The Art of Heel Turns in Professional Wrestling: A Dramatic Evolution of Character and Rivalry

Professional wrestling is a unique blend of sports, entertainment, and storytelling. Central to this rich tapestry are character transformations known as heel turns, pivotal moments that can redefine a wrestler's career and fanbase perception. Understanding these transformations is crucial for both wrestlers and fans alike.

What is a Heel Turn?

A heel turn occurs when a wrestler who was previously a babyface (face) or a hero transitions into a heel (bad guy), engaging in behavior that aligns with negative stereotypes. This transformation can involve heinous actions, verbal abuses, or a combination of both, often resulting in fans disliking the wrestler's opinions or actions. Sometimes, a heel turn is not about being morally correct or wrong, but rather, it is about the beliefs or actions being something the fans and the public can despise.

The opposite of a heel turn is the face turn, where a heel character becomes more likable and starts acting in a way that fans root for. However, to fully understand heel turns, it is essential to recognize that they can be complex, often driven by narrative needs, career ambitions, or emotional journeys.

Types of Heel Turns

There are three primary types of heel turns, each with a unique narrative arc and impact:

1. The Betrayal

This type of heel turn involves a significant act of betrayal, typically a face turning on another face, often a former partner or teammate. Classic examples include:

Shawn Michaels’ betrayal of Marty Jannetty during the 'Barbrus_barbershop match.'

Other notable instances include:

Cena turning on Shield brothers Seth Rollins in 2014. Chris Benoit betraying his brother Dusty Benoit.

The Betrayal heel turn is dramatic and often leaves a lasting impact on the fanbase, creating deep-seated rivalries and intense storylines.

2. The Alignment Change

In this type of heel turn, a wrestler changes their alignment not through betrayal, but by choosing a different path. This can be more subtle, often involving a shift in values or priorities. Notable examples include:

Arnold Schwarzenegger changing his character in 'The N.W.O.' flat, playing as a man motivated by financial and personal gain rather than the purity of sport.

Steve Austin’s portrayal of "Hollywood" Austin in the 'N.W.O.' is another typical example. This shift is often seen as a change for the worse, turning the virtuous wrestler into a more cynical and materialistic character.

3. The Evolution

Evolution can be the most complex form of a heel turn, where a character gradually transforms over time, becoming more heinous and violent without a single definitive moment of turning. A prime example is Randy Orton’s career arc, which has seen him:

Starting as the face in 'The Legend Killer' Gradually becoming a professional psycho in the 'Evolution' stable Transitioning into an alpha heel who destroys anything and everyone in his path

Impact and Importance of Heel Turns

Heel turns are pivotal moments that not only energize storylines but also provide character depth. They can create intense rivalries, spark fan engagement, and lead to significant career developments. For example, the 'Beach Bash 1996' match where Hulk Hogan turned heel by betraying Randy Savage and forming the 'N.W.O.', nearly putting the WWF out of business, forever changed wrestling’s landscape.

However, for a heel turn to be effective, the character must remain believable. Fans and wrestling promotions aim to maintain this believability by showing the evolution of the villain through consistent narratives and actions. This ensures that the heel character remains engaging and relevant, driving the storyline forward.

Conclusion

Heel turns are a fundamental aspect of professional wrestling, offering a rich array of storytelling opportunities. Whether through betrayal, alignment change, or evolution, these dramatic transformations can redefine a wrestler's career and captivate fans in ways that simple face turns cannot achieve. Understanding the nuances of heel turns enhances the appreciation of the performances and narratives that make professional wrestling so compelling.