Heel vs. Jobber: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || 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.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
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.

Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
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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.

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Oct 04, 2023
Role in Matches
Engages in unethical, unsportsmanlike, or villainous tactics.
Often loses matches to enhance others' reputations.

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Oct 04, 2023
Popularity
May be quite popular despite being a "bad guy."
Might not have significant fan following or storyline.

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Oct 04, 2023
Character Arc
Can have substantial story arcs and feuds.
Rarely involved in major storylines or feuds.

Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Audience Reaction
Often booed or jeered by the audience.
Might not evoke strong reactions from the audience.

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Oct 04, 2023
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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.

Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
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.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Heel
The term can also refer to the back part of the foot.
She accidentally stepped on my heel.

Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Jobber
In business, a jobber is a wholesaler or intermediary trader.
The jobber purchased goods in bulk to distribute to local retailers.

Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Heel
It could refer to a contemptible person.
Many considered him to be a heel after his scandalous actions.

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Oct 04, 2023
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Jobber
It might refer to a small-scale trader or businessperson.
As a jobber, she traded in seasonal goods and novelties.

Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Heel
The rounded posterior portion of the human foot under and behind the ankle.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 08, 2023
Jobber
One that buys merchandise from manufacturers and sells it to retailers.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 08, 2023
Heel
A similar anatomical part, such as the fleshy rounded base of the human palm or the hind toe of a bird.

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Apr 08, 2023
Jobber
Chiefly British A middleman in the exchange of stocks and securities among brokers.

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Apr 08, 2023
Jobber
(archaic) One who works by the job (i.e. paid per individual piece of work) and/or recruits other people for such work.

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Apr 08, 2023
Jobber
(theater) An actor temporarily employed for a specific role, often in a touring company.

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Apr 08, 2023
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.

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Apr 08, 2023
Jobber
(slang) A thing (often used in a vague way to refer to something the name of which one cannot recall).

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Apr 08, 2023
Jobber
One who buys goods from importers, wholesalers, or manufacturers, and sells to retailers.

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Apr 08, 2023
Jobber
One who turns official or public business to private advantage; hence, one who performs low or mercenary work in office, politics, or intrigue.

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Apr 08, 2023
Jobber
Someone who buys large quantities of goods and resells to merchants rather than to the ultimate customers

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Apr 08, 2023
Jobber
It could imply someone who works casually or does odd jobs.
He worked as a jobber, picking up various tasks here and there.

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Oct 04, 2023
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.

Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
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.

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Apr 08, 2023
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.

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Apr 08, 2023
Heel
The last or lowest part of anything.
The heel of a mast
The heel of a vessel

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Apr 08, 2023
Heel
(informal) A contemptible, unscrupulous, inconsiderate or thoughtless person.

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Apr 08, 2023
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.

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Apr 08, 2023
Heel
(card games) The cards set aside for later use in a patience or solitaire game.

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Apr 08, 2023
Heel
(architecture) The lower end of a timber in a frame, as a post or rafter.

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Apr 08, 2023
Heel
The lower end of the bit (cutting edge) of an axehead; as opposed to the toe (upper end).

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Apr 08, 2023
Heel
(nautical) The junction between the keel and the stempost of a vessel; an angular wooden join connecting the two.

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Apr 08, 2023
Heel
(nautical) The act of inclining or canting from a vertical position; a cant.

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Apr 08, 2023
Heel
To follow at somebody's heels; to chase closely.
She called to her dog to heel.

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Apr 08, 2023
Heel
(transitive) To perform by the use of the heels, as in dancing, running, etc.

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Apr 08, 2023
Heel
To make (a fair catch) standing with one foot forward, the heel on the ground and the toe up.

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Apr 08, 2023
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.

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Apr 08, 2023
Heel
To perform by the use of the heels, as in dancing, running, and the like.
I cannot sing,Nor heel the high lavolt.

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Apr 08, 2023
Heel
To make (a fair catch) standing with one foot advanced, the heel on the ground and the toe up.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 08, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 08, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 08, 2023
Heel
The latter or remaining part of anything; the closing or concluding part.

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Apr 08, 2023
Heel
Anything regarded as like a human heel in shape; a protuberance; a knob.

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Apr 08, 2023
Heel
The part of a thing corresponding in position to the human heel; the lower part, or part on which a thing rests

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Apr 08, 2023
Heel
Management by the heel, especially the spurred heel; as, the horse understands the heel well.

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Apr 08, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 08, 2023
Heel
The bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground

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Apr 08, 2023
Heel
Tilt to one side;
The balloon heeled over
The wind made the vessel heel
The ship listed to starboard

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 08, 2023
Heel
It may indicate a command to a dog to follow closely.
The trainer commanded the dog to heel.

Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Heel
"Heel" can also imply turning or maintaining a tilted position (in nautical terms).
The sailboat began to heel due to the strong wind.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
FAQs
Is the term "Heel" exclusive to wrestling?
No, "heel" can also refer to the back part of the foot in general English.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Can a "Heel" become a "Face"?
Yes, wrestlers often switch between being a heel (villain) and face (hero) in different storylines.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Do fans dislike heels?
While heels are intended to be disliked, some fans appreciate their performances and storytelling abilities.

Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
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.

Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Does a "Heel" always follow illegal tactics?
Mostly, yes. Heels often break rules and employ unethical tactics to gain advantages.

Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
What does "Heel" mean in wrestling?
A "heel" is a wrestling character who plays the villain, typically cheating or using underhanded tactics.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Are heels important in wrestling?
Yes, they are vital as they create conflict and drive storylines, enhancing audience engagement.

Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
What is a "Jobber" in wrestling?
A "jobber" is a wrestler who frequently loses matches, often to make their opponent look strong.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Do jobbers ever win matches?
Rarely, and if they do, it is often a surprise and might be utilized as a storyline device.

Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Can a heel also be a champion?
Absolutely, heels often win championships and can hold onto them using nefarious means.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
What makes a successful heel?
A successful heel elicits strong negative reactions from the audience through their actions and promos.

Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Is being a jobber a respected role?
Yes, industry insiders and dedicated fans often respect jobbers for their role in enhancing talent.

Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Are jobbers full-time wrestlers?
Some are full-time, while others might perform part-time or occasionally.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Can a jobber become a star wrestler?
Yes, some wrestlers start as jobbers and eventually become popular stars.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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.

Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
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.

Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Can a wrestler be both a heel and a jobber?
Yes, a heel jobber would lose matches but employ underhanded tactics when doing so.

Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Why are jobbers important in wrestling?
They are essential in building other wrestlers by making them appear dominant and skilled.

Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Do jobbers have fans?
They can! Sometimes jobbers gain cult followings and become fan favorites due to their underdog status.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Do jobbers perform on big wrestling events?
Jobbers might perform on any event but are less likely to be featured in high-profile matches.

Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.

Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
