5 Epic WWE Heel Turns Nobody Saw Coming
4 min read
In the dramatic world of professional wrestling, few moments resonate as profoundly as a hero’s descent into villainy—a “heel turn” that shatters the audience’s trust and redefines a wrestler’s legacy. While Hulk Hogan’s 1996 betrayal of WCW to form the NWO stands as the archetype of such happenings, the wrestling world has witnessed other heel turns that are equally shocking and impactful. Here, we delve into five of the most unforgettable heel turns in wrestling history, exploring the narratives that led to these pivotal moments and the seismic shifts they caused within the industry.
Acknowledging Hulk Hogan’s Defection Forming The NWO (1996)
No discussion of heel turns is complete without mentioning Hulk Hogan’s 1996 betrayal at Bash at the Beach, where he joined Scott Hall and Kevin Nash to form the New World Order (NWO). This move shocked the wrestling world, transforming the beloved “Real American” hero into a despised villain and revitalizing Hogan’s career. While not part of our official list, its impact on the industry is undeniable and sets the standard for future heel turns.
1. Mark Henry Swerves Literally Everyone (2013)
Mark Henry, known as the “World’s Strongest Man,” had a storied career filled with highs and lows. By 2013, he was a respected veteran, and on the June 17 episode of Raw, Henry appeared to announce his retirement. Dressed in a salmon-colored suit, he delivered an emotional speech that moved both fans and fellow wrestlers, even bringing tears to some eyes. John Cena, the reigning WWE Champion, entered the ring to offer his support, only to be blindsided by Henry, who delivered a devastating World’s Strongest Slam. This masterful act of deception not only reignited Henry’s career but also showcased his ability to manipulate the audience’s emotions, solidifying his status as a top heel.
2. Seth Rollins Betrays The Shield to Join The Authority (2014)
The Shield—comprised of Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, and Roman Reigns—was a dominant faction that had taken WWE by storm. They were a major force to be reckoned with as each member of The Shield brought their own distinct strengths and advantages, and they often were too much to handle when facing off against the rest of the WWE roster. Their unity and strength were unquestioned until the June 2, 2014 episode of Raw. In a shocking turn of events, Rollins attacked Reigns and then Ambrose with a steel chair, aligning himself with Triple H’s Authority. This betrayal fractured one of the most powerful alliances in WWE history and propelled Rollins into the spotlight as a cunning opportunist, willing to forsake brotherhood for personal gain.
3. Stone Cold Steve Austin Joins Vince McMahon (2001)
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin was the embodiment of anti-establishment, often clashing with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. Their rivalry was legendary, and Austin provided the PERFECT foil for McMahon’s power-hungry boss persona. However, at WrestleMania XVII in 2001, Austin stunned the world by joining forces with McMahon to defeat The Rock for the WWE Championship. This alliance with his arch-nemesis was a profound shift in Austin’s character, leaving fans bewildered and marking the end of the beloved Attitude Era. The partnership showcased Austin’s willingness to do whatever it took to reclaim the championship, even if it meant siding with the enemy. His run after this turn was fairly disappointing, but the moment itself remains one of the most shocking heel turns to date.
4. Owen Hart Turns on Bret Hart (1994)
The Hart brothers, Bret and Owen, are one of the most talented sibling tandems to ever wrestle in WWE. Despite the two initially featuring as a team, Bret and Owen showcased unmatched chemistry in the ring, combining Bret’s technical wizardry and Owen’s high-flying offense. However, at the 1994 Royal Rumble, after a loss to The Quebecers, Owen snapped and attacked Bret, blaming him for their defeat. This act of betrayal led to a deeply personal feud that culminated in a classic match at WrestleMania X, where Owen defeated Bret. The storyline showcased Owen’s jealousy and desire to step out of his brother’s shadow, adding a layer of realism to their rivalry that resonated with fans.
5. John Cena Goes Full Heel At Elimination Chamber (2025)
For years, fans speculated about a potential heel turn for John Cena, WWE’s perennial good guy. After winning the Elimination Chamber match, Cena shocked the world by attacking fan-favorite Cody Rhodes. After 15-plus years of portraying himself as the ultimate good guy, Cena turned heel, aligning himself with former rival The Rock. Cena’s transformation from hero to villain is a seismic shift that left audiences reeling, as many fans had resigned the probability of Cena ever being a heel as an impossibility. Now that it’s happened, fans have a renewed interest in the Wrestlemania main event, as John Cena chases a record-breaking 17th World Title run before he hangs up the jorts for good. This turn not only added complexity to Cena’s character but also demonstrated that in wrestling, anything is possible, even the fall of a hero.
These heel turns are more than just plot twists; they are transformative moments that redefine characters and storylines, leaving an indelible mark on the wrestling world. They remind us that in professional wrestling, as in life, heroes can fall, alliances can crumble, and the unexpected is always just around the corner.
