The Hair vs Hair Match: The contribution to the 'growth' of a star?

Just recently, I had an impressive beard that I couldn't part with. Bit by bit I have trimmed it down so that it is less imposing. During this time I started thinking of the 'Hair vs Hair' matches that there have been in wrestling history - and yes, as I write this I realise how ridiculous the link is I've just made?!

Background
Traditionally, the Hair vs Hair match has always been there to humiliate the heel in a feud. There have been some exceptions to this rule, but usually the heel will eventually get their comeuppance.

I was surprised to find out that the first notable Hair vs Hair match occurred in the 1950s. This took place on March 12th 1959 and pitted Whipper Billy Watson against the flamboyant and charismatic, Gorgeous George. In this match, George would lose his luscious, blonde locks. This would also be George's fate in a similar match in 1962. I can imagine that at that time, even though it would be seen as a comical match, it would be the height of embarrassment for the loser of such a match, especially someone as vain as Gorgeous George.

The 1970s saw Jerry Lawler and Bill Dundee have a series of gimmick matches. In 1977 Lawler would win two 'Hair vs Hair' matches against Dundee, first shaving Dundee's hair, and then the following week he shaved Dundee's wife's hair; as per the stipulation set. Lawler would get the tables turned on him in 1987, though, as he feuded with Austin Idol (along with a young Paul E. Dangerously (Heyman)). This led to a Steel Cage Match in which Lawler would have his hair cut by Idol, Dangerously and Tommy Rich (who came from under the ring to assist Idol in the victory).

Also in the 1980s, the Hair vs Hair match would be on the 'Grandest Stage of them all' when Roddy Piper faced 'Adorable' Adrian Adonis at Wrestlemania III. The Adorable One would lose his hair here; Piper assisted by Brutus 'The Barber' Beefcake (how fitting!) to carry out the task of making Adonis look hideous.

The last 'Hair vs Hair' match of note that I have found was between Chris Jericho and Kevin Nash on an episode of Raw in 2003. This match/feud had started on the build to an Elimination Chamber match at Summerslam of that year. The reason that Nash had his hair cut in this manner was that he was to appear in a film -The Punisher - and would need his hair short for the role he was due to play.

The two 'Hair vs Hair' matches that I want to focus on are the two I remember most from my time watching WWE programming; Jeff Jarrett vs X-Pac (Summerslam 1998) and Kurt Angle vs Edge (Judgment Day 2002). These are the two where there was the opportunity to change the four individuals destinies in the WWE/wrestling by changing their appearance.

'X-Pac's Justice'
Jeff Jarrett vs X-Pac - Summerslam, 30th August 1998
In the second half of 1998, Jeff Jarrett started to shave people's hair. Coupled with this his manager, Tennessee Lee, had introduced the repackaged Godwinns as 'Southern Justice'.

On the August 17th edition of Monday Night Raw, Jarrett and Southern Justice attacked Degeneration X (Billy Gunn, Road Dogg and X-Pac) during their Street Fight with The Nation. This then started a feud between the two groups. This made perfect sense as it saw Southern Justice feud with The New Age Outlaws (Dogg/Gunn) and saw a singles feud between Jarrett and X-Pac.

On the following Raw (24/8/1998), Jarrett and Southern Justice attacked a cameraman and shaved his head. All of their behaviour would result in a Hair vs Hair match at Summerslam between the two.

On the Sunday Night Heat before Summerslam, Jarrett and co. would shave the head of Ring Announcer Howard Finkel (The Fink). This would result in him accompanying X-Pac to the ring for the resulting match. The match was very good and flowed well - showing what good chemistry the two had - but was probably overshadowed by the IC Title match between The Rock and Triple H, and the WWE(F) Title match between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Undertaker.

Jarrett would lose this match and thanks to help from The New Age Outlaws, Headbangers and Droz - who had had his hair cut by Jarrett -  X-Pac was able to hold Jarrett down to administer his punishment. This feud would then come to an end the following month at Breakdown 1998, where the three members of Degeneration X would defeat Jarrett (with new haircut and ring attire) and Southern Justice in a six-man tag match.

And then?
After this feud, I have heard that Jeff Jarrett's new look was going to be the start of a push up the ladder, maybe resulting in him becoming a main event talent and WWF Champion. As history shows us, this didn't happen. In late 1998, Jarrett formed an alliance/team with The Blue Blazer before it was revealed that that was Owen Hart. The two (along with Debra) would go onto become very worthy Tag Team Champions before the tragic loss of The King of Harts. Jarrett then went it alone, having several feuds over the Intercontinental Championship before leaving for WCW in late 1999.

After this, Jarrett did become a multiple time World Champion; first in his time in WCW, he became 'the man' four times after the 'reboot' by Eric Bischoff and Vince Russo (a friend of Jarrett's) in 2000. He would then go on and be a 'founding father' of TNA wrestling; becoming a multiple time World Champion in that organisation.

X-Pac's career didn't fair as well. After the Summerslam match, he competed mainly for the WWF European Championship, having notable feuds with D'Lo Brown and Shane McMahon. He would go onto team successfully with Kane (winning the Tag Team Championship in the process). He later became one of Triple H's lackeys (again) as Degeneration X reunited to cement his WWF Title reign.

After being part of other groups, such as 'X Factor' - a lead role for him along with Albert and Justin Credible - and WWE's version of the NWO, X-Pac would go onto other ventures on the Indy scene as well as making the odd run in TNA; teaming with his old friends Kevin Nash and Scott Hall. His career would never reach the heights that Jarrett's did.

'Red, White and Bald'
Kurt Angle vs Edge - Judgment Day, 19th May 2002
Kurt Angle and Edge had some great encounters before they met in a 'Hair vs Hair' match. In 2001, along with Christian, they were the best of friends - helping each other in their matches.

In mid-2001, this friendship ended. At the King of the Ring, Kurt was due to fight two key matches - one in the King of the Ring final against Edge. Angle hoped that Edge would be sympathetic to his situation and forfeit the match. He was wrong. Edge went onto become King of the Ring and would have a successful summer during the Invasion angle. Angle, too, would have a productive summer; winning the WWF Championship before joining the Alliance side. During this time, Edge also beat Angle for the WCW United States Championship, before unifying that title with the WWF Intercontinental Championship - a very credible feather in his cap.

The feud between the two in 2002 started just after Wrestlemania 18. Angle was adamant that he was better than anyone on Raw and Smackdown. This resulted in a loss to Edge. This infuriated Angle and after a month of back and forth, they had a match at Backlash. Angle would win this but it wasn't a walk in the park; Edge having several near falls and coming out of this match looking much more of a star.

On the May 2nd edition of Raw, Angle challenged Edge to a Hair vs Hair match. This was a continuation of their feud and also gave them the opportunity to cut Angle's hair through storyline/match as he was naturally receding.

At Judgment Day, this match was another solid showing between the two and, like Jarrett vs X-Pac, was probably not given enough praise due to the rest of the card - WWE Title between Taker/Hogan, Hell in a Cell between Triple H/Jericho, Austin vs Flair/Big Show.

And then?
Kurt Angle would go onto feud with big names such as Brock Lesnar, Chris Benoit and even the legendary Hulk Hogan - who he made tap out to the Angle Lock. Kurt was already a WWE Champion before the Edge feud and would regain that title a few more times in his WWE career. The new bald look was a great look in my opinion. Although he was naturally balding, I think it gave him a new look AND a new intensity. With hair he was the 'American hero/Olympic Champion' - a nicey nice role. Without the hair, had a more believable look as a genuine hard man.

Angle would elevate others along the way; rubbing off on Team Angle (Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas), Brock Lesnar and, in 2002, a debuting John Cena.

After leaving the WWE, Angle went to TNA and has had a decorated career there, too. He has won all reputable titles in both organisations and is destined to become a WWE Hall of Famer.

Edge didn't do too badly either from the Angle feud/matches. He was on a great run in mid-to-late-2001 and this continued with his encounters with Angle. As well as other factors, the Angle matches elevated Edge to another level on his quest towards main event status.

Despite a career threatening injury Edge continued to climb the ladder, first continuing his exploits in the Tag Team division, before turning heel and becoming obsessed with the World Heavyweight Championship around 2004/2005. He became the first ever 'Money in the Bank' winner at Wrestlemania 21 and went onto have feuds with Chris Benoit, Kane and Matt Hardy (due to the real life situation between the two and Lita).

Edge finally realised his dream of WWE Title gold when he 'cashed in' his Money in the Bank contract on John Cena in early 2006. He would go onto become an 11-time WWE/World Heavyweight Champion before his career was tragically cut short due to a nagging neck injury that forced him to retire. This was a great loss to the WWE as Edge had been one of the best, most exciting Champions - and heels - that they had ever produced.

Verdict
Although the Hair vs Hair match was, is and always will be a comical match, it contributed to some Hall of Fame careers. Jerry Lawler, Roddy Piper and Gorgeous George are all deserving members of the Hall of Fame - and no, not because they had/gave haircuts! But this type of match is part of their histories.

This will be the case with Kurt Angle, too. Edge is already there (complete with a new, shorter haircut).

The two matches that I chose for my main examples are very contrasting; Edge IS a Hall of Famer, Kurt Angle WILL BE a Hall of Famer. Both were very successful World Champions. Unfortunately, due to other factors, Jeff Jarrett will possibly never be a WWE Hall of Famer. Although going onto have a great career with several World Titles to his name, he'll never get away from the competitive nature of being part of another organisation.

X-Pac's only hope is that he'll be inducted as part of Degeneration X. Although a very talented wrestler throughout the years, Sean Waltman - the real name of X-Pac - never rose to the level that the other three did. He wasn't the one that came out of the Hair vs Hair match with a view to being elevated.

And one last note; Jeff, and especially Kurt - I feel your pain of losing your hair. I stopped fighting the 'recede' a few years ago; it's a better look!

@jimmosangle