Victor Newman vs. Ian Ward: How Far Will the Mustache Go on Young and the Restless?

Victor Newman is no stranger to taking extreme measures when it comes to protecting his family. The Young and the Restless fans know the patriarch is a master of manipulation, a titan of intimidation, and, when pushed to the brink, a man who plays by his own rules. Next week, sparks are set to fly as Ian Ward is summoned to the Ranch, and a fiery showdown between these two heavyweights is inevitable. The question isn’t if Victor will act but how far he’ll go to keep Ian away from the Newmans.

Locked Away Like Jordan?

It wasn’t too long ago that Victor (Eric Braeden) shocked all with that shady chilling move to lock Jordan in the infamous Newman cellar. Could history repeat itself? Ian Ward’s (Ray Wise) knack for worming his way into people’s lives is legendary, and Victor isn’t about to let Ian destabilize his family again. 

A cellar stint would certainly keep Ian from scheming—or would it? With Ian’s silver tongue and devious mind, one has to wonder if even a locked door could contain his antics.

MORE: Read what Camryn Grimes says about working with Ray Wise.

Will Mistakes Be Made?

Victor’s wallet is as deep as his determination, and a payoff to get Ian out of town isn’t out of the question. However, Ian isn’t just any run-of-the-mill villain. He thrives on the thrill of chaos, and a bundle of Newman cash might not be enough to sate his appetite for drama. Plus, Ian’s penchant for making life difficult for Victor means he’s unlikely to vanish without leaving a trail of trouble behind.

Could Ian’s return come with a major revelation? It’s not like Ian makes mistakes, but what if Ian accidentally lets something slip about his connection to Jordan? Ian’s been pulling strings behind the scenes, and this could be the moment everything unravels. Victor would undoubtedly seize on any intel to tighten his grip and dismantle Ian’s schemes for good.

A Reformed Ian? Really?

Then there’s the wildcard scenario…Ian pretending he’s a changed man. Could Victor actually fall for it? Probably not, but stranger things have happened in Genoa City. If Ian plays his cards right, he might just buy himself enough time to stir up more chaos, which is a dangerous game when Victor Newman is the dealer!