10 Wrestler Heel Turns That Made No Logical Sense In WWE

Summary

This video script discusses the concept of a 'heel turn' in WWE, where a wrestler switches from a fan-favorite to a villainous character. It highlights the importance of a clear motive for such a transition to be successful. The script then enumerates 10 of the most confusing and nonsensical heel turns in WWE history, including those of Jim Ross, Mick Foley, Kane, Braun Strowman, Michael Cole, The Big Show, Dean Ambrose, Rikishi, The Undertaker, and Stone Cold Steve Austin. Each example is critiqued for its lack of logic or fan support, showing how poorly executed heel turns can damage a wrestler's character and the overall wrestling product.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ A compelling heel turn in wrestling requires a clear motive and fan understanding.
• 📉 Some heel turns in WWE history have been nonsensical, leaving fans confused.
• 🎙️ Jim Ross's heel turn in 1999 was baffling and failed to resonate with fans.
• 🤕 Mick Foley's 2006 heel turn was short-sighted and didn't align with his retiring status.
• 😈 Kane's 2011 heel turn was questioned by fans, as it ignored his feud with Mark Henry.
• 🦸‍♂️ Braun Strowman's 2018 heel turn was poorly justified and led to character damage.
• 🎤 Michael Cole's 2010 heel turn as a commentator was random and dominated TV time.
• 🤔 The Big Show's 2014 heel turn was predictable and lacked a fresh explanation.
• 😡 Dean Ambrose's 2018 heel turn was exploitive and failed to engage fans.
• 🚗 Rikishi's 2000 heel turn was puzzling and didn't fit with his popular character.
• ☠️ The Undertaker's 2001 heel turn was a misstep, as he was better suited as a babyface.
• 🍺 Stone Cold Steve Austin's 2001 heel turn was shocking but ultimately damaging to WWE's product.

Q & A

What is a 'heel turn' in professional wrestling?

A 'heel turn' in professional wrestling refers to the transition of a wrestler from a 'face' or good guy character to a 'heel' or bad guy character. It is a significant event that can create new storylines and rivalries.

Why was Jim Ross's heel turn in 1999 considered nonsensical?

Jim Ross's heel turn in 1999 was considered nonsensical because, despite being a beloved commentator, WWE portrayed him as a heel upon his return from health issues. His character complained about being disrespected by the company, which did not resonate with fans who expected a hero's welcome.

What was Mick Foley's role in WWE before his 2006 heel turn?

Before his 2006 heel turn, Mick Foley was widely celebrated as a 'Babyface' in WWE, known for his heroic character and fan-favorite status.

Why did WWE decide to turn Mick Foley heel in 2006?

WWE decided to turn Mick Foley heel in 2006 as part of a storyline where he joined forces with Edge to take down Tommy Dreamer and Terry Funk. However, the turn did not receive a positive reaction from fans.

What was the issue with Kane's heel turn in 2011?

The issue with Kane's heel turn in 2011 was that instead of seeking revenge on Mark Henry, who had taken him out of action, Kane returned as a heel and attacked John Cena. This decision left fans questioning the logic behind the turn.

How did Braun Strowman's character evolve between 2016 and 2018?

Between 2016 and 2018, Braun Strowman was a popular WWE character who was pushed towards a babyface turn due to fan support. However, WWE abruptly turned him heel in 2018, which was short-lived and led to a loss of momentum for his character.

What was the rationale behind Michael Cole's heel turn in 2010?

Michael Cole's heel turn in 2010 was based on his real-life sarcastic personality. WWE capitalized on this trait and turned him into a vocal cheerleader for WWE Champion, The Miz, and entered him into a feud with Jerry Lawler.

Why was The Big Show's heel turn in 2014 considered ridiculous?

The Big Show's heel turn in 2014 was considered ridiculous because he turned on Team Cena by knocking out Cena, which was a move WWE had used many times before, making it feel unoriginal and not special.

What was the controversy surrounding Dean Ambrose's heel turn in 2018?

Dean Ambrose's heel turn in 2018 was controversial because it happened on the same episode of Raw when Roman Reigns announced his leukemia diagnosis and surrendered the Universal title. The timing of the turn was seen as exploitative and the subsequent heel run was a failure.

Why did Rikishi's heel turn in 2000 not work well with the fans?

Rikishi's heel turn in 2000 did not work well because he was a popular character and fans did not want to see him as a heel. His explanation for turning heel, doing it for The Rock to give him a shot at stardom, was flawed as The Rock was already a big star.

What was the main issue with The Undertaker's heel turn in 2001?

The main issue with The Undertaker's heel turn in 2001 was that it did not align with his character's persona, which worked best as a babyface. Fans were reluctant to boo such a compelling character, and WWE eventually reverted him back to a babyface.

Why is Stone Cold Steve Austin's heel turn in 2001 considered one of the most nonsensical in WWE history?

Stone Cold Steve Austin's heel turn in 2001 is considered nonsensical because it involved him siding with his mortal enemy, Vince McMahon, which defied logic. Fans were not tired of Austin as a babyface, and the turn did severe damage to the WWE product, leading some fans to switch off.