In professional wrestling, the role of a babyface is crucial. These characters are meant to be the heroes, the wrestlers the audience can root for and emotionally invest in. However, being a convincing babyface can be challenging, and sometimes the execution falls flat. WCW experienced this with several wrestlers who, despite being pushed as faces, failed to connect with the audience. Here are the top most unlikable babyface characters in WCW history.
1. Sid Vicious
Failed Face Run: 2000
Sid Vicious found far more success as a menacing heel than as a babyface. In 2000, WCW attempted to position Sid as a top face in his feuds against Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Scott Steiner. However, Sid’s natural persona and previous heel success made it difficult for fans to see him as a likable character. His awkward and often embarrassing promo moments only added to the disconnect, making him a face the audience couldn’t genuinely support.
2. Alex Wright
The Dancing Gimmick
Alex Wright was initially seen as a promising young star before Hulk Hogan’s arrival in WCW. Unfortunately, his dancing gimmick turned fans off. The character, designed to be fun and entertaining, ended up being annoying. Dancing characters in wrestling often receive backlash, and Wright’s over-the-top dance routines were no exception. The audience found it difficult to take him seriously, resulting in more boos than cheers for the intended babyface.
3. Buff Bagwell
Obnoxious Personality
Buff Bagwell had a personality that seemed to naturally align with a heel character. Despite several pushes as a babyface, Bagwell’s arrogant and brash demeanor made it hard for fans to warm up to him. His peak came as a member of the New World Order, where his heel tendencies were celebrated. Every attempt to position him as a face fizzled out, as his behavior was more suited to a villain than a hero.
4. The Booty Man
The Dumbest Gimmick
Ed Leslie, better known as Brutus Beefcake in WWE, underwent several character changes in WCW, with The Booty Man being the most peculiar. This character focused on Leslie’s supposedly attractive backside and featured Kimberly Page as his manager. The gimmick was an odd and unconvincing attempt to rebrand Leslie after his previous failed main event heel run. Fans found the character ridiculous and unlikable, leading to more jeers than cheers.
Conclusion
Being a successful babyface in wrestling requires a mix of charisma, relatability, and the right storyline. For these WCW wrestlers, various factors contributed to their lack of success in this role, from unsuitable gimmicks to inherent personality traits better suited for heels. These examples highlight the importance of aligning a wrestler’s natural persona with their on-screen character to create a compelling and believable babyface.
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