 Throughout the history of professional wrestling, certain Superstars inherently exhibit more charisma and a particular special charm and skill when embodying one persona over another—whether it be the dastardly, cunning heel or the noble, heroic face. Hulk Hogan serves as a prime example of a wrestler who spent a considerable part of his career primarily portrayed as a face. However, given Hogan's complex history, it often appeared that this role was more of a forced persona rather than a more naturally created one. Thus, when he infamously turned Heel at the 1996 WCW Bash at the Beach pay-per-view, it marked a pivotal moment that would ultimately become one of the most iconic moments in the brief yet impactful history of WCW and professional wrestling as a whole! Thank you for joining me on this brief journey through wrestling history to illustrate an idea that captures the essence of this article. Now, let’s shift our focus back to the central theme at hand. Without further ado, here’s my list of top wrestling superstars who showcased more charisma as Faces. It’s important to note that this doesn’t mean they never turned heel; rather, they are primarily remembered for their roles as faces—much like John Cena (similar to Hogan, who was portrayed as a forced face and later shockingly turned heel). It's crucial to clarify that this list isn't necessarily ranked in terms of in-ring ability or even superstar popularity, but rather in terms of who I believe exhibits more charisma as a face and connects with the fans most that way—along with their overall impact on the business.  Hulk HoganLove him or hate him, opinions about his in-ring skills and his often-controversial stance in the wrestling business (and outside the business) are beside the point. The undeniable truth is that without Hogan, we might not have WrestleMania or the WWE as we know it today. His influence on the industry is simply unrivaled. The 1990s are frequently heralded as the pinnacle of professional wrestling's popularity—and rightfully so. However, it would be a disservice to overlook the 1980s, a transformative decade that marked a significant boom in the industry. During this time, wrestling continued to evolve from what was once an obscure entertainment niche into a beloved American pastime, captivating audiences across the nation and solidifying its place in mainstream culture. Hogan was—perhaps we can consider him the quintessential McMahon prototype—reminiscent of later modern superstars such as Charlotte, John Cena, and Roman Reigns. Hogan’s significant impact on the wrestling world and his influence on pop culture are undeniable. While he wasn't the first wrestler to transition into Hollywood, he became one of the most prolific superstars to do so. His unparalleled popularity and recognition transcend the boundaries of hardcore wrestling enthusiasts, capturing the attention of casual viewers and even those who may not consider themselves wrestling fans. When he signed with WCW in 1994, it sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry, paving the way for an even more serious, formidable competitor against McMahon and the WWF in WCW. It was here that Hogan, alongside former WWE stars Kevin Nash and Scott Hall, became the architects of one of the most iconic wrestling stables and storylines in history: the New World Order (nWo). I'm not going to rehash the Heel turn from Bash at the Beach '96, but for many, that is the most shocking Heel turn in Pro Wrestling history.  John CenaA unique presence in the world of wrestling, distinguished not just by his impressive physique and chiseled appearance, but also by his unconventional gimmick. He defied the typical prototype often seen in wrestling history. From 2005 to 2014, Cena truly embodied the role of the "face that ran the place" in WWE—eventually capturing the hearts and minds of fans, despite, for some time being controversial for the company's refusal to turn him. It's notable that among his fans are many little children, worldwide. He is known for having made the most "Make-A-Wishes"—in fact, he holds a record for having granted over 650, and is likely the most requested celebrity for this. His fame and popularity have only grown since he began to more seriously dip his feet into a full-time Hollywood career. Cena's current championship reign count is recognized by WWE as being tied with Flair's 16. While many people joke about or criticize John Cena for his perceived limitations in the ring, this perception may have held some truth in the past. However, over the last decade, it's clear that those claims no longer hold water. Cena has made remarkable strides in every aspect of the sport. His 2015 U.S. Title Open Challenge stands as a testament to this growth, showcasing his evolution and skill. It will be interesting to see the work he does as a heel—I'm hoping it's all for the best, and nothing less.  Bruno SammartinoWhile Sammartino, perhaps not as widely recognized by today's fans for his in-ring talent—which, if we're being honest, by today's standards means is very lacking—is celebrated for his extraordinary championship reigns that greatly elevated the prestige of the title. His inaugural reign—an astonishing 2,803 days from 1963 to 1971—stands as a testament to his dominance within the squared circle. He later followed this remarkable achievement with another impressive reign lasting 1,237 days. In total, Sammartino's reigns add up to an incredible 4,040 days! The sheer length of his first reign alone solidified his legacy as a legendary wrestler, setting a benchmark for longevity that future champions would aspire to and instilling a sense of honor and prestige to the title itself. Moreover, during his career, he was not only loved by fans but, in many ways, revered, even. However, it’s very difficult to imagine modern wrestling fans extending the same adoration to him if he were at the peak of his career today. He had the fortune of being alive when he was, and at his peak. Throughout his career, which spanned over a decade, Sammartino was almost exclusively a babyface, also holding the title of the company’s top draw.  Rey MysterioMysterio represents a more realistic version of the quintessential Superman babyface character that WWE has often tried to portray with John Cena. Following the final decline of WCW, WWE envisioned Mysterio as the ultimate underdog—akin to a modern-day Mighty Mouse. Mysterio has always been a face throughout his lengthy WWE career, and was last a heel in 2000, when he formed a faction known as The Filthy Animals. He has had a revolutionary impact on the wrestling industry for many reasons, notably serving as a key figure in paving the way for smaller wrestlers, such as himself, to rise to prominence as main-event players—something not seen to such height and degree in WCW, despite the load of cruiserweight talent that they boasted. It’s great to see wrestlers of all genders, sizes, and races being acknowledged more regularly! Rey has served as an inspiration to many in Luchador wrestling and Mexico.  Ricky SteamboatWhile his birth name, Richard Blood, would have been a perfect fit for a heel persona, he is primarily remembered for his enduring status as a beloved babyface throughout his illustrious career. While he briefly embraced the role of a Heel, fans ultimately remember him for his legendary matches against both the iconic 16-time Champion, Ric Flair, and Rick Rude—famous for their sly Heel personas and maneuvers—standing in stark contrast to long-time rival, Ricky Steamboat.
Steamboat was portrayed as the quintessential clean-cut, hard-working, family-oriented man, often entering the ring with his wife and son by his side. This striking juxtaposition not only underscored the strong American values which, arguably, both wrestlers represented, but provided various perspectives on the vices and virtues of the flesh that are ever-present in America. There’s a certain flair—tinged with vanity and vice, of course—imbued with the fading glitz and glamour. All of this only added depth to the rich narrative of their storied rivalry. Steamboat has been an inspiration to countless wrestlers, including the legendary Chris Jericho, who is the current ROH Champion and had the privilege of having the inaugural AEW Championship reign. He, along with Shane Douglas and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin—who undoubtedly belongs on every wrestling Mount Rushmore—played a pivotal role in helping the WWF triumph over WCW during the fierce Monday Night Wars. Steamboat was an exceptional wrestler, even by today's standards. In one of his final matches at 51 years old in 2009, his series of matches in a feud with Jericho suggested he'd only lost a little step, if any. Not to mention his particular showing on Raw, when he showcased skills that suggested he had lost none of his prowess. Though despite his many classics, I believe he deserves more recognition.
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