What Is a Heel Turn in Wrestling?

A Heel Turn is one of the most exciting and unpredictable elements in professional wrestling. It refers to a pivotal moment when a wrestler switches from being a fan-favorite (or a “babyface”) to becoming a villainous character (or a “heel”). This transition can completely change the dynamics of a storyline, creating new rivalries, and generating intense emotional reactions from the audience.

Why Do Wrestlers Turn Heel?
There are various reasons why wrestlers undergo a heel turn. It could be due to creative decisions, character development, or simply because it aligns with their personal goals. Turning heel allows wrestlers to explore different facets of their persona, showcase their acting skills, and challenge themselves in new ways.

The Impact of a Heel Turn
A well-executed heel turn can have a significant impact on both the wrestler and the storyline. It often leads to increased attention and interest from fans as they eagerly anticipate what will happen next. The sudden change in character can create shock value and generate buzz within the wrestling community.

Creating Emotional Investment
One of the main objectives of a heel turn is to evoke strong emotions from the audience. By turning against their loyal supporters, wrestlers betray the trust and admiration that fans have placed in them. This generates an emotional response ranging from anger and disappointment to frustration and disbelief.

• Anger: Fans feel angry when their favorite wrestler betrays them by embracing villainy.
• Disappointment: Supporters may feel let down when someone they believed in reveals their true colors.
• Frustration: The sudden shift in allegiance can frustrate viewers who invested time and energy into supporting the wrestler.
• Disbelief: A well-executed heel turn can leave fans in disbelief as they struggle to accept the change.

Examples of Memorable Heel Turns

The Montreal Screwjob (1997)

The infamous Montreal Screwjob involved Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels. During their match at Survivor Series 1997, Vince McMahon, the owner of WWE, orchestrated a controversial ending that led to Hart losing the championship. This incident marked a significant heel turn for McMahon, as he embraced his villainous persona against Hart.

Hollywood Hogan’s NWO Formation (1996)

One of the most iconic heel turns in wrestling history occurred when Hulk Hogan formed the New World Order (NWO). Hogan, who had been a beloved hero for years, shocked the world by aligning with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash to create a dominant heel faction.

Conclusion
In professional wrestling, a heel turn is an essential tool for creating drama, generating audience reactions, and pushing storylines forward. It allows wrestlers to explore new dimensions of their characters and keeps fans on the edge of their seats.

The emotional investment from fans during a heel turn is testament to the power and impact of this storytelling technique. So next time you see a wrestler turning their back on their supporters, brace yourself for an exciting rollercoaster ride in the world of professional wrestling!