Sheamus Needs a Heel Turn to Get the Most out of His WWE Return

Prior to suffering a serious shoulder injury at July’s Money in the Bank event, former world heavyweight champion Sheamus had already fallen far in the pecking order.

Indeed, he had even been stuck wrestling Damien Sandow on the pre-show for the previous month's Payback pay-per-view (well, at least he won). There was also a dull feud with Mark Henry that went absolutely nowhere.

Credit: WWE.com

Since the Irishman's return—he was a shock entrant at last month’s Royal Rumble and made it to the final three—his standing has improved somewhat, but it’s difficult to see him progressing any further up the card.

Due to Dave Batista’s return, John Cena’s prominence and Daniel Bryan’s huge popularity, he’s the No. 4 babyface at best (maybe less depending on if you count Roman Reigns as a good guy).

And while his in-ring work is as solid as ever, Sheamus lacks the charisma and personality to overtake any of those guys.

Sure, he’s one of the six participants in this Sunday’s Elimination Chamber, but does anyone really think he’s walking out with the prized WWE World Heavyweight Championship? It seems a long shot, doesn't it? It's not like there looks to be anything else promising on the horizon either.

Credit: WWE.com

Therefore, a heel turn seems the only viable option if he’s to insert himself back into the main event scene.

For one thing, it would hugely freshen up his character.

Sheamus as a babyface has never been compelling. He’s simply too bland and uninspired. His character has no real depth. Come on, has he ever done anything truly amazing or memorable as a good guy?

Credit: WWE.com

As an evil, bullying heel, however, he’s usually great fun. His character isn't anything new or innovative, but he feels far more comfortable and natural in the role for the most part.

(This isn't just on him; with one or two exceptions, WWE doesn't seem to know how to book babyfaces in a likeable manner any more. Most guys do better as heels for that reason.)

A heel turn would also open up the opportunity for several intriguing new feuds.

Credit: WWE.com

He could clash with John Cena or Daniel Bryan (Sheamus and Bryan still seem to have unfinished business from their 18-second match at WrestleMania 28, and a rematch should surely come to fruition at some point.). Or how about a program with up-and-comer Big E?

He could also align himself with The Authority this year, perhaps replacing Randy Orton as Triple H's right-hand man and confidant.  

Certainly, there are more creative opportunities for him as a heel than as a face.

But will WWE do what makes sense and book the Irishman in the role he's certainly better at? Or will Sheamus remain just another wrestler in the company who is woefully miscast? With this current booking team, it's difficult to predict.