Best Wrestling Heel Turns
Wrestling, with its blend of athleticism and storytelling, has seen its fair share of memorable moments. Among these, few are as impactful and thrilling as the wrestling heel turn. A heel turn, where a wrestler transforms from a fan-favorite (a "face") into a villainous character (a "heel"), can reshape storylines, captivate audiences, and define eras. In this article, we'll explore some of the best heel turns in wrestling history, highlighting the biggest and most iconic moments that have left an indelible mark on the sport.
What this article covers:
- What Is a Wrestling Heel Turn?
- Best Heel Turns in Wrestling History
- The Biggest Heel Turns in Wrestling History
Wrestling heel turns, characterized by the transformation of beloved heroes into villainous characters, play a central role in wrestling storytelling. Their impact is felt across various aspects of the sport, including the dynamic world of wrestling high flyers and wrestling finishers. High-flying wrestlers often employ their aerial maneuvers to generate crowd excitement, and heel turns can elevate the drama and emotion surrounding their breathtaking moves. Additionally, the art of wrestling works, or scripted storytelling, is closely intertwined with heel turn wrestling, as these turns can dramatically alter the direction of storylines and rivalries, affecting the fates of both faces and heels. In the context of wrestling concussions, heel turns emphasize the importance of safe execution, as the high-flying nature of these characters and their matches underscores the need to prioritize wrestler safety and minimize the risk of head injuries like concussions during these intense and high-impact moments.
Get the best wrestling resources available at FanaticWrestling.com!
What Is a Wrestling Heel Turn?
A wrestling heel turn is a pivotal moment in the world of professional wrestling when a beloved face character (a good guy or heroine) undergoes a transformation into a villainous heel character (a bad guy or villain). This shift often involves a change in attitude, demeanor, and wrestling style, with the intent of generating strong negative reactions from the audience. Heel turns are used to create drama, generate heat, and elevate rivalries, contributing to the overall narrative of the wrestling promotion.
Best Heel Turns in Wrestling History
1. Hulk Hogan Joins the New World Order (nWo)
Arguably the most significant heel turn in wrestling history, Hulk Hogan's transformation into the leader of the nWo at WCW's Bash at the Beach in 1996 shocked the wrestling world. Hogan, the ultimate face, adopted a new persona as "Hollywood" Hogan, aligning himself with the villainous faction, and forever changing the landscape of professional wrestling.
2. The Montreal Screwjob - Shawn Michaels
The infamous "Montreal Screwjob" at the 1997 Survivor Series saw Shawn Michaels, a beloved figure, play a key role in the controversial finish to Bret Hart's match. This event marked Michaels' shift to a heel character and created immense real-life tension, adding complexity to the storyline.
3. The Rock's Corporate Heel Turn
In 1998, The Rock, known for his charisma and popularity, turned heel by joining forces with the villainous Vince McMahon's Corporation faction. This move solidified The Rock as one of the greatest heels in wrestling history, despite his earlier heroic status.
4. Seth Rollins Betrays The Shield
In 2014, Seth Rollins shocked the wrestling world when he turned on his fellow Shield members, Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose. Rollins' betrayal and alignment with The Authority catapulted him to main-event status as a top heel in WWE.
The Biggest Heel Turns in Wrestling History
The biggest heel turns transcend the wrestling ring, shaping the industry and pop culture. These moments generate intense reactions and become iconic in their own right. Wrestling fans often remember where they were when witnessing these monumental shifts, highlighting the profound impact of a well-executed heel turn.
Get the best wrestling resources available at FanaticWrestling.com!
Wrestling heel turns are essential components of the sport's storytelling magic, injecting drama, emotion, and unpredictability into the narrative. From Hulk Hogan's shocking alliance with the nWo to The Rock's corporate villainy, these moments have become legendary in wrestling history. Heel turns continue to be pivotal in shaping the industry, reminding us that, in the world of professional wrestling, anything can happen, and heroes can become villains in the blink of an eye, leaving fans both astonished and eager for what comes next.
Did you find the blog helpful? If so, consider checking out other guides: