The ZZTopping of America is finally receding. I think it had a lot to do with all the guys going to Iraq and Afghanistan in the wars and seeing how real men live. None of this post-Victorian sissyfied babyfacing for these menfolk.
My thought on Riley's beard is that it covered a somewhat weak chin. This makes him seem more menacing. "I have a weak chin and i run weird but I also mash and make great plays!"
At some point someone like Lynn Henning will spill the tea about Whitaker killing Al Ackerman's or Don Shane's dog or impregnating his daughter or some such.