SO, YOU WANNA BE A HEEL?
Randy Orton prefers to be a heel. WWE prefers that he not violate their wellness policy. Neither party currently has any sense of content.
EVERYONE wants to be a heel. It’s much easier to be hated than loved. That’s why the divorce rate is so high.
Drawing money by legitimately rallying the masses behind you is the toughest job in pro wrestling. Being a heel buys you more privacy when you’re off-duty. Most wrestlers feel it’s easier to work heel style. Most wrestlers think being a heel is cool, too. Which is one of the main problems of today’s business.
I still think WWE brings Orton back very reluctantly, and because he’s a decent talent in an era dominated by the marginal. But beyond his look, which is marred by rough-trade tattoos, I’ve never felt Orton was a true headliner. He morphs into a SNAKE at key moments, for God’s sake. Who the FRIG turns into a snake? Not exactly “Hulking up,” is it?
Times are desperate in WWE. Big Show’s push consists of McMahon saying he’s been worthless since 1999. Ryback’s winning streak has crowds chanting the name of a wrestler who retired in 2004. It’s a trite, jaded promotion that seems to be running on fumes. Trending on Twitter has replaced larger successes like, say, ratings and attendance. Y’know, money.
Let Orton do whatever he wants. In the land of suck, the mediocre rule.
Ric Flair wanted to heel even when his respect factor dictated that the marks cheer him no matter what. Orton is lucky in that respect. The marks are mostly ambivalent about him. Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose.
Mark Madden hosts a radio show 3-6 p.m.weekdays on WXDX-FM, Pittsburgh, PA(105.9). Check out his web page at WXDX.com. Contact Mark by emailingwzmarkmadden@hotmail.com. FOLLOW MARK ON TWITTER: @MarkMaddenX
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
