Why Are All the Great WWE Wrestlers Turning Heel?
Change is a key part of the entertainment industry, especially in pro wrestling where character transformations can stir fan interest and excitement. Frequently, top WWE wrestlers decide to turn heel, or face to heel, which often includes saying goodbye to the fans and starting a new chapter in their career.
Experimenting with New Roles
Often, changing the alignment of the best wrestlers offers an intriguing piece of character development. It allows them to delve into a different persona, sometimes purely for experimentation, while other times to reconstruct and build a new fanbase. Whether or not this works depends entirely on the wrestler's performance, writing, and the necessary attraction on the storyline, which could push the limits of how far a character can go and how audiences will respond.
Why Wrestlers Choose to Turn Heel
The shift from face to heel is not based on laziness, but on many other factors. One of the most prominent reasons is the natural growth of the wrestler's career. Faces, after being established for years, can face a plateau and struggle to make new advancements. For many wrestlers, turning heel can seem like a strategic move, fostering continued engagement with the audience. Additionally, turning heel often leads to a more prominent role on the company due to the inherent drama and spectacle that comes with being the bad guy.
Popular WWE Wrestlers Turning Heel
A well-aware transition has opened up new opportunities for several WWE wrestlers. Becky Lynch, Randy Orton, Dean Ambrose, and Big Show, among others, have taken the turn from face to heel, marking a new phase in their successful careers. Their heel personas have resonated with audiences, generating new fan support and critically praising performances. Some notable wrestling events that have seen such transformations include Dean Ambrose's turn in 2019, Becky Lynch's switch in 2020, and Randy Orton rejoining as the heel in 2021. These changes not only refresh the narrative but also attract the interest of already loyal fans and new audiences alike.
Enjoyment of Being the Heel
Wrestlers like AJ Styles have also made successful transitions as heels, demonstrating that they can excel in both roles. AJ's transition in 2016 and his subsequent heel run attest to the fact that a wrestler's satisfaction in their character is more important than any preconceived notion of their suitability. Being a heel is often seen as a more immediate and visceral role, and many wrestlers find it easier to express themselves and be more directly in the spotlight.
According to several WWE wrestlers, they enjoy the heel persona much more than the face role. It offers the opportunity to take command and control, leading storylines, and becoming the center of controversy. This change in alignments doesn't come without its difficulties, but for those who handle it well, it can lead to increased stardom and a more engaging career.
Popular Heel Superstars
Among the current fan favorite heel wrestlers, several names stand out. The Miz, Elias, Becky Lynch, Alexa Bliss, Samoa Joe, Sheamus, Cesaro, and The USOs are just a few of the prominent performers who have turned heel and become fixtures in WWE. Fans appreciate the complexity and depth of their characters, which add layers of intrigue to the ongoing narratives.
Ultimately, the decision to turn heel is a significant one. It requires not just talent but also mental and emotional strength to face the challenges that come with playing the villain. However, it can also be an exciting and challenging journey that brings renewed interest to their careers and leaves a lasting impact on WWE's rich history of great storytelling.
As we continue to witness the shifting allegiances and tales of transformation in the world of WWE, it becomes clear that these dramatic script changes serve to keep the magic alive, ensuring that fans are always on the edge of their seats waiting for the next big twist in the story.