What Does It Mean to Turn Heel in Wrestling?By Coder| August 31, 2023 Wrestling Turning heel in wrestling is a term that refers to when a wrestler switches from being a fan favorite, or “face,” to becoming a villainous character. This change in alignment can have a significant impact on the wrestler’s persona, storylines, and even their fanbase. Let’s take a closer look at what it means to turn heel in wrestling. What is a Heel Wrestler? A heel wrestler, often referred to simply as a “heel,” is a character in professional wrestling who plays the role of the antagonist. They are typically portrayed as arrogant, cunning, and willing to cheat to win. Heels use various tactics such as interfering in matches, attacking opponents when they least expect it, or even aligning themselves with other villains. Reasons for Turning Heel Wrestlers may choose or be instructed by promoters to turn heel for several reasons: Creative Refresh: Turning heel allows wrestlers to explore new aspects of their character and showcase different skills. It keeps their persona fresh and exciting for both themselves and the audience. To Generate Heat: The primary goal of a heel is to generate negative reactions from the audience. By turning heel, wrestlers can evoke strong emotions of dislike or anger from fans, creating an engaging dynamic within storylines. To Elevate Others: Sometimes wrestlers turn heel to help elevate other performers. By playing the villain, they can enhance the popularity and credibility of their opponents, making them more compelling characters in the process. To Capitalize on Fan Reactions: If a wrestler’s popularity starts to decline or if they receive mixed reactions from fans, turning heel can be an effective way to capitalize on the existing fan sentiment and regain their attention. Impact on Storylines When a wrestler turns heel, it often leads to a significant shift in storylines. The dynamic between the heel wrestler and their opponents changes drastically, with the crowd rallying behind the face wrestlers in hopes of seeing them overcome the villainous antagonist. Heel turns can also result in the formation of alliances or factions. Wrestlers who were previously enemies may align themselves with the newly turned heel, creating powerful alliances that dominate the wrestling landscape. Examples of Memorable Heel Turns Throughout wrestling history, there have been numerous memorable heel turns that have had a lasting impact on both wrestlers and fans alike. Here are a few notable examples: Hollywood Hogan (1996) In 1996, at WCW’s Bash at the Beach pay-per-view, Hulk Hogan shocked the world when he turned his back on his longtime fans and joined forces with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash to form the New World Order (nWo). This unexpected heel turn redefined Hogan’s career and helped launch WCW to new heights. Stone Cold Steve Austin (2001) In 2001, Stone Cold Steve Austin shocked fans when he aligned himself with then-enemy Vince McMahon. This marked a major turning point for Austin’s character, as he embraced his villainous side and became one of the most despised heels in WWE history. Seth Rollins (2014) Seth Rollins turned his back on his Shield brethren Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns in 2014. He aligned himself with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, becoming one of WWE’s top villains. Rollins’ betrayal added new layers to his character and set the stage for a memorable feud. Conclusion Turning heel in wrestling is a strategic move that allows wrestlers to explore new dimensions of their characters, generate heat, elevate others, and capitalize on fan reactions. These villainous turns often lead to exciting storylines and can create some of the most memorable moments in wrestling history. So the next time your favorite wrestler makes a sudden change in attitude, remember that they may be turning heel to keep the audience on their toes!
