Understanding the Term ‘Turned Heel’
The phrase ‘turned heel’ has a rich history, primarily rooted in the world of professional wrestling. To “turn heel” refers to a character, typically a formerly good guy or hero, who suddenly adopts villainous traits or behaviors. This transition can drastically alter the narrative of a story and affect the dynamics between characters.
The Origins of the Term
The expression ‘heel’ in wrestling signifies a performer who plays against the audience’s sympathies, often engaging in cheating, deception, or immoral acts. Originally popularized in the 1950s, the use of ‘heel’ derives from the term used to depict a bad guy in the wrestling ring.
In contrast, ‘babyface’ refers to characters that capture the audience’s affections by exemplifying goodness, heroism, or integrity. When a wrestler turned heel, they would typically achieve greater audience engagement and storyline depth.
Examples of Famous Turned Heels
- Hulk Hogan: One of the most iconic turn in professional wrestling history took place when Hulk Hogan, the epitome of a babyface, turned heel in 1996 to form the New World Order (NWO) with Kevin Nash and Scott Hall. This shocking turn not only revitalized his career but also transformed modern wrestling narratives.
- Stone Cold Steve Austin: Known for his rebellious attitude, Austin’s turn heel in 2001 when he allied with Vince McMahon represented a significant moment in WWE history. Fans were taken aback by this betrayal, making it a memorable storyline twist.
- Seth Rollins: In 2014, Rollins turned heel by betraying The Shield, which not only shocked fans but also provided a fresh storyline. He transitioned from being the beloved member of the group to a scheming villain in a matter of minutes.
The Impact of a Heel Turn
A ‘heel turn’ can have several implications in storytelling and character development, especially in wrestling:
- Character Growth: Transformations often lead to new character arcs and opportunities for development. A heel turn forces the character to explore new motivations and moral complexities.
- Audience Engagement: Turner heel may create shock value and intrigue among fans, leading to increased audience interest and ticket sales.
- Merchandising Opportunities: A change in character can boost merchandise sales due to the newfound interest in the character’s storyline.
Statistics Related to Heel Turns
Interestingly, statistics show that heel turns tend to be more memorable for audiences. According to a 2021 study conducted by Wrestling Ratings, 70% of fans remembered a heel turn as a significant moment in wrestling shows. Furthermore, these turns often lead to a spike in ratings:
- Ratings can increase by an average of 20% in the weeks following a significant heel turn.
- Merchandise sales for newly turned heels have been known to increase by as much as 50% in some cases.
Conclusion
The term ‘turned heel’ holds a substantial place in wrestling and narrative storytelling beyond the ring. Through the exploration of good versus evil, conflict, and character evolution, heel turns provide essential twists that resonate with audiences. Whether it’s a beloved character betraying alliances or adopting new motivations, the impact of turning heel is tangible, leaving a lasting impression on fans and contributing to the success of wrestling storylines.
