Smark Out Moment

HEEL OR FACE is a specialty segment wherein we break down a particular wrestler and discuss their strengths and weaknesses on the Good vs Evil scale. There are three questions that are brought up in this: 1) are they better as a heel or a face, 2) should they turn from what they currently are, and 3) how would you turn them?

The second entry in this series is going to focus on a character that has been played by multiple people, though one of them recently departed from the wrestling world...


A) BETTER AS A HEEL OR A FACE

I can see why Doink was a heel, as clowns are one of the highest ranked things in the world that people are afraid of (because let's face it...they're fucking creepy), but to me, even in the world of professional wrestling, a clown gimmick that looks as bright and colorful as Doink just doesn't work as a heel. Even the name...Doink...sounds like a comedic sound effect on a kid's cartoon.

The music that he used as a heel is a perfect indicator of this. Which one would pop the crowd more (negatively or positively), the heel one that is a droning bore or the face one that is recognizable and lively?

Doink filled a role that few people can do: the babyface that can lose to anyone at any time but it doesn't matter, as his credibility is never really a factor. The only thing that matters is his entertainment factor. Doink would never be taken seriously as a viable threat, just a playful prankster, so the best way to capitalize on that is if Doink is a babyface.

B) SHOULD HE TURN HEEL

Even though the likelihood that the Doink character will ever appear again is slim now that Matt Borne has passed away, if he ever does, he shouldn't come back as a heel. For the reasons above as well as for his legend status, he wouldn't get booed, so what would be the purpose?

C) HOW WOULD I TURN HIM

Since I wouldn't turn him heel, this is a moot point. However, I do think there is money in a heel clown character. The problem is that it can't be Doink. It would need to be someone new. Kizarny had a perfect shot to be similar to this, but they just had the wrong person doing the gimmick. I'd like to see someone come out with a similar clown/carnival type gimmick (maybe named Karnevil if they can secure the rights?) and really go for a creepy Undertaker-type vibe and preferably feud with Kane.