Turning heel is among the most impactful moves a wrestler can make in their career, shifting from a heroic “babyface” to a villainous “heel.” Some wrestlers naturally fit better as heels, while others excel as babyfaces—Rikishi, for instance, is a perfect example of a babyface who thrived in that role.
WWE has featured some of the most memorable heel turns in wrestling history. While some heel turns develop slowly to build anticipation, others happen suddenly and dramatically, casting wrestlers firmly as villains.
13. Dominik Mysterio’s Betrayal of Rey Mysterio
Dominik shocked fans in the 2022 Clash at the Castle event by turning against his father, Rey Mysterio, and joining the villainous faction Judgment Day. Since then, Dominik has risen as one of WWE’s most hated heels, solidifying his legacy by winning the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 41.
12. The New Day Splits Up
The New Day, a multi-time tag team champion unit with Big E, Xavier Woods, and Kofi Kingston, faced turmoil in 2024. During their 10-year anniversary, Woods and Kingston turned against Big E, kicking him out of the group they helped build—a heartbreaking moment for fans and a profound storytelling twist.
11. Trish Stratus Betrays Chris Jericho
At WrestleMania 20, Trish Stratus made a shocking heel turn by siding with Christian against her then-partner Chris Jericho. This turn revitalized her career, leading her to win multiple WWE Women’s Championships and reestablish herself as a top female star.
10. The Mega Powers Explode
The iconic partnership between “Macho Man” Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan, known as the Mega Powers, ended after Savage grew jealous of Hogan’s closeness with Miss Elizabeth. This jealousy culminated in Savage attacking Hogan, which marked Savage’s heel turn and led to their legendary WrestleMania 5 championship match.
9. Roman Reigns’ Return at SummerSlam 2020
Roman Reigns made a stunning comeback during the COVID-19 pandemic by turning heel and aligning with Paul Heyman. His transformation into “The Tribal Chief” led to a historic reign as Universal Champion, making him one of WWE’s most dominant and hated villains.
8. Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels
Their intense rivalry reached a peak in 2008 after Jericho attacked Michaels and his wife, leading to a brutal feud. Jericho cemented himself as a top heel by defeating Michaels in a ladder match at No Mercy to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.
7. Triple H Blocks a DX Reunion
In 2002, Triple H surprised everyone by attacking Shawn Michaels, preventing a reunion of their D-Generation X faction. This heel turn sparked one of WWE’s best feuds, showcasing Triple H’s dominance and lengthy championship reign.
6. Shawn Michaels Becomes “The Heartbreak Kid”
Shawn Michaels’ heel turn came when he betrayed his tag partner Marty Jannetty, breaking up their team and launching Michaels’ solo career as “The Heartbreak Kid.” Partnered with Sensational Sherri, he became one of wrestling’s greatest villains.
5. Steve Austin Partners with Mr. McMahon
At WrestleMania 17, Steve Austin shocked fans by shaking hands with long-time rival Vince McMahon and aligning with him. This surprising heel turn led to Austin becoming a five-time WWE Champion and forming a powerful alliance with Triple H.
4. The Rock Becomes a Corporate Champion
In 1998, The Rock turned heel by joining the villainous Corporation faction, winning the WWE Championship at Survivor Series. This change marked a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his versatility and playing a key role in WWE’s “Attitude Era.”
Fan Take: These heel turns are pivotal because they redefine characters and storylines, keeping WWE fresh and exciting for fans. Such dramatic shifts create emotional moments and build intense rivalries that elevate the sport’s entertainment value.
