Introduction to Turning Heel
In professional wrestling, the terms “face” and “heel” are commonly used to describe the roles that wrestlers play in the narrative of matches. A wrestler who turns heel is one who transitions from being a good guy or hero (face) to a villain or bad guy (heel). This transformation often creates dramatic tension in storylines and captivates audiences.
The Psychology Behind Turning Heel
The act of turning heel is not just about changing one’s behavior or attitude; it is a carefully strategized decision that impacts a wrestler’s career trajectory. Wrestlers often turn heel to:
- Refresh their character arc.
- Pursue new storylines.
- Engage with the audience in new ways.
For many wrestlers, turning heel can provide a much-needed spark to their career, as it allows them to explore new facets of their personality and creativity, leading to compelling narratives.
Famous Examples of Heel Turns
History is replete with memorable heel turns that not only shocked audiences but also significantly altered the careers of the wrestlers involved. Here are a few iconic examples:
- Brett Hart in 1997: Known as the “Best There Is, Best There Was, Best There Ever Will Be,” Bret Hart’s heel turn during the infamous “Montreal Screwjob” was a pivotal moment in wrestling history. This turn not only defined the era but also set the stage for his rivalries with fan favorites like Stone Cold Steve Austin.
- Hulk Hogan in 1996: In a historic move, Hogan turned heel during a WCW segment, forming the New World Order (nWo) alongside Kevin Nash and Scott Hall. This moment revitalized his career and ushered in a dramatic change in the wrestling landscape, drawing tremendous fan interest and elevating WCW’s popularity.
- Steve Austin: Austin transitioned from a heel to a face during his rivalry with Vince McMahon, but his “anti-hero” persona and willingness to blur the lines solidified him as one of wrestling’s biggest stars. Austin’s ongoing conflict with authority figures showcased the gray areas in character alignment, keeping fans guessing.
Turning Heel as a Career Strategy
For wrestlers, the decision to turn heel is often strategic. It can lead to:
- Increased Popularity: Sometimes a character must take a different route to win over the crowd. Heel turns often garner unexpected cheers from fans who relish a compelling character.
- Fresher Storylines: Turning heel allows for new rivalries and alliances to form, making storylines more intriguing.
- Merchandise Opportunities: Heel characters can be marketed in unique ways, often leading to increased merchandise sales as fans become invested in the new antagonist.
Statistics show that a well-executed heel turn can lead to an increase in merchandise sales. For example, after his heel turn in the mid-90s, merchandise sales for Hulk Hogan soared by over 300%, showcasing how effective a heel character can be.
Risks Involved in a Heel Turn
While turning heel can lead to success, it also comes with risks. A poorly executed heel turn can lead to:
- Loss of Fan Support: Some fans may feel betrayed if their favorite character turns heel.
- Confusion in Storytelling: If the turn isn’t well-built, audiences may find it hard to understand the narrative.
- Marketability Issues: If a heel character does not resonate with fans, merchandise sales may dwindle.
To mitigate these risks, promotion companies often focus on building anticipation through storytelling, ensuring that the turn feels organic and earned.
Case Studies of Successful and Unsuccessful Heel Turns
Several case studies illustrate the diverse outcomes of turning heel:
- Successful Case: CM Punk’s Heel Turn in 2011 is a classic example of a well-executed heel turn. With a famous “pipe bomb” promo, Punk’s transition was welcomed and built tremendous intrigue, leading to a memorable feud with John Cena.
- Unsuccessful Case: Roman Reigns attempted a heel turn in 2020 but faced backlash from fans and critics alike, leading to confusion in the audience and a rocky storyline.
Conclusion
Turning heel is a fundamental part of storytelling in professional wrestling. While it carries both risks and rewards, when executed correctly, it can rejuvenate a wrestler’s career and significantly impact the wrestling landscape. The psychology behind these transitions, combined with a deep understanding of the audience’s expectations, is crucial for a wrestler’s success.
