Seth Rollins' Babyface Turn Must Avoid Tired Formula of Other WWE Heroes

When Seth Rollins does finally turn babyface after a two-year stint as the centerpiece villain in WWE's live-action morality play, he must avoid the tired formula that has plagued other main event heroes.

You know, the one where the vanilla good guy pledges allegiance to a mantra such as "hustle, loyalty and respect" or "believe that," smiles, cracks corny jokes, and annoys everyone over the age of 10.

It has been a staple of WWE programming since 2005, when John Cena accepted the mantle of franchise star and began carrying it over the decade that followed. At first, it was refreshing to see a simplistic character at the top of the company, a throwback to the more innocent and fun days of saying prayers, taking vitamins and working out...brother.

Then, the repetition of it all overwhelmed the viewer and led to the heroic good guy becoming the object of the audience's disdain toward the writing team.

Cena became the most polarizing figure in the sport because, as much as the younger fans adored his ideals and principles, the older members of the audience despised his goody two-shoes nature and lashed out with a venomous verbal assault every time he stepped through the curtain.

Even edgier stars such as CM Punk and Randy Orton eventually lost what made them stand out, becoming the same watered-down good guys they once waged war with.

As Rollins embarks on what is certain to be the first extended babyface run of his career in WWE, it is imperative that he avoid the same creative bankruptcy that has plagued those who have come before him.

But how?

Embrace the Hubris

One of the elements that has defined the Rollins character over the last two years has been his trademark arrogance. Whether he benefited from the interference of Triple H, Stephanie McMahon or even The Demon Kane, Rollins never missed an opportunity to take full credit for his latest victory.

Just because he turns babyface does not mean he must suddenly become the most humble Superstar on the Raw roster.

Steve Austin was not a prototypical nice guy, nor was The Rock. In the latter's case, it was his hubris that defined him. There is nothing wrong with arrogance and confidence coming together to create a babyface fans can get behind. The NFL's Cam Newton is as supremely confident as they come, and in 2015, he rode a wave of momentum to the top of the sport, becoming its Most Valuable Player and the face of its Super Bowl 50 coverage.

Rollins can be the alternative to Cena and Roman Reigns, the Superstar who refuses to change to placate an audience desperately seeking someone different to throw their support behind. Embracing his arrogance and confidence can certainly help with this.

It Is OK to Lose

One of the biggest issues with the cookie-cutter good guys is the constant belief on the part of management that they have to win every match they appear in or risk looking weak and diminishing their marketability.

That is not the case.

While Cena and Reigns can convincingly run through the competition, beating them with sheer power alone, Rollins is not the guy to tear through anyone. He needs to rely on skill and even then may lose to a better wrestler.

And that is OK.

If WWE Creative does its job and crafts a compelling babyface character for him, he can afford the occasional televised loss without losing credibility. Make him the alternative to the unstoppable forces that have dominated WWE television over the last decade, and fans will appreciate him more than they otherwise would have.

One of the best things Rollins has been a part of since his debut on the main roster is WWE Network's WWE 24 special "Seth Rollins: Rebuild. Redesign. Reclaim." There, fans saw a vulnerable and naturally likable Rollins, one who picked himself up after being knocked down by an injury. It was a story they could relate to rather than that of the unbeatable Superman.

Capitalize on that. Let him be the Rollins who captures the heart of the WWE Universe, and the company will have on its hands on a legitimate main event star fans care about and want to see succeed.