrayed as more acrobatic and flashy than the heel (known as a rudo). This is because lucha libre places a high emphasis on athleticism and entertainment value, and the técnico is expected to provide more exciting moves for the crowd.

Summary of Exceptions to the Rules

Exception	Explanation	Example
Tweeners	Wrestlers who display characteristics of both heels and babyfaces	Stone Cold Steve Austin
Face/Heel Turns	Wrestlers who change from being a babyface to a heel or vice versa	Hulk Hogan turning heel and joining the nWo
Cultural Differences	Meanings and applications of heel and babyface may differ depending on the culture	Heels in Japanese puroresu being portrayed as more honorable and respectful

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a better understanding of the terms heel and babyface, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Below are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these terms in sentences.

Exercise 1: Identify The Heel Or Babyface

Wrestler	Alignment
John Cena	Babyface
Randy Orton	Heel
Triple H	Heel
CM Punk	Heel
Stone Cold Steve Austin	Babyface
The Rock	Babyface

For each wrestler listed above, identify whether they are a heel or babyface.

Exercise 2: Fill In The Blank

1. When The Miz turned ________, he became one of the most hated wrestlers in the company.
2. Despite his villainous ways, Kevin Owens has a large following of ________ fans.
3. Becky Lynch’s recent character change from a ________ to a heel has been well received by fans.

Fill in the blanks with either “heel” or “babyface” to complete the sentences.

Exercise 3: Create Your Own Sentence

Create your own sentence using either “heel” or “babyface.” Then, switch the term and create a new sentence.

Example:

Heel wrestlers are often the villains in wrestling storylines.

Babyface wrestlers are often the heroes in wrestling storylines.

Answer Key

Here are the answers to the practice exercises:

Exercise 1: Identify the Heel or Babyface

Wrestler	Alignment
John Cena	Babyface
Randy Orton	Heel
Triple H	Heel
CM Punk	Heel
Stone Cold Steve Austin	Babyface
The Rock	Babyface

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blank

1. When The Miz turned heel, he became one of the most hated wrestlers in the company.
2. Despite his villainous ways, Kevin Owens has a large following of babyface fans.
3. Becky Lynch’s recent character change from a babyface to a heel has been well received by fans.

Exercise 3: Create Your Own Sentence

Answers will vary.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between the terms “heel” and “babyface,” it is clear that these words have a specific meaning within the wrestling community. A heel is a wrestler who plays the role of the villain, while a babyface is the hero. These terms are used to create a narrative within the wrestling world and to engage the audience.

It is important to understand the proper use of these terms when discussing wrestling, as using them incorrectly can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Additionally, understanding the nuances of language use and grammar can enhance one’s ability to communicate effectively in any context.

Overall, the key takeaway from this article is that language use, even in niche communities like wrestling, is important and can greatly impact communication. By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, we can improve our ability to communicate effectively and avoid misunderstandings.