Who is better: Wade Barrett or Sheamus?

[Caitiff]

You have mentioned it and so have many other posters that Sheamus has 'improved' both on the mic as well as in the ring. Do you feel that main event is the place to improve? By the time you reach the main event you should be a finished product. Sheamus wasn't exactly that. The fact that at this point Sheamus and Barrett are comparable strengthens Barrett's case even further because Barrett has been here for a lesser time than Sheamus.

Also while you are correct in saying that Barrett is yet to prove himself on his own you must understand that it is pretty difficult to play the leader of a stable too. Barrett has accomplished that right at the start of his career.

I can agree with this. The main event is not the place to have someone who needs to improve. However, look at hte current storyline Barrett's involved with. Can anyone claim that Nexus isn't at the very least, really close to the main event? Hell, Barrett's been in a a very high level match in every pay-per-view since Summerslame. And, let's look at that, for a minute.

Summerslam: Nexus v. RAW (Final match of the night, pushed as a main event.)
Night of Champions: Six Pack WWE Championship match (Last match, definite main event)
Hell in a Cell: Barrett v. Cena (Late in card, after Raw's WWE Championship match. Treated as a co-main event)
Bragging Rigths: WWE Championship match (Last card of night, main event, also combining TWO seperate stroylines)
Survivor Series: WWE Championship match (Another main-event level match, probably late in the card, again combining two seperate storylines)

So, any complaint that you have about Sheamus being in the main event before he was ready is more than true about Wade Barrett. The problem is, while Sheamus stepped up, and improved heavily, Barrett has done nothing of the sort.

And, as far as being the leader of a faction goes, exactly how is that hard in wrestling? I can certainly agree with you that, in character, it's difficult for the charracter Wade Barrett to keep order. However, Barrett, the actual person, only needs to portray the character that he's given. And, frankly, he's only marginal at that.

 

[TheFighters]

Sheamus by a landslide at the moment. You see the difference between Wade Barrett and Sheamus is that Sheamus actually did something. Won the top championship, had great matches. Took Triple H out of action (for awhile). The first Iris born WWE champion...and a lot more. He also have great mic skills, charisma and ring ability and after Brock Lesnar he had the best first years in the WWE.

Now lets see what did Wade do...hmmm win NXT (of course cause he had a great mentor Chris Jericho) and then shockingly came to Raw and destroyed John Cena and Raw arena...oh yeah with help of seven other guys.

So yeah it was a one on eight situation. So yeah we can't count that since he didn't do it by himself......hmmmm what has he done, wow it's really hard to think when all I remember is Wade Barrett hiding behind either the Nexus or John Cena. Wade want Cena a part of the Nexus because he obviously don't have confidence that he can win the championship by himself.


So in the future probably it would be more of a competition but for now hands down, it's Shemus.

So, any complaint that you have about Sheamus being in the main event before he was ready is more than true about Wade Barrett. The problem is, while Sheamus stepped up, and improved heavily, Barrett has done nothing of the sort.

Agree with this. Barrett has done......NOTHING. Sheamus has proven himself.

 

[Joe's Gonna Kill You]

Sheamus for me has been more Impressive than Wade Barrett but they are both pretty good. I think that Sheamus is better than Wade on the mic and in the ring. Sheamus has improved alot since his time on ECW. Sheamus is also proven because he is a Two Time WWE Champion.

 

[TheFighters]

I think probably by 2011 we could see but right now Sheamus cause Wade didn't really do anything, everyone has been doing stuff for him it seems. Chris Jericho made sure he won cause he was such a great mentor and then with Nexus, it's always like a gang attact with Wade ordering other people to do his dirty work.

So in the future Hey maybe it will be a tie on who is better but now Sheamus.

 

[Yuridius]

I personally enjoy Wade Barrett more.

I enjoy him more because first off he has an original finisher. I have never really seen a finisher quite like "Wasteland" before and it is very interesting and inventive. Sheamus's finishers High Cross (I think that is what it is called) and Bough Kick (The Bicycle Kick) have been used a lot, though they had not been used in a while.

Also, I believe that more can be done with the character of Wade Barrett than Sheamus I don't really see Sheamus as a face with the current gimmick, but with Wade Barrett if you shift and tweak his gimmick in a couple of places you could have a decent face.

 

[Mr. Artistic guy]

Thats really really really tough. Honestly they are both great monster heels and deserve the place they have right now hence why both have risen to the top so quickly. Both of them are very good in the ring. Both of them are close to their peak right now and its the right time for them to rise.

I'd say in terms of wrestling ability and in-ring originality and memorability I'd score it for sheamus.

In terms of mic ability I can see more potential in barrett given how amazing he has been recently.

So honestly the only thing that can seperate the two for me was that I personally prefer sheamus' character. And that tells you sopmething, when the reason I chose one guy wasn't because I thought he was better! It really is that close.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

This is an interesting question and, generally speaking, I think it's extremely close.

Both men are quite good on the mic and have delivered some damn good promos, so it might be too close to call there. Barrett, however, has been the key to ultimately pulling off the Nexus angle and it would have gone down in flames had it not been for his presence. He comes across as a confident, cool under pressure and disciplined leader that's able to keep his troops in line, so I probably have to give Barrett a bit of an edge when it comes to generally cutting promos.

As it pertains to being in the ring, I think that Sheamus has definitely been given more of an opportunity to shine than Barrett. Since the formation of The Nexus, I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've seen Wade Barrett compete in a singles match. He's been good the times I have seen him, his match against John Cena at HIAC made him look great, but Sheamus just came out of left field and captured the WWE Championship. Inside the ring, I have to give Sheamus the edge.

Overall, it's too close for me to call. I like both guys a lot and I think that both of them have overcome a lot of critics and haters to show that they've got what it takes to be big time players in the WWE for a long time to come.

 

[HamsterWrestler]

Barrett, he is good on the mic and has kept the Nexus angle alive. He has good promos and can wrestle well, not great, but it could be due to his lack of ring time.

Barrett is also better because he caught my attention quite quicker than Sheamus did on his first year and its not Barrett's first "real" year yet.

I've got to give props to Sheamus for improving but Barrett is currently the real star for now.

 

[LSN80]

You have mentioned it and so have many other posters that Sheamus has 'improved' both on the mic as well as in the ring. Do you feel that main event is the place to improve? By the time you reach the main eveNone nt you should be a finished product. Sheamus wasn't exactly that. The fact that at this point Sheamus and Barrett are comparable strengthens Barrett's case even further because Barrett has been here for a lesser time than Sheamus.

Also while you are correct in saying that Barrett is yet to prove himself on his own you must understand that it is pretty difficult to play the leader of a stable too. Barrett has accomplished that right at the start of his career.

I didn't say anything about Sheamus "improving" in the ring, I said he's grown leaps and bounds on the mic. seriously, did you even read my frickin post? As for people who weren't "finished products" by the time they made the main event, how about Randy Orton in 04? John Cena and Batista in 05? The Miz right now? None of those guys were and are "polished" at the time, but they were so massively over, they earned their spot. Some of their earliest matches, they had to be carried, and some still do. (Randy Orton)

So yeah, I think the main event can be a great place for some guys to improve. What I said was Sheamus has had solid, main event level matches. Barrett has not. That's my opinion. I'm not taking anything away from Wade Barrett, I in fact really enjoy the Nexus storyline, and he deserves credit for ALOT of that. But we're talking total package, and i feel Sheamus is better in every way. You don't. Good for you.

 

[OlderFan]

I picked Sheamus b/c the way the character is being presented he's supposed to be the leathal type that doesn't say much, but makes what he says count. Everyone is right that he doesn't sound eloquent or as well-spoken as some (or has as long a line of BS as some, depending on your point of view) but I can think of one glaring example of when NOT cutting a promo actually MADE the character. Remember when the Undertaker first came? He didn't speak at all for a very long time and not speaking added to the mystique of the character.

 

[bringitback]

As things stand, I had to go with Sheamus. I think he has done wonders to soldify his place as a genuine top heel on Raw, and his mic work and ring style set him apart from everybody around right now. He has a great look, has proven that he can go with the top talent and not look out of place, and despite how weird and unnatural his push seemed at first, he's done an awful lot to prove the doubters wrong.

Should this question be asked in 12 months time, I can't be sure my answer would have been the same, as I have no doubt Barrett has the talent to go above and beyond Sheamus in terms of overall impact, but for now...my vote is for the man that has shown that he belongs where he is...Sheamus.

 

[RKO_Orton_24]

-I vote for Sheamus because it is too soon to tell for Wade Barrett. Once Nexus is out of the picture, where does Barrett go? Of course Barrett looks good because he is Cena's boss, and he is leader of a dominant faction. But, when all is said and done can Barrett remain a top heel once Nexus is done? He is great on the mic and his in ring abilities are above average but I just don't know if he has what it takes to make people still care about him after Nexus.

-Sheamus came out of nowhere, he is great on the mic, and gets alot of crowd reaction both good and bad. His Irish pale-looking character makes him stand out much more than Barrett. He could talk and he is a great wrestler so thats why my vote goes to Sheamus.

 

[drobs85]

Mic skills doesn't make someone better, but does anyone really actually believe Barrett is better? Sheamus look is way better more intimidating, his move set is brutal, his physique is much bigger, I personally think Sheamus tells a better story on the mic he has you scared and he actually backs up what he says. He doesn't need a group or any help to do what he wants like Barrett does. He also is a two time Dubb ya Dubb ya e shampion. No brainer, Sheamus.

 

[Monkey_Mania]

If anybody thinks that Barrett is better than Sheamus, then they must be on LSD and seeing shit I'm not. Barrett, like has been said is good, but he seems forced. Sheamus has felt right in the position he is in because he has backed his hype up. Sheamus is way better on the mic too because he doesn't seem as forced as Wade does, and his in-ring game is ten fold better. Sheamus has made himself legit, while Barrett is still progressing, I guess is what I'm getting at.

 

[GLOBAL ICON]

Sheamus for me. I don't care about what people say about him. That he's just there because of Triple H. Even though he sucked up to him, he has shown his mic skills and in-ring talent. I mean, he defeated the face of the WWE on his first title shot. He's defeated Cena 4x (TLC 2009, RAW, Fatal-4-Way 2010, MITB). He's beaten Orton 1x (Royal Rumble 2009). He's taken out the son-in-law. He's just a total package. And the most important, he's young and already a 2x time World champ.

 

[I_Am_Electro_Boy]

I'm also going to say Sheamus, he's better in the ring, he's as over, he's as good on the mic etc. Also he's "ended" HHH's career, he's beaten Cena on many occasions, he's a 2 times World Champ, he's beaten Orton and the most significant thing is that he's beaten Zack Ryder.

 

[Wade's Public Transit Bomb]

I personally think it is up to personal taste because both guy's talents can be flip flopped for each other for me. They just have completely different roles.

Promos

I know promos in the WWE are scripted, but you can't convince me that Wade's delivery and improvisation has 100% written for him. He knows exactly when to give that "How's my ass taste" smile. He knows when to act abusive as oppose to being complete sadistic. His "winds of change" promo opened some eyes, but now it seems like every promo he does has people talking (and pulling something from). When Wade talks, everyone listens.

I like Sheamus's promos and all, but a lot of time they feel too forced. Like they really want him to play for his "Irish-ness". I don't think he commands the crowd's attention like Wade does. To be fair, Sheamus doesn't get to talk as much as Wade does (or anyone else for that matter) I think he is much better at intentional comedy than Wade; meaning when Sheamus is meant to be funny, he makes me laugh. Wade doesn't do "funny" but more like "mean" in segments.

Character

Wade's character can be called generic or paint by numbers, but do you feel that way when you watch him? He has flying monkeys and is a big ol' meanie. But has has managed to make those flying monkey his flying monkeys and has developed a big ol' meanie with startling intellect and incredible articulation. He acts and looks like a mob boss from the 1930's. I love it. haha

Sheamus initially started off as generic as Wade. He was a big powerhouse that like to throw you and his weight around. The only thing that separated him from others is that he has a very unique and great look to him. Though, I don't know what his character is. When he was champion, he was great as a whiny heel. Now, it seems like he wants everyone to fight with pride. Who knows.

In-Ring

If Wade talks more than Sheamus, then Sheamus mos def wrestles more than Wade. Wade has had 7 matches on Raw since he won NXT. His matches are much more methodical than I think people expect this day and age. He isn't going to charge in, only to get his ass whooped. That would make absolutely no sense considering the entire show, Wade is presented as some evil mastermind. If you have ever seen a movie with a bad guy who has henchmen, you know that the bad guy doesn't appear until he runs out of henchmen. Even then, the bad guy still has tricks up his sleeve. But Wade has proven that with a little direction, he is a really good performer. RE: HIAC PPV match with John Cena

Sheamus on the other hand, is much more in your face. He is a warrior after all. Most of his moves are impactful and meant to come close to killing you as fake as possible. If he isn't selling with a great dazed and confused look on his face, he is always trying to use his strength on you. He probably has the best squash matches in the company. When he gets his in smasher mode, I think of Kratos.



I think bottom line, Wade is much more character driven than we have seen from a big man in a long time. He could probably do all that smash mouth stuff, but he won't because he has other people to do it for him. Sheamus has a much more direct presentation: Get the fuck out of the way or get your head cut off.

And in predictable fashion, I voted for Wade. He is so dreamy.

 

[Morpheus101]

Sheamus...

He doesn't need a stable to back him up, he's great in ring and has a unique gimmick. In a few months, I may change my mind, but Sheamus is great, IMO. I'm one of the few who cannot wait for him to regain the championship.

 

[orbdizzle]

Without question, I have to go with Wade Barrett. To be honest, it is not even close.

Through this thread, there are numerous claims that Sheamus is better in the ring than Barrett. I don't buy it. Wade Barrett has had two singles pay-per-view matches since being placed on the RAW roster. While I admit that his match against Randy Orton at Bragging Rights was lackluster, part of the problem was that no focus was placed on Orton and Barrett. The entire story of the match was focused on Barrett and Cena, who was not even a participant. Also, think back to Barrett's match against Cena at Hell in a Cell. This match was perfectly executed. There was so much emotion and the psychology was excellent. In my opinion, this was Cena's best match since his program with Batista ended. It was so good, in fact, that the entire crowd was dead for the main event (Kane vs. Undertaker) because they had invested so much energy into this match.

Now, on to Sheamus. I want someone to identify a Sheamus pay-per-view match that was on par with Barrett and Cena. In fact, let's go through the list:

TLC 2009: Sheamus vs. Cena Table Match (Nothing outstanding here except the shock value that Sheamus won)
Royal Rumble 2010: Sheamus vs. Randy Orton (Sheamus is an afterthought as the match furthers the Legacy breakup)
No Way Out 2010: Elimination Chamber (Sheamus is not even one of the final participants to a match involving his title)
Wrestlemania 2010: Sheamus vs. Triple H (Not a horrible match but nothing really memorable either)
Extreme Rules 2010: Sheamus vs. Triple H (Probably Sheamus' best pay-per-view match)
Over the Limit 2010: Not even on the card, attacks Cena to end the show.
Fatal-4-Way 2010: Wins title in a match that Nexus interferes in. Nothing memorable about his performance.
Money in the Bank 2010: Sheamus vs. John Cena (Very disappointing steel cage match)
Summerslam 2010: Sheamus vs. Randy Orton (Disqualification ending. This entire feud was not interesting and took a backseat to Nexus. Poor match)
Night of Champions 2010: Sheamus loses title in 6-pack challenge.
Hell in a Cell 2010: Sheamus vs. Randy Orton (Again a boring match that was overshadowed by the Nexus vs. John Cena angle)

Now, of those matches that were listed, I believe it would be difficult to argue that any of those singles matches were better than Barrett vs. Cena.

Here is my issue with Sheamus. Since debutting, he has always been an afterthought. At every point in his title reigns, he was overshadowed. With his first reign, DX vs, JeriShow receieved more emphasis initially as did the entire Bret Hart Vince McMahon feud and Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker. In his second reign, he was totally overshadowed by Nexus and John Cena. I had no interest in his program with Orton. None. And it was not the case that the emphasis placed on Cena and Nexus was hindering his program, because I had plenty of interest in other programs like the Miz vs. Daniel Bryan.

Now, I agree that Sheamus is pretty solid on the mic, but from top to bottom, Wade Barrett is the better performer. He debuted in early June on the main roster. In two months, him and six other newcomers were main eventing Summerslam. There is no blueprint for this kind of thing. None. Additionally, I disagree how people say that the Nexus has helped his success. On the contrary, I would argue that Barrett's perfect execution of his role as Nexus leader has been the key to the faction's success. How many factions ultimately fail? Just think (X-Factor, the New Blood in WCW, The Union, etc.) What Barrett has done is nothing short of amazing. He has been on the main roster for less than half a year, yet he has been the focal point of one of the greatest angles WWE has done in years. If you ask me, this is not even a debate. Wade Barrett all the way.

 

[LitasRevenge79]

I had to vote for Barrett. While Barrett may not have done as many matches as Sheamus, YET, but bear in mind, NEXUS has been QUITE the force to be reckoned with since debuting, and who is the one pulling the rein of the group? None other than Wade Barrett. GRanted Sheamus is no slouch in the ring either, but, Wade and his group has managed to do what no one else can, and that is break the spirit of John Cena. Wade has put Cena in probably the biggest predicament of his career, and he has also managed to directly cost someone a title opportunity at some point or another since that group got started. Sheamus on the other hand, has been taking out Daniel Bryan, and jobbing to Santino. Now I would say that Barrett right now seems to have the upper hand. It is a very tight race between these two fellas, and both of them will have VERY long and prominent careers in WWE.

 

[Low_Ki]

I personally think it is up to personal taste because both guy's talents can be flip flopped for each other for me. They just have completely different roles.

Promos

I know promos in the WWE are scripted, but you can't convince me that Wade's delivery and improvisation has 100% written for him. He knows exactly when to give that "How's my ass taste" smile. He knows when to act abusive as oppose to being complete sadistic. His "winds of change" promo opened some eyes, but now it seems like every promo he does has people talking (and pulling something from). When Wade talks, everyone listens.

I like Sheamus's promos and all, but a lot of time they feel too forced. Like they really want him to play for his "Irish-ness". I don't think he commands the crowd's attention like Wade does. To be fair, Sheamus doesn't get to talk as much as Wade does (or anyone else for that matter) I think he is much better at intentional comedy than Wade; meaning when Sheamus is meant to be funny, he makes me laugh. Wade doesn't do "funny" but more like "mean" in segments.

Character

Wade's character can be called generic or paint by numbers, but do you feel that way when you watch him? He has flying monkeys and is a big ol' meanie. But has has managed to make those flying monkey his flying monkeys and has developed a big ol' meanie with startling intellect and incredible articulation. He acts and looks like a mob boss from the 1930's. I love it. haha

Sheamus initially started off as generic as Wade. He was a big powerhouse that like to throw you and his weight around. The only thing that separated him from others is that he has a very unique and great look to him. Though, I don't know what his character is. When he was champion, he was great as a whiny heel. Now, it seems like he wants everyone to fight with pride. Who knows.

In-Ring

If Wade talks more than Sheamus, then Sheamus mos def wrestles more than Wade. Wade has had 7 matches on Raw since he won NXT. His matches are much more methodical than I think people expect this day and age. He isn't going to charge in, only to get his ass whooped. That would make absolutely no sense considering the entire show, Wade is presented as some evil mastermind. If you have ever seen a movie with a bad guy who has henchmen, you know that the bad guy doesn't appear until he runs out of henchmen. Even then, the bad guy still has tricks up his sleeve. But Wade has proven that with a little direction, he is a really good performer. RE: HIAC PPV match with John Cena

Sheamus on the other hand, is much more in your face. He is a warrior after all. Most of his moves are impactful and meant to come close to killing you as fake as possible. If he isn't selling with a great dazed and confused look on his face, he is always trying to use his strength on you. He probably has the best squash matches in the company. When he gets his in smasher mode, I think of Kratos.



I think bottom line, Wade is much more character driven than we have seen from a big man in a long time. He could probably do all that smash mouth stuff, but he won't because he has other people to do it for him. Sheamus has a much more direct presentation: Get the fuck out of the way or get your head cut off.

And in predictable fashion, I voted for Wade. He is so dreamy.

Apart from the 'Wade being dreamy' bit, I completely agree with everything said here.

Barrett has a methodical look to him that makes you want to watch what he is going to do next. The last few weeks on RAW have proven that the Barrett/Cena storyline is the shining light on Monday nights.

Shaemus is all muscle and I agree, sometimes the promos seem a little forced and he can't do the bad man very well.

My vote is Wade Barrett.

 

[darqknyt]

People keep throwing this crap about how Sheamus is a better wrestler than Barret.Correct me if im wrong, but Wade has had less than 15 televised single matches post NXT.I believe the more single programs he gets(especially after Nexus disbands) we'll see how good he his.As for his finisher.The fact is that a move is only as good as how its sold.Cena's AA is just a standing fireman's carry, but fans mark out for it.(In fact, the DDT should be the most devastating move,but's constantly no-selled on TV)
I don't think its an issue about one being "better" talent wise, but just perhaps in marketability.Sheamus has a unique look & will ultimately be a more recognisable WWE wrestler in mainstream media.Plus, Sheamus can be flipped to being a huge baby facewho could move a whole lot of merchandise(mainly to kids) than Barret.

 

[J-Dogg]

Its hard to pick both are very good, and in a short time a big time main event heels, both a good enough in the ring ring and have a good look to both of them, Sheamus is already a 2 time WWE champion, has had good feuds and improved in over a year. Sheamus has feuded with Cena, Orton and Triple H and had good moments there as well.
On the mic Sheamus is good but Wade is better on the mic though.

Now onto Wade, he hasn't been on RAW long, already has the Nexus stable which is theshining light on RAW and in turn made other storylines and feuds on RAW improve, Nexus is probably the best major thing to happen in the past few years. Barrett is a natural leader in the group, he steadily gets better in the ring and has headlined a couple of PPV's already. He's also given Cena probably his biggest feud in his career.

So all in all, both Sheamus and Wade have their positives and negatives but easily these are two main eventers who will continue to rise.

 

[JBK2008]

I voted Sheamus. He's got the stronger look and has put on quite a show and has already been in some very brutal matches in his short WWE career. Yes, Barrett is better on the mic, but the few # of matches hurts him along with that finisher of his and he looks a little small for his height.

 

[PositiveBlack]

Sheamus definitely is a superior wrestler from what we have seen so far. To be truthful, we have not seen much of Wade in a clean solo match either. However, in my opinion Wade has amazing natural charisma. Just like his NXT mentor Jericho. Wade has that capability for revulsion him or worship him. He grabs your attention with his mic present and physique. With Sheamus, I am not sure. Right now, he is the main heel because he took out the man (HHH). If the man decides to come back and be the man as Flair would say; what then? He has proven like the stars of The Attitude Era he is willing to do whatever on screen and backstage to be that top guy. Nevertheless, in the Pg era how good will that do if he is unable to be the ultra violent bully that we know he is. Wade is better suited for this era as a heel. He does not have to be the tough but his presence is regal enough to make you feel belittled.