The Unsuitability of Turning the Hurt Business into Face Characters Against Retribution
When discussing the future direction of the Hurt Business in WWE, the question arises as to whether it would be beneficial to turn them from heel characters into babyface figures fighting against Retribution. This article explores whether this transition would be a smart move, considering WWE's current booking style and the impact it would have on character development and fan engagement.
Wrestling and the Nostalgia of the 'Good Guy'
The concept of the 'good guy' versus the 'evil heel' is not as prevalent as it once was in professional wrestling. This shift can be attributed to the rise of characters like Stone Cold Steve Austin and the New World Order (NWO) in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). These events marked a move away from strict face-heel divisions and into more complex storylines.
WWE, with its constant changes and last-minute rewrites, often struggles to maintain a consistent narrative. The booking style tends to focus more on the present than on future story arcs, leading to disjointed and often confusing storylines. This makes it difficult to build long-term characters and keep fans engaged in intricate story developments.
The Dynamics of Face vs Heel
The Hurt Business, despite its strong heel faction presence, is currently being explored as a potential babyface group. However, turning them into face characters would challenge the dynamics of the existing storyline, particularly when pitted against Retribution.
The idea of fighting a common enemy, like the NWO did in WCW, is often exciting for fans. However, the complications arise when creating a cohesive and believable storyline around the specific members of Retribution. The leader of Retribution has been hinted at, but the reveal could either focus too much on a prominent figure, discarding the other members, or introduce an obscure leader that seems random and disconnected from the storyline.
The Credibility of Retribution
The credibility of Retribution is a critical factor in determining the success of turning the Hurt Business into babyface characters. The storyline of Retribution itself needs further development to become a credible entity. The current disconnection and lack of clear purpose for the faction make it difficult for audiences to invest in their story.
The revelation of the Hurt Business as a babyface group would be a significant shift, requiring a more substantial and engaging storyline to support this change. The characters themselves, being successful heel factions, might not fit into the new narrative easily, leading to confusion and a lack of credibility for both factions.
Conclusion: Maintaining the Status Quo
Given the current state of WWE's booking and the complexity of the Retribution storyline, it might be more suitable to maintain the Hurt Business as heel characters. Turning them into babyfaces without a well-developed storyline and clear purpose might dilute their existing impact and confuse the audience further.
For them to engage effectively against Retribution, the Hurt Business would need more members and a clearer, more compelling storyline. Until that happens, it might be best for them to remain true to their heel nature, providing fans with the exciting and unexpected turns that made them a fan favorite in the first place.