Heel vs. Jobber: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 5, 2023
In professional wrestling, a "heel" is a character who is portrayed as a villain or bad guy. A "jobber" in wrestling refers to a performer who frequently loses to enhance the stature of main-eventers.
Key Differences
In the realm of professional wrestling, a "heel" is often a cornerstone character that elicits boos and ire from the audience. These individuals are crafted to be the villains of the wrestling world, employing tactics that are underhanded, deceitful, or outright malicious to gain an edge in their bouts and storylines. On the flip side, a "jobber" might not carry the same narrative weight but plays an essential role in the wrestling ecosystem. Jobbers are often utilized to enhance and amplify the prowess and narrative of more prominently featured wrestlers, typically by losing to them in matches.
Heel characters can be diverse and multi-dimensional, evolving through various story arcs that enable them to engage in feuds with “face” (heroic) wrestlers, crafting a narrative that keeps the audience engaged and invested. Conversely, jobbers generally do not undergo significant character development or participate in elaborate storylines. Their primary function is to lose to other wrestlers, thereby making their opponents look strong, talented, and formidable. Jobbers are essential in building the credibility of other wrestlers, especially those on the rise or being portrayed as dominant forces.
The audience's relationship with a heel is often complex and layered. While heels are scripted to be disliked, a well-portrayed heel character can garner a certain level of respect and adulation from the audience for their performance, mic skills, and ability to generate a response. A jobber might not experience the same level of attention or reaction from the audience since their appearances are generally brief and their character, not deeply explored. They might be appreciated by dedicated fans for their role in the industry, but their impact in terms of storyline and fan engagement is markedly different than that of a heel.
Heels might find themselves in prominent positions on the wrestling card, often competing in high-profile matches and being involved in prominent storylines. They might win championships, engage in bitter rivalries, and be featured heavily in promotional material. Jobbers, however, might never see a championship match or be involved in a significant storyline. Their matches are typically shorter and less competitive, showcasing their opponent's abilities rather than creating a balanced, competitive bout.
In a nutshell, while both heels and jobbers serve pivotal roles in professional wrestling, they operate on very different spectrums of the narrative and emotional engagement with the audience. Heels drive storylines, create emotional investment, and often sit in the spotlight, while jobbers work in the background, elevating others and sometimes going unnoticed, yet providing a crucial service to the narrative flow of the wrestling product. Both are integral to the intricate ballet of wrestling storytelling, character development, and match believability.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A wrestling character who plays the villain or antagonist.
A wrestler who typically loses to build up others.
Role in Matches
Engages in unethical, unsportsmanlike, or villainous tactics.
Often loses matches to enhance others' reputations.
Popularity
May be quite popular despite being a "bad guy."
Might not have significant fan following or storyline.
Character Arc
Can have substantial story arcs and feuds.
Rarely involved in major storylines or feuds.
Audience Reaction
Often booed or jeered by the audience.
Might not evoke strong reactions from the audience.
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Heel and Jobber Definitions
Heel
Heel is a wrestler who plays a villainous character.
The heel cheated during the match to gain an unfair advantage.
Jobber
A jobber is a wrestler who loses matches to make others look good.
Despite being a talented athlete, he worked as a jobber in the company.
Heel
The term can also refer to the back part of the foot.
She accidentally stepped on my heel.
Jobber
In business, a jobber is a wholesaler or intermediary trader.
The jobber purchased goods in bulk to distribute to local retailers.
Heel
It could refer to a contemptible person.
Many considered him to be a heel after his scandalous actions.
Jobber
It might refer to a small-scale trader or businessperson.
As a jobber, she traded in seasonal goods and novelties.
Heel
The rounded posterior portion of the human foot under and behind the ankle.
Jobber
One that buys merchandise from manufacturers and sells it to retailers.
Heel
The corresponding part of the hind foot of other vertebrates.
Jobber
One that works by the job or by the contract.
Heel
A similar anatomical part, such as the fleshy rounded base of the human palm or the hind toe of a bird.
Jobber
Chiefly British A middleman in the exchange of stocks and securities among brokers.
Heel
The part, as of a sock, shoe, or stocking, that covers the heel.
Jobber
(archaic) One who works by the job (i.e. paid per individual piece of work) and/or recruits other people for such work.
Heel
The built-up portion of a shoe or boot, supporting the heel.
Jobber
(theater) An actor temporarily employed for a specific role, often in a touring company.
Heel
One of the crusty ends of a loaf of bread.
Jobber
A promoter or broker of stocks for investment.
Heel
The part of the head of a golf club where it joins the shaft.
Jobber
An intermediary who buys and sells merchandise.
Heel
The end of a violin bow where the handle is located.
Jobber
A type of intermediary in the apparel industry, as well as others, who buys excess merchandise from brand owners and manufacturers, and sells to retailers at prices that are 20-70% below wholesale.
Heel
The lower end of a mast.
Jobber
A market maker on the stock exchange.
Heel
The after end of a ship's keel.
Jobber
A performer whose primary role is to lose to established talent.
Heel
(Botany) The basal end of a plant cutting or tuber used in propagation.
Jobber
(slang) A thing (often used in a vague way to refer to something the name of which one cannot recall).
Heel
Oppression; tyranny
Under the heel of Stalinism.
The heel of an autocrat.
Jobber
One who works by the job.
Heel
(Informal) A dishonorable or unscrupulous person.
Jobber
A dealer in the public stocks or funds; a stockjobber.
Heel
A tilt, as of a boat, to one side.
Jobber
One who buys goods from importers, wholesalers, or manufacturers, and sells to retailers.
Heel
To furnish with a heel or heels.
Jobber
One who turns official or public business to private advantage; hence, one who performs low or mercenary work in office, politics, or intrigue.
Heel
To repair or replace the heels, as for shoes.
Jobber
Someone who buys large quantities of goods and resells to merchants rather than to the ultimate customers
Heel
(Slang) To furnish, especially with money.
Jobber
It could imply someone who works casually or does odd jobs.
He worked as a jobber, picking up various tasks here and there.
Heel
To arm (a gamecock) with gaffs.
Jobber
A jobber can also be a person who works steadily or industriously.
Despite the challenges, he proved to be a diligent jobber in the industry.
Heel
To press or strike with the heel
Heel a horse.
Heel
To follow at one's heels
The dog won't heel.
Heel
To tilt or cause to tilt to one side.
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.
Heel
(anatomy) The rear part of the foot, where it joins the leg.
Heel
The part of a shoe's sole which supports the foot's heel.
Heel
The rear part of a sock or similar covering for the foot.
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.
Heel
A woman's high-heeled shoe.
Heel
(firearms) The back, upper part of the stock.
Heel
The last or lowest part of anything.
The heel of a mast
The heel of a vessel
Heel
A crust end-piece of a loaf of bread.
Heel
(US) The base of a bun sliced in half lengthwise.
Heel
(informal) A contemptible, unscrupulous, inconsiderate or thoughtless person.
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.
Heel
(card games) The cards set aside for later use in a patience or solitaire game.
Heel
Anything resembling a human heel in shape; a protuberance; a knob.
Heel
(architecture) The lower end of a timber in a frame, as a post or rafter.
Heel
The obtuse angle of the lower end of a rafter set sloping.
Heel
A cyma reversa.
Heel
(carpentry) The short side of an angled cut.
Heel
(golf) The part of a club head's face nearest the shaft.
Heel
The lower end of the bit (cutting edge) of an axehead; as opposed to the toe (upper end).
Heel
In a carding machine, the part of a flat nearest the cylinder.
Heel
(nautical) The junction between the keel and the stempost of a vessel; an angular wooden join connecting the two.
Heel
(nautical) The act of inclining or canting from a vertical position; a cant.
Heel
To follow at somebody's heels; to chase closely.
She called to her dog to heel.
Heel
To add a heel to, or increase the size of the heel of (a shoe or boot).
Heel
To kick with the heel.
Heel
(transitive) To perform by the use of the heels, as in dancing, running, etc.
Heel
(transitive) To arm with a gaff, as a cock for fighting.
Heel
To hit (the ball) with the heel of the club.
Heel
To make (a fair catch) standing with one foot forward, the heel on the ground and the toe up.
Heel
To incline to one side; to tilt.
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.
Heel
To perform by the use of the heels, as in dancing, running, and the like.
I cannot sing,Nor heel the high lavolt.
Heel
To add a heel to; as, to heel a shoe.
Heel
To arm with a gaff, as a cock for fighting.
Heel
To hit (the ball) with the heel of the club.
Heel
To make (a fair catch) standing with one foot advanced, the heel on the ground and the toe up.
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.
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.
Heel
The latter or remaining part of anything; the closing or concluding part.
Heel
Anything regarded as like a human heel in shape; a protuberance; a knob.
Heel
The part of a thing corresponding in position to the human heel; the lower part, or part on which a thing rests
Heel
Management by the heel, especially the spurred heel; as, the horse understands the heel well.
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.
Heel
The part of the face of the club head nearest the shaft.
Heel
In a carding machine, the part of a flat nearest the cylinder.
Heel
The bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground
Heel
The back part of the human foot
Heel
Someone who is morally reprehensible;
You dirty dog
Heel
One of the crusty ends of a loaf of bread
Heel
The lower end of a ship's mast
Heel
(golf) the part of the clubhead where it joins the shaft
Heel
The piece of leather that fits the heel
Heel
Tilt to one side;
The balloon heeled over
The wind made the vessel heel
The ship listed to starboard
Heel
Follow at the heels of a person
Heel
Perform with the heels;
Heel that dance
Heel
Strike with the heel of the club;
Heel a golf ball
Heel
Put a new heel on;
Heel shoes
Heel
It may indicate a command to a dog to follow closely.
The trainer commanded the dog to heel.
Heel
"Heel" can also imply turning or maintaining a tilted position (in nautical terms).
The sailboat began to heel due to the strong wind.
FAQs
Is the term "Heel" exclusive to wrestling?
No, "heel" can also refer to the back part of the foot in general English.
Can a "Heel" become a "Face"?
Yes, wrestlers often switch between being a heel (villain) and face (hero) in different storylines.
Do fans dislike heels?
While heels are intended to be disliked, some fans appreciate their performances and storytelling abilities.
Why is a villain in wrestling called a "Heel"?
It's derived from a term used in the early 20th century that meant an untrustworthy person.
Does a "Heel" always follow illegal tactics?
Mostly, yes. Heels often break rules and employ unethical tactics to gain advantages.
What does "Heel" mean in wrestling?
A "heel" is a wrestling character who plays the villain, typically cheating or using underhanded tactics.
Are heels important in wrestling?
Yes, they are vital as they create conflict and drive storylines, enhancing audience engagement.
What is a "Jobber" in wrestling?
A "jobber" is a wrestler who frequently loses matches, often to make their opponent look strong.
Do jobbers ever win matches?
Rarely, and if they do, it is often a surprise and might be utilized as a storyline device.
Can a heel also be a champion?
Absolutely, heels often win championships and can hold onto them using nefarious means.
What makes a successful heel?
A successful heel elicits strong negative reactions from the audience through their actions and promos.
Is being a jobber a respected role?
Yes, industry insiders and dedicated fans often respect jobbers for their role in enhancing talent.
Are jobbers full-time wrestlers?
Some are full-time, while others might perform part-time or occasionally.
Can a jobber become a star wrestler?
Yes, some wrestlers start as jobbers and eventually become popular stars.
Are all wrestling heels real-life villains?
No, being a heel is a character and does not reflect the real-life personality of the wrestler.
Why is the term "Jobber" used in wrestling?
It comes from "doing a job", which refers to losing a match to enhance another wrestler’s career.
Can a wrestler be both a heel and a jobber?
Yes, a heel jobber would lose matches but employ underhanded tactics when doing so.
Why are jobbers important in wrestling?
They are essential in building other wrestlers by making them appear dominant and skilled.
Do jobbers have fans?
They can! Sometimes jobbers gain cult followings and become fan favorites due to their underdog status.
Do jobbers perform on big wrestling events?
Jobbers might perform on any event but are less likely to be featured in high-profile matches.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
