With the Raw Tag Team Champions, Jason Jordan and Seth Rollins, putting their titles on the line against the “Bar” (Cesaro and Sheamus) on January 28th at the Royal Rumble, the question is whether Jordan should now stop being a “babyface”.
Following Dean Ambrose’s serious elbow injury a few weeks ago, which is expected to sideline him for up to nine months, according to the WWE, the company was at a crossroads regarding the Superstar that would replace the “Lunatic Fringe” as Rollins’ tag team partner.
Ambrose’s injury almost put an end to the “Shield’s” reunion as well, although Rollins and Intercontinental Champion, Roman Reigns, are still fighting side by side against the “Bar” or the “Balor Club”.
However, it’s very likely these tag team matches will end as WWE comes closer to Wrestlemania 34, where the “Big Dog” is scheduled to challenge the “Beast Incarnate”, Brock Lesnar, for the Universal Title.
That said, the company made the decision to appoint Jordan as the “Architect’s” tag team partner, with the two Superstars beating the “Bar” to claim the Raw Tag Team titles during the Christmas edition of Monday Night Raw.
Despite the great start to this unexpected partnership, the latest episode of Monday Night Raw showed the creative team may have different plans for the two superstars, ahead of their battle with Cesaro and Sheamus.
On Monday’s episode, Jordan tried to help Rollins, yet his decision distracted the “Architect” and cost his team the victory, as Rollins was pinned by Finn Balor.
Although the Miz’s post-match assault to Reigns stole the show (with the “A-Lister” having his rematch for the IC Title on January 22nd, during the 25th Anniversary of Raw), it’s certain Rollins will confront Jordan for the latter’s actions during the match.
So, it seems one of the company’s main targets is for Jordan to have a heel turn, just like the one Rollins had when he “betrayed” Reigns and Ambrose to join the “Authority” and become the face of the company.
For my part, I think Jordan replacing Ambrose has been one of WWE’s best decisions lately, as it’s a great opportunity for the young talent to climb higher on the ladder and become one of the company’s top guys.
With the storyline between Jordan and his “father”, WWE Hall of Famer, Kurt Angle, not attracting the fans’ interest any more, Jordan has been given the chance to retain his place among the Red brand’s top guys.
Yet, this will happen only through a heel turn as the WWE Universe seems to be “tired” of him getting title matches only because of his storyline connection to Angle.
What I mean by that is that Jordan was elevated very fast, without even proving he deserves to be among the best Superstars.
However, his presence alongside Rollins guarantees he will continue to have a central role in the creative team’s plans and if he “betrays” his tag team partner, then a potential match-up between the two in the post-Royal Rumble episodes will help Jordan further solidify himself as a heel.
The young wrestler has made great performances so far (being the first person to hold the Raw, Smackdown and NXT Tag Team Championships) and possess all the physical attributes needed to reach the top.
Yet, he should work even harder to enhance certain aspects of his in-ring presence (psychology, talking on the microphone etc) and what a better way to do that than working with Rollins, who used to be the top heel a few years ago.
I believe that making Jordan a heel enables the WWE to further invest on the young athlete and also shows the company’s faith and high expectations in him.
Jordan should now keep working and listen to the veterans’ advice in order to become better, while his current storyline with Rollins will only benefit him, since the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion is considered one of the roster’s leaders.
Overall, and with the Tag Team Title Match less than three weeks away, the creative team will start unfolding its plans regarding Rollins and Jordan’s partnership, which is not expected to be a long-term one.
That said, I think now is the time for the WWE to let Jordan have a heel turn, otherwise keeping him as a “babyface” will only hurt his great potential.
