What Was the Greatest Heel Turn in Wrestling History?

What Was the Greatest Heel Turn in Wrestling History?

Wrestling is known for its larger-than-life characters and dramatic storylines. One of the most pivotal moments in wrestling history is the “heel turn,” where a beloved face (or hero) wrestler suddenly becomes a villainous heel (or villain). This twist can completely change the dynamic of a storyline and create unforgettable moments that fans still talk about years later.

The Montreal Screwjob: The Ultimate Betrayal

One of the most controversial and shocking heel turns in wrestling history occurred during the infamous “Montreal Screwjob” at the 1997 Survivor Series. Bret Hart, a Canadian hero and longtime face of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), was set to defend his championship against Shawn Michaels. However, behind-the-scenes politics led to Vince McMahon orchestrating a plan to screw Bret out of the title without his knowledge.

The moment when Bret Hart realized he was being double-crossed is etched into wrestling history. As Shawn Michaels locked Bret into his own finishing move, the Sharpshooter, Vince McMahon ordered the referee to ring the bell, declaring Michaels as the new champion. The crowd erupted in fury, and Bret Hart’s trust in both McMahon and Michaels was shattered.

This shocking betrayal not only turned Bret Hart into one of wrestling’s greatest villains overnight but also propelled WWE into a new era known as “The Attitude Era.” The Montreal Screwjob changed the landscape of professional wrestling forever.

Hulk Hogan Joins The nWo: A Shocking Shift

Hulk Hogan, often regarded as one of wrestling’s biggest icons and an eternal face, shocked the world in 1996 when he joined forces with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash to form The New World Order (nWo) in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). The nWo was a rebellious faction that disrupted the status quo and wreaked havoc on WCW.

During an episode of WCW Monday Nitro, Hogan, known for his patriotic persona, appeared to save his friend Randy Savage from an attack by Hall and Nash. However, instead of coming to the rescue, Hogan delivered a leg drop to Savage, solidifying his alliance with the nWo. This unexpected betrayal stunned fans worldwide.

Hogan’s heel turn revitalized his career and propelled WCW to new heights in the ratings war against WWE. The nWo storyline became one of wrestling’s most iconic and influential angles, showcasing the power of a well-executed heel turn.

The Evolution of Triple H: From Blue Blood to Cerebral Assassin

Triple H’s transformation from a blue-blooded aristocrat to a cunning villain is another outstanding example of a great heel turn. During the late 1990s, Triple H was part of D-Generation X (DX), a popular faction known for their rebellious antics and anti-establishment attitude.

However, in 1999, Triple H masterminded one of wrestling’s most memorable betrayals. After winning the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 2000 in a fatal four-way match involving The Rock, Mick Foley (as Mankind), and Big Show, Triple H revealed his true colors. He turned on DX and aligned himself with Vince McMahon’s Corporation stable.

Triple H’s calculated betrayal solidified his transition from DX member to “The Game,” also known as “The Cerebral Assassin.” This marked the beginning of an era where Triple H became one of WWE’s top villains and an integral part of shaping its future.

In Conclusion

The greatest heel turns in wrestling history have the power to shock, captivate, and transform the industry. The Montreal Screwjob, Hulk Hogan’s nWo alliance, and Triple H’s evolution from DX member to WWE villain are just a few examples of how a well-executed heel turn can create unforgettable moments that shape the course of wrestling history.

Whether it’s a shocking betrayal or a calculated character shift, these moments remind us why professional wrestling continues to entertain millions of fans worldwide.