10 Most Believable Performers In WWE Today
Spoiler: Dean Ambrose didn't make the cut.
WWE, despite the change in recruitment policy in recent years from donkey to workhorse, still cares little about suspending the disbelief of its audience.
Wrestlers - sorry - Sports Entertainers invariably interrupt matches, almost literally announcing themselves with their entrance themes. Something of a giveaway for the ol' sneak attack. Clandestine conversations are openly filmed. Those plotting are somehow oblivious to the professional camera crews inches from their twirled moustaches. Barely any RAW matches are announced in advance - and yet, they always seem to suspiciously materialise on the night.
The obviously-scripted presentation has an adverse effect on the performers themselves. Dean Ambrose, in particular, is presented as a lunatic - a portrayal betrayed by the lame zinging and cosplay he's forced to trot out every Tuesday night. TJ Perkins is so obviously smarmy that his chipper face act is a complete non-starter. Kevin Owens operates at his peak when he's at his most chillingly passive aggressive - and yet, he's mostly instructed to play it broad.
Conversely, some performers are either given lines which match their characters perfectly - or, they are skilful enough with the crucial intangibles of facial expressions and body language to transcend the shackles they've been chained with...
10. Alexa Bliss
Alexa Bliss might be a perfectly lovely young lady behind the curtain, but she's so loathsome in front of it that you'd never guess.
Whether it's expertly-applied store-bought make-up or genetic, her eyes reveal the loathing within. She might not be the best wrestler in the burgeoning Women's division, but her expert facial expressions alone position her as the best worker. Absolutely dripping with contempt, she's one of those heels so good in the role that it's almost impossible to envision her turning face.
When she's on the defence in her matches - which should be afforded more acclaim, given the low expectations many had for the SmackDown women's division, post brand-split - she doesn't just sell gamely. She looks mortally offended that her opponent dares attempt to win. It's this entitlement which makes fans want to see her lose. She's never likely to receive "This is awesome!" chants - and that is to her eternal credit.
Pouring over her smiling, breezy Instagram account is an almost irreconcilable experience, like watching Ted Bundy represent himself with considerable charm in court. He could turn off his evil side with a switch. So, too, can Bliss.