The Babyface
Wrestling’s Hero in the Spotlight
In the world of professional wrestling, for every dastardly heel who thrives on boos and jeers, there’s a beloved babyface soaking in the cheers. The babyface is the hero, the good guy, the one the audience roots for as they valiantly stand up to the villain’s antics. But being a babyface is no cakewalk—it takes charisma, storytelling, and a whole lot of heart to win over a crowd. Let’s dive into the history, evolution, and art of being the ultimate wrestling good guy (or girl).
What Is a Babyface?
A babyface, often shortened to “face,” is wrestling’s protagonist. They’re the embodiment of bravery, fairness, and perseverance—your classic hero who fights for justice and gives fans someone to believe in. Babyfaces often adhere to the rules of wrestling, display sportsmanship, and connect with the audience on an emotional level. They’re the yin to the heel’s yang, creating the perfect dynamic of good vs. evil.
But don’t mistake the babyface for a pushover. These heroes can deliver just as much smackdown as their villainous counterparts, all while making you cheer like your favorite team just won the championship.
Where It All Began: The Origin of the Babyface
The concept of the babyface traces back to wrestling’s early days in carnivals and traveling shows. Back then, the “hero” was often a local champion pitted against a brash, out-of-town heel. The audience naturally sided with the homegrown hero, creating the crowd dynamic that would become a wrestling staple.
As wrestling grew in popularity during the 20th century, babyfaces began to embody the values and aspirations of their time. In the golden age of wrestling, babyfaces were clean-cut, all-American types who stood for truth, justice, and hard work—think of the likes of Bruno Sammartino and Bob Backlund.
What Makes a Great Babyface?
Being a babyface isn’t as simple as smiling for the crowd and shaking hands. It takes a mix of authenticity, connection, and relatability to truly shine. Here’s what separates a great babyface from a forgettable one:
Relatability - A good babyface makes fans feel like they’re fighting alongside them. They overcome adversity and stand up to bullies, reflecting universal struggles.
Charisma - Whether it’s a megawatt smile, electrifying mic skills, or natural charm, charisma is key. Think of The Rock delivering one of his iconic catchphrases—“If you smell what The Rock is cooking!”
Comebacks - Babyfaces excel at making the crowd believe in the impossible. That moment when they fight back after being beaten down? That’s wrestling magic.
Connection with the Audience - A great babyface knows how to work the crowd, whether by hyping them up before a match, making eye contact during a heated moment, or celebrating with them after a big win.
Famous Babyfaces: The Good Guys We’ll Never Forget
Hulk Hogan - With his red-and-yellow gear and larger-than-life persona, Hogan was the ultimate 1980s babyface. His “Say your prayers and eat your vitamins” mantra inspired millions, and his heroic victories cemented him as one of wrestling’s biggest icons.
John Cena = Love him or hate him, Cena was the modern embodiment of a babyface. With his never-give-up attitude, colorful attire, and his “You can’t see me” catchphrase, Cena became a hero to kids and adults alike.
Daniel Bryan (Bryan Danielson) - As the ultimate underdog, Bryan captured fans’ hearts with his resilience and “Yes!” chants. His improbable rise to main-event status at WrestleMania 30 was a masterclass in babyface storytelling.
Becky Lynch - “The Man” revolutionized what it means to be a babyface in modern wrestling. Her fiery attitude and underdog journey resonated with fans, making her one of WWE’s most beloved superstars.
Cody Rhodes - The “American Nightmare” has redefined what it means to be a babyface in the modern era. With his emotional return to WWE, Cody’s heartfelt promos, unwavering determination, and iconic matches have made him a fan favorite. His WrestleMania journey against Roman Reigns and his message of “finishing the story” resonate with audiences, proving he’s one of the most compelling babyfaces today.
The Evolution of the Babyface
Babyfaces have changed with the times. Gone are the days of one-dimensional, always-smiling heroes. Modern babyfaces are more complex, often walking the line between good and bad. These “shades of gray” characters bring a level of realism to wrestling that resonates with today’s audiences.
Take Stone Cold Steve Austin, for example. He was rebellious, brash, and downright mean at times—but fans adored him because he stood up to authority and embodied the antihero spirit. Similarly, Becky Lynch’s rise to stardom blurred the line between heel and babyface, proving that even a hero can have a bit of an edge.
How Babyfaces Work Today
In today’s wrestling landscape, babyfaces play a critical role in storytelling. Their feuds with heels drive the drama, and their eventual triumphs provide the emotional payoff fans crave. Here’s how they operate:
Feuds - Babyfaces are often pitted against heels who cheat, mock, and torment them, setting the stage for the hero’s redemption arc.
Comeback Stories - Whether it’s overcoming injury, betrayal, or impossible odds, babyfaces excel at the underdog narrative.
Crowd Interaction - Modern babyfaces connect with fans through social media, fan events, and crowd chants, making them more accessible than ever.
Why Wrestling Needs Babyfaces
The babyface is the heart of professional wrestling. They’re the ones who inspire us, make us cheer, and remind us why we love the drama of the squared circle. Without them, wrestling would just be a bunch of bad guys punching each other in the face—entertaining, sure, but not nearly as satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Being a babyface might seem simple, but it’s one of the most challenging roles in wrestling. It requires authenticity, storytelling, and the ability to make an entire arena believe in you. So next time your favorite wrestler fights back against a cheating heel, give them an extra cheer—they’re carrying the legacy of wrestling’s greatest heroes.
Stay tuned for more deep dives into wrestling’s most iconic roles, rivalries, and lore!
