What Does Heel Mean in Wrestling?By Coder| August 31, 2023 Wrestling Have you ever wondered what the term “heel” means in the world of professional wrestling? If you’re new to the sport or just curious about its terminology, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll explore the meaning and role of a heel in wrestling. The Definition of a Heel A “heel” is a term used to describe a character in professional wrestling who plays the role of the villain or antagonist. They are typically portrayed as arrogant, aggressive, and often cheat to gain an advantage over their opponents. The term originated from old carnival slang, where wrestlers would refer to their opponents as “heels” due to their tendency to stomp or step on their opponents with their boots. Characteristics of a Heel A heel wrestler usually exhibits certain characteristics that help them generate heat (negative reaction) from the audience. These characteristics include: Arrogance: Heels often display an inflated sense of self-importance and superiority over others. Rule-breaking: They frequently bend or break the rules during matches, using tactics such as low blows, eye pokes, or distracting referees. Promotional skills: Heels excel at cutting promos (vocal performances) that insult and belittle both their opponents and the audience. By embracing these characteristics, heels create a strong contrast with face wrestlers (the heroes), which enhances both their individual characters and storylines within wrestling promotions. The Role of a Heel The primary purpose of a heel is to elicit negative reactions from fans. This is accomplished by creating intense rivalries with face wrestlers and engaging in actions that the audience finds reprehensible. The heel’s goal is to make the fans passionately root against them, thus generating heat and increasing audience engagement. Heels play a crucial role in wrestling as their actions help create a dynamic narrative. They provide obstacles for face wrestlers to overcome, building anticipation and excitement among fans. Without heels, wrestling storylines would lack conflict and become predictable. Examples of Memorable Heels Over the years, professional wrestling has seen numerous memorable heel characters that have left an indelible mark on the industry. Some notable examples include: Ric Flair: Known for his flamboyant persona and dirty tactics, Flair became one of the most despised heels in wrestling history. The Undertaker (American Badass): During his “American Badass” phase, The Undertaker adopted a more aggressive persona that resonated with audiences. Vince McMahon: As the owner of WWE (formerly WWF), McMahon portrayed an authoritarian heel character who would abuse his power to manipulate matches and storylines. In Conclusion The term “heel” in professional wrestling refers to a villainous character who generates negative reactions from the audience. They often exhibit characteristics such as arrogance, rule-breaking, and strong promotional skills to enhance their role as antagonists. While despised by fans, heels play a vital role in creating engaging storylines and intense rivalries with face wrestlers. So next time you watch a wrestling match, pay attention to the heels – they are essential components of this thrilling sport!
