Face vs. Heel — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 4, 2024
Face is a wrestling term for a hero or good guy, while heel refers to the villain or bad guy in wrestling.
Difference Between Face and Heel
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
In professional wrestling, characters and storytelling are pivotal, with wrestlers embodying heroes ("faces") and villains ("heels") to create drama and engagement. A face (short for "babyface") is portrayed as the hero of the story, garnering sympathy and support from the audience through their ethics, perseverance, and respect for the rules. They often face challenges and injustices, battling against the odds to triumph or seek retribution. Heels, on the other hand, are the antagonists, employing underhanded tactics, breaking rules, and displaying unsportsmanlike conduct to gain an advantage and draw the audience's ire.
Faces are crucial for creating a sense of hope and justice in wrestling narratives, often highlighted by their valiant comebacks and victories, which are celebrated by fans. They connect with the audience on a personal level, eliciting cheers and support. Conversely, heels generate tension and conflict, making the face's eventual victory more satisfying. They often engage in trash talk, cheat during matches, or betray others to maintain their status as villains, which is essential for the storyline's dynamism and the audience's emotional investment.
The dynamic between face and heel is fundamental to wrestling's storytelling, providing a clear distinction between good and evil, which helps the audience choose whom to support. This dichotomy is not static; wrestlers may transition from face to heel or vice versa throughout their careers, depending on storyline requirements and audience reactions. Such turns can rejuvenate characters and narratives, adding layers of complexity to the wrestlers' personas and the overarching storyline.
Promotions and wrestlers carefully craft their face and heel personas, incorporating elements like theme music, attire, and promo styles to reinforce their characters. Faces typically exhibit traits like bravery, resilience, and sportsmanship, appealing to the audience's sense of justice and heroism. Heels, by contrast, embrace traits that evoke disdain, such as cowardice, treachery, and arrogance, effectively making the audience anticipate their downfall.
While the roles of face and heel are integral to wrestling's narrative structure, they also reflect broader themes of conflict, morality, and redemption, resonating with universal storytelling traditions. This dynamic not only entertains but also allows audiences to explore themes of right and wrong, strength and weakness, and the complexity of human nature through the exaggerated, theatrical world of professional wrestling.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Hero or "good guy" in wrestling.
Villain or "bad guy" in wrestling.
Role in Story
Evokes sympathy, stands for justice and perseverance.
Generates conflict, uses underhanded tactics.
Audience Reaction
Receives cheers and support.
Booed and disliked by the audience.
Purpose
To overcome challenges, embody hope and morality.
To create obstacles, embody deceit and immorality.
Character Transition
Can turn heel, adding complexity to the narrative.
Can become a face, signifying redemption or a change of heart.
Compare with Definitions
Face
Serves as a source of inspiration and hope.
The face's victory is a triumph of good over evil.
Heel
Plays the antagonist, opposing the face.
The heel wrestler disrupts matches with illegal moves.
Face
Potential to turn heel for narrative depth.
A beloved face turning heel can shock and intrigue the audience.
Heel
Designed to provoke boos and disdain.
Heels often insult the audience or belittle their opponents.
Face
Represents the hero in wrestling narratives.
The face wrestler fights honorably, earning the audience's respect.
Heel
Employs cheating and treachery to win.
Using a weapon while the referee is distracted is a common heel tactic.
Face
Abides by the rules, contrasting with the heel's deceit.
A face wrestler refuses to cheat, even if it means losing.
Heel
Creates tension and obstacles for the face.
A heel's actions can lead to dramatic showdowns.
Face
Generates support and empathy from fans.
Children often idolize faces, emulating their positive traits.
Heel
May transition to a face, showing character growth.
A heel's redemption arc can endear them to fans over time.
Face
The face is the front of an animal's head that features three of the head's sense organs, the eyes, nose, and mouth, and through which animals express many of their emotions. The face is crucial for human identity, and damage such as scarring or developmental deformities affects the psyche adversely.
Heel
The heel is the prominence at the posterior end of the foot. It is based on the projection of one bone, the calcaneus or heel bone, behind the articulation of the bones of the lower leg.
Face
The front part of a person's head from the forehead to the chin, or the corresponding part in an animal
She was scarlet in the face and perspiring profusely
Heel
The rounded posterior portion of the human foot under and behind the ankle.
Face
The surface of a thing, especially one that is presented to the view or has a particular function.
Heel
The corresponding part of the hind foot of other vertebrates.
Face
A person of a particular type
This season's squad has a lot of old faces in it
Heel
A similar anatomical part, such as the fleshy rounded base of the human palm or the hind toe of a bird.
Face
Short for typeface
Heel
The part, as of a sock, shoe, or stocking, that covers the heel.
Face
Be positioned with the face or front towards (someone or something)
He turned to face her
Heel
The built-up portion of a shoe or boot, supporting the heel.
Face
Confront and deal with or accept
He was too old to face up to the responsibilities of his position
Honesty forced her to face facts
Heel
One of the crusty ends of a loaf of bread.
Face
Cover the surface of (something) with a layer of a different material
The external basement walls were faced with granite slabs
Heel
The part of the head of a golf club where it joins the shaft.
Face
The surface of the front of the head from the top of the forehead to the base of the chin and from ear to ear.
Heel
The end of a violin bow where the handle is located.
Face
A person
We saw many new faces on the first day of classes.
Heel
The lower end of a mast.
Face
A person's countenance
A happy face.
Heel
The after end of a ship's keel.
Face
A contorted facial expression; a grimace
Made a face at the prospect of eating lemons.
Heel
(Botany) The basal end of a plant cutting or tuber used in propagation.
Face
A countenance of a certain complexion or form. Used in combination
Babyface.
Frogface.
Heel
Oppression; tyranny
Under the heel of Stalinism.
The heel of an autocrat.
Face
A person having such a countenance. Used in combination
Paleface.
Heel
(Informal) A dishonorable or unscrupulous person.
Face
Facial makeup
Put one's face on.
Heel
A tilt, as of a boat, to one side.
Face
Facial makeup of a certain color, usually worn for the purpose of impersonating or mocking people of a particular racial or ethnic group. Used in combination
Applied blackface.
Heel
To furnish with a heel or heels.
Face
Assumed characteristics, such as clothing or behavior, intended to impersonate or mock people of a particular racial or ethnic group. Used in combination
Dressing up in yellowface.
Heel
To repair or replace the heels, as for shoes.
Face
Outward appearance
The modern face of the city.
Heel
(Slang) To furnish, especially with money.
Face
Value or standing in the eyes of others; prestige
Did their best to save face after they were shown to be wrong.
Did not want to lose face by being unable to live up to his reputation.
Heel
To arm (a gamecock) with gaffs.
Face
Self-assurance; confidence
The team managed to maintain a firm face even in times of great adversity.
Heel
To press or strike with the heel
Heel a horse.
Face
Effrontery; impudence
Had the face to question my judgment.
Heel
To follow at one's heels
The dog won't heel.
Face
The surface presented to view; the front.
Heel
To tilt or cause to tilt to one side.
Face
A façade.
Heel
To cover the roots of (a plant) with soil temporarily, as while preparing for a more permanent planting. Often with in
Heeled in the apple saplings until the orchard had been laid out.
Face
Outer surface
The face of the earth.
Heel
(anatomy) The rear part of the foot, where it joins the leg.
Face
A marked side
The face of a clock.
The face of a playing card.
Heel
The part of a shoe's sole which supports the foot's heel.
Face
The right side, as of fabric.
Heel
The rear part of a sock or similar covering for the foot.
Face
An exposed, often precipitous surface of rock.
Heel
The part of the palm of a hand closest to the wrist.
He drove the heel of his hand into the man's nose.
Face
A planar surface of a geometric solid.
Heel
A woman's high-heeled shoe.
Face
Any of the surfaces of a rock or crystal.
Heel
(firearms) The back, upper part of the stock.
Face
The end, as of a mine or tunnel, at which work is advancing.
Heel
The last or lowest part of anything.
The heel of a mast
The heel of a vessel
Face
The appearance and geologic surface features of an area of land; topography.
Heel
A crust end-piece of a loaf of bread.
Face
A typeface or range of typefaces.
Heel
(US) The base of a bun sliced in half lengthwise.
Face
The raised printing surface of a piece of type.
Heel
(informal) A contemptible, unscrupulous, inconsiderate or thoughtless person.
Face
To occupy a position with the face toward
Stood and faced the audience.
Heel
A headlining wrestler regarded as a "bad guy," whose ring persona embodies villainous or reprehensible traits and demonstrates characteristics of a braggart and a bully.
Face
To front on
A window that faces the south.
Heel
(card games) The cards set aside for later use in a patience or solitaire game.
Face
To meet or confront with self-assurance
How can I face your parents when they know that I've let them down?.
Heel
Anything resembling a human heel in shape; a protuberance; a knob.
Face
To acknowledge and accept or deal with
Had to face the facts.
Must be willing to face our problems.
Heel
(architecture) The lower end of a timber in a frame, as a post or rafter.
Face
To be certain to encounter; have in store
An unskilled youth faces a difficult life.
Heel
The obtuse angle of the lower end of a rafter set sloping.
Face
To bring or to be brought face to face with
"The prospect of military conflict ... faced us with nightmarish choices" (Henry A. Kissinger).
Heel
A cyma reversa.
Face
To cause (troops) to change direction by giving a command.
Heel
(carpentry) The short side of an angled cut.
Face
(Games) To turn (a playing card) so that the face is up.
Heel
(golf) The part of a club head's face nearest the shaft.
Face
To furnish with a surface or cover of a different material
Bronze that is faced with gold foil.
Heel
The lower end of the bit (cutting edge) of an axehead; as opposed to the toe (upper end).
Face
To line or trim the edge of, especially with contrasting material
Face a hem with lace.
Heel
In a carding machine, the part of a flat nearest the cylinder.
Face
To treat the surface of so as to smooth.
Heel
(nautical) The junction between the keel and the stempost of a vessel; an angular wooden join connecting the two.
Face
To be turned or placed with the front toward a specified direction.
Heel
(nautical) The act of inclining or canting from a vertical position; a cant.
Face
To turn the face in a specified direction.
Heel
To follow at somebody's heels; to chase closely.
She called to her dog to heel.
Face
(anatomy) The front part of the head of a human or other animal, featuring the eyes, nose, and mouth, and the surrounding area.
That girl has a pretty face.
The monkey pressed its face against the railings.
Heel
To add a heel to, or increase the size of the heel of (a shoe or boot).
Face
One's facial expression.
Why the sad face?
Heel
To kick with the heel.
Face
(in expressions such as 'make a face') A distorted facial expression; an expression of displeasure, insult, etc.
Children! Stop making faces at each other!
Heel
(transitive) To perform by the use of the heels, as in dancing, running, etc.
Face
Image; outward appearance.
Our chairman is the face of this company.
He managed to show a bold face despite his embarrassment.
Heel
(transitive) To arm with a gaff, as a cock for fighting.
Face
The frontal aspect of something.
The face of the cliff loomed above them.
Heel
To hit (the ball) with the heel of the club.
Face
An aspect of the character or nature of someone or something.
This is a face of her that we have not seen before.
Poverty is the ugly face of capitalism.
Heel
To make (a fair catch) standing with one foot forward, the heel on the ground and the toe up.
Face
(figurative) presence; sight; front.
To fly in the face of danger
To speak before the face of God
Heel
To incline to one side; to tilt.
Face
The directed force of something.
They turned the boat into the face of the storm.
Heel
To lean or tip to one side, as a ship; as, the ship heels aport; the boat heeled over when the squall struck it.
Face
Reputation; standing, in the eyes of others; dignity; prestige. (See lose face, save face).
Heel
To perform by the use of the heels, as in dancing, running, and the like.
I cannot sing,Nor heel the high lavolt.
Face
Confidence; boldness; effrontery.
You've got some face coming round here after what you've done.
Heel
To add a heel to; as, to heel a shoe.
Face
Any surface, especially a front or outer one.
Put a big sign on each face of the building that can be seen from the road.
They climbed the north face of the mountain.
She wanted to wipe him off the face of the earth.
Heel
To arm with a gaff, as a cock for fighting.
Face
(geometry) Any of the flat bounding surfaces of a polyhedron; more generally, any of the bounding pieces of a polytope of any dimension.
Heel
To hit (the ball) with the heel of the club.
Face
The numbered dial of a clock or watch; the clock face.
Heel
To make (a fair catch) standing with one foot advanced, the heel on the ground and the toe up.
Face
(slang) The mouth.
Shut your face!
He's always stuffing his face with chips.
Heel
The hinder part of the foot; sometimes, the whole foot; - in man or quadrupeds.
He [the stag] calls to mind his strength and then his speed,His winged heels and then his armed head.
Face
(slang) makeup; one's complete facial cosmetic application.
I'll be out in a sec. Just let me put on my face.
Heel
The hinder part of any covering for the foot, as of a shoe, sock, etc.; specif., a solid part projecting downward from the hinder part of the sole of a boot or shoe.
Face
(metonymically) A person; the self; oneself.
It was just the usual faces at the pub tonight.
He better not show his face around here no more.
Heel
The latter or remaining part of anything; the closing or concluding part.
Face
(informal) A familiar or well-known person; a member of a particular scene, such as the music or fashion scene.
He owned several local businesses and was a face around town.
Heel
Anything regarded as like a human heel in shape; a protuberance; a knob.
Face
A headlining wrestler with a persona embodying heroic or virtuous traits and who is regarded as a "good guy", especially one who is handsome and well-conditioned; a baby face.
The fans cheered on the face as he made his comeback.
Heel
The part of a thing corresponding in position to the human heel; the lower part, or part on which a thing rests
Face
(cricket) The front surface of a bat.
Heel
Management by the heel, especially the spurred heel; as, the horse understands the heel well.
Face
(golf) The part of a golf club that hits the ball.
Heel
The lower end of a timber in a frame, as a post or rafter. In the United States, specif., the obtuse angle of the lower end of a rafter set sloping.
Face
(cards) The side of the card that shows its value (as opposed to the back side, which looks the same on all cards of the deck).
Heel
The part of the face of the club head nearest the shaft.
Face
(heraldry) The head of a lion, shown face-on and cut off immediately behind the ears.
Heel
In a carding machine, the part of a flat nearest the cylinder.
Face
The width of a pulley, or the length of a cog from end to end.
A pulley or cog wheel of ten inches face
Heel
The bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground
Face
(typography) A typeface.
Heel
The back part of the human foot
Face
A mode of regard, whether favourable or unfavourable; favour or anger.
Heel
Someone who is morally reprehensible;
You dirty dog
Face
(informal) The amount expressed on a bill, note, bond, etc., without any interest or discount; face value.
Heel
One of the crusty ends of a loaf of bread
Face
To position oneself or itself so as to have one's face closest to (something).
Face the sun.
Heel
The lower end of a ship's mast
Face
To have its front closest to, or in the direction of (something else).
Turn the chair so it faces the table.
Heel
(golf) the part of the clubhead where it joins the shaft
Face
(transitive) To cause (something) to turn or present a face or front, as in a particular direction.
Heel
The piece of leather that fits the heel
Face
(transitive) To be presented or confronted with; to have in prospect.
We are facing an uncertain future.
Heel
Tilt to one side;
The balloon heeled over
The wind made the vessel heel
The ship listed to starboard
Face
(transitive) To deal with (a difficult situation or person); to accept (facts, reality, etc.) even when undesirable.
I'm going to have to face this sooner or later.
Heel
Follow at the heels of a person
Face
(intransitive) To have the front in a certain direction.
The seats in the carriage faced backwards.
Heel
Perform with the heels;
Heel that dance
Face
(transitive) To have as an opponent.
Real Madrid face Juventus in the quarter-finals.
Heel
Strike with the heel of the club;
Heel a golf ball
Face
To be the batsman on strike.
Willoughby comes in to bowl, and it's Hobson facing.
Heel
Put a new heel on;
Heel shoes
Face
To confront impudently; to bully.
Face
(transitive) To cover in front, for ornament, protection, etc.; to put a facing upon.
A building faced with marble
Face
(transitive) To line near the edge, especially with a different material.
To face the front of a coat, or the bottom of a dress
Face
To cover with better, or better appearing, material than the mass consists of, for purpose of deception, as the surface of a box of tea, a barrel of sugar, etc.
Face
(engineering) To make the surface of (anything) flat or smooth; to dress the face of (a stone, a casting, etc.); especially, in turning, to shape or smooth the flat (transverse) surface of, as distinguished from the cylindrical (axial) surface.
Face
To arrange the products in (a store) so that they are tidy and attractive.
In my first job, I learned how to operate a till and to face the store to high standards.
Face
The exterior form or appearance of anything; that part which presents itself to the view; especially, the front or upper part or surface; that which particularly offers itself to the view of a spectator.
A mist . . . watered the whole face of the ground.
Lake Leman wooes me with its crystal face.
Face
That part of a body, having several sides, which may be seen from one point, or which is presented toward a certain direction; one of the bounding planes of a solid; as, a cube has six faces.
Face
The principal dressed surface of a plate, disk, or pulley; the principal flat surface of a part or object.
Face
The upper surface, or the character upon the surface, of a type, plate, etc.
Face
Outside appearance; surface show; look; external aspect, whether natural, assumed, or acquired.
To set a face upon their own malignant design.
This would produce a new face of things in Europe.
We wear a face of joy, becauseWe have been glad of yore.
Face
That part of the head, esp. of man, in which the eyes, cheeks, nose, and mouth are situated; visage; countenance.
In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread.
Face
Cast of features; expression of countenance; look; air; appearance.
We set the best faceon it we could.
Face
Ten degrees in extent of a sign of the zodiac.
Face
Maintenance of the countenance free from abashment or confusion; confidence; boldness; shamelessness; effrontery.
This is the man that has the face to charge others with false citations.
Face
Presence; sight; front; as in the phrases, before the face of, in the immediate presence of; in the face of, before, in, or against the front of; as, to fly in the face of danger; to the face of, directly to; from the face of, from the presence of.
Face
Mode of regard, whether favorable or unfavorable; favor or anger; mostly in Scriptural phrases.
The Lord make his face to shine upon thee.
My face [favor] will I turn also from them.
Face
The end or wall of the tunnel, drift, or excavation, at which work is progressing or was last done.
Face
The exact amount expressed on a bill, note, bond, or other mercantile paper, without any addition for interest or reduction for discount; most commonly called face value.
Face
To meet in front; to oppose with firmness; to resist, or to meet for the purpose of stopping or opposing; to confront; to encounter; as, to face an enemy in the field of battle.
I'll faceThis tempest, and deserve the name of king.
Face
To Confront impudently; to bully.
I will neither be facednor braved.
Face
To stand opposite to; to stand with the face or front toward; to front upon; as, the apartments of the general faced the park; some of the seats on the train faced backward.
He gained also with his forces that part of Britain which faces Ireland.
Face
To cover in front, for ornament, protection, etc.; to put a facing upon; as, a building faced with marble.
Face
To line near the edge, esp. with a different material; as, to face the front of a coat, or the bottom of a dress.
Face
To cover with better, or better appearing, material than the mass consists of, for purpose of deception, as the surface of a box of tea, a barrel of sugar, etc.
Face
To make the surface of (anything) flat or smooth; to dress the face of (a stone, a casting, etc.); esp., in turning, to shape or smooth the flat surface of, as distinguished from the cylindrical surface.
Face
To cause to turn or present a face or front, as in a particular direction.
Face
To carry a false appearance; to play the hypocrite.
Face
To turn the face; as, to face to the right or left.
Face about, man; a soldier, and afraid!
Face
To present a face or front.
Face
The front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear;
He washed his face
I wish I had seen the look on his face when he got the news
Face
The expression on a person's face;
A sad expression
A look of triumph
An angry face
Face
The general outward appearance of something;
The face of the city is changing
Face
The act of confronting bravely;
He hated facing the facts
He excelled in the face of danger
Face
The striking or working surface of an implement
Face
A part of a person that is used to refer to a person;
He looked out at a roomful of faces
When he returned to work he met many new faces
Face
A surface forming part of the outside of an object;
He examined all sides of the crystal
Dew dripped from the face of the leaf
Face
The part of an animal corresponding to the human face
Face
The side upon which the use of a thing depends (usually the most prominent surface of an object);
He dealt the cards face down
Face
A contorted facial expression;
She made a grimace at the prospect
Face
A specific size and style of type within a type family
Face
Status in the eyes of others;
He lost face
Face
Impudent aggressiveness;
I couldn't believe her boldness
He had the effrontery to question my honesty
Face
A vertical surface of a building or cliff
Face
Deal with (something unpleasant) head on;
You must confront your problems
He faced the terrible consequences of his mistakes
Face
Oppose, as in hostility or a competition;
You must confront your opponent
Jackson faced Smith in the boxing ring
The two enemies finally confronted each other
Face
Be oriented in a certain direction, often with respect to another reference point; be opposite to;
The house looks north
My backyard look onto the pond
The building faces the park
Face
Be opposite;
The facing page
The two sofas face each other
Face
Turn so as to face; turn the face in a certain direction;
Turn and face your partner now
Face
Present somebody with something, usually to accuse or criticize;
We confronted him with the evidence
He was faced with all the evidence and could no longer deny his actions
An enormous dilemma faces us
Face
Turn so as to expose the face;
Face a playing card
Face
Line the edge (of a garment) with a different material;
Face the lapels of the jacket
Face
Cover the front or surface of;
The building was faced with beautiful stones
Common Curiosities
What defines a heel in wrestling?
A heel is the villain in wrestling storylines, known for their underhanded tactics and role in creating conflict.
What happens when a face turns heel?
It can lead to shock and increased interest in the storyline, as a beloved hero adopts villainous traits.
What is a face in wrestling?
A face, or babyface, is the hero character in wrestling, characterized by their ethical conduct and connection with the audience.
How do audience reactions differ between faces and heels?
Faces are cheered and supported for their heroism, while heels are booed and disliked for their villainous actions.
Can wrestlers switch between being a face and a heel?
Yes, wrestlers often switch roles to freshen up their characters and narratives, moving from face to heel or vice versa.
What is the impact of a heel becoming a face?
It can signify character development or redemption, endearing formerly villainous wrestlers to the audience.
Why are faces and heels important in wrestling?
They provide clear moral contrasts, driving the narrative and engaging the audience through the struggle between good and evil.
How do wrestlers portray their face or heel persona?
Through their actions, promo styles, attire, and interaction with the audience, reinforcing their roles as heroes or villains.
Why do some wrestlers prefer being heels?
Playing a heel allows for creative freedom in being openly antagonistic and engaging in dramatic storytelling.
What role do heels play in a wrestling match?
They create drama and obstacles, making the face's struggle and eventual victory more compelling.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
