WWE: How Wade Barrett Can Replace Mark Henry as the Top Heel

Wade Barrett announced his arrival to the WWE loudly and triumphantly as the leader of Nexus. As one of the most talented young guys on the roster, Barrett’s post-Nexus/Corre days are being wasted. 

How can the WWE creative team get him back to where he was just a year ago? 

Barrett won the first season of NXT because of his blend of in-ring prowess and natural charisma on the mic.  WWE should take advantage of these attributes and make him a cornerstone of the franchise. 

WWE is doing a great job with Mark Henry right now, it's exciting to see a guy who was average for the better part of his career finally come into his own.  But how long will he be able to maintain this success? 

When Henry's momentum eventually fades, WWE would be smart to have Barrett overtake him as the No. 1 heel in the game.  

Here are a few ideas that could help make that happen:

Darker Persona

Barrett could shift into a darker, more haunting character.  Speaking from a dimly lit, abandoned warehouse and sitting in a rusty chair, his promos could be reminiscent of Jake Roberts' and Mankind's work. 

He would talk about losing respect for WWE and about not feeling appreciated.  These feelings have made him grow angry and hateful, and the only things that will pacify him now are chaos and destruction. 

In the ring, Barrett would be less concerned with winning, consistently getting disqualified for choking out opponents.  

Wear a Suit

This is a simple change, but one that could be significant. 

It isn't exactly original, but given that we've entered the era of nondescript trunks, it could help Barrett stand out visually.

Some of the greatest villains of all time have worn a suit and tie.  Lex Luthor and the guy from the Matrix come to mind right away.  A nice suit on a heel can say, "I’m evil, but classy." 

Hire a Valet

A female manager does a few things for Barrett.  The first thing is the well-worn tradition of managers interfering in matches and assisting their clients. 

The second is that Barrett’s new persona can be furthered by having him verbally tear her down.

Speaking quietly, he'd be constantly telling her how worthless she is and how she needs to earn his respect.  It's hard to not hate a man who is abusive to women.    

This also allows for the possibility of a future storyline where she breaks away from him to align herself with one of his enemies. 

As a bonus, if he selects a Diva who is terrible at wrestling (which shouldn't be difficult to find), then WWE can still use her good looks without having us watch a botch fest in the ring.

Feud with Sheamus

Sheamus is growing in popularity and he and Barrett would likely produce a series of high-quality matches.  There is an England vs. Ireland angle to play with here, but I think it's the good vs. evil angle that should be emphasized.

Sheamus, as the courageous warrior, would try to stop Barrett’s destructive ways.

In one possible incident, a fan (planted of course) reaches over the barricades and touches Barrett.  Barrett takes exception and the two men begin to jaw at each other.

Eventually, Barrett punches the guy and knocks him out.  He drags him down the aisle to inflict more punishment, but Sheamus comes out to stop him.

Their ensuing battles let two of WWE's best young powerhouses display their talents to the world.

After one of these matches, where Barrett chokes out Sheamus, he'd begin to pour gasoline all around the ring.  A ringside ref pleads with him not to do this.  Distracted, Barrett doesn't set the ring ablaze until right after Sheamus slips out of the ring. 

These changes, along with the battles with Sheamus, could put Barrett back in the spotlight where he belongs—without having to chase a title.