In the captivating world of WWE, wrestlers are traditionally classified as babyfaces (heroes) and heels (villains).However, their allegiances can shift, leading to dramatic turns that redefine their careers. A beloved hero may embrace a dark persona, while a despised villain might pursue a path of redemption. These pivotal shifts often create unforgettable moments in wrestling history, influencing both the storyline and the wrestler’s legacy.
When a wrestler shifts from heel to face, it typically signifies a major evolution in their narrative. Occasionally, such a transformation is driven by overwhelming fan support, while other times, it serves as a much-needed revitalization for a stagnant career. After careful consideration, I’ve compiled a list featuring the most iconic face turns in WWE history, focusing on their impact and the lasting legacy of the respective wrestlers.
8 Daniel Bryan
Turning on the Wyatt Family
| Event | WWE Raw |
|---|---|
| Date | January 13, 2014 |
| Location | Providence, Rhode Island |
While some may debate whether Daniel Bryan’s turn was a traditional face turn, many fans view it as emblematic of the classic heroic shift, ultimately leading to one of the most storied trajectories in WWE lore. At the close of 2013, following a heartbreaking title loss to Randy Orton, Bryan found himself caught in a series of attempts to undermine him by Triple H and The Authority. As Orton defended his title against aging stars such as John Cena and The Big Show, Bryan began a tumultuous relationship with Bray Wyatt, culminating in an underwhelming spell within the Wyatt Family.
However, everything changed on the January 2014 episode of Raw. Ordered to attack the Usos by Bray Wyatt after a steel cage match, Bryan shocked fans by turning against the Wyatts instead, ascending the cage to lead a powerful “YES!” chant. This moment not only reignited Bryan’s connection with the WWE Universe but also paved the way for his legendary rise in the company.
7 Sami Zayn
Leaving the Bloodline
| Event | Royal Rumble 2023 |
|---|---|
| Date | January 28, 2023 |
| Location | San Antonio, Texas |
Another compelling narrative involves Sami Zayn and his journey within the Bloodline. Initially, the dominant Samoan stable led by Roman Reigns welcomed Zayn as a loyal follower, despite his non-Samoan heritage. Fans quickly embraced his role as the “Honorary Uce, ” though many speculated that the Bloodline’s affection for him was merely superficial.
The tension reached its peak during the 2023 Royal Rumble event, where Zayn faced a moral dilemma. Tasked to strike his former friend Kevin Owens, Zayn instead turned on Reigns, a move that electrified the audience and marked a definitive face turn. This moment resonated deeply with fans, reminiscent of cinematic storytelling, as Zayn later reunited with Owens to claim the tag titles from the Usos, culminating a meaningful storyline.
6 The Undertaker
Protecting Randy Savage from Jake Roberts
| Event | Saturday Night’s Main Event XXX |
|---|---|
| Date | February 8, 1992 |
| Location | Lubbock, Texas |
The Undertaker, initially conceived as a sinister and enigmatic figure, carved out a special place in fans’ hearts through his evolution into an anti-hero archetype. His face turn came into focus in 1992 when he intervened to protect Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth from the villainous Jake “The Snake”Roberts, who was infamously set to attack Elizabeth with a chair.
This noble act would evolve into a significant rivalry that ultimately saw The Undertaker capture a win at WrestleMania, further solidifying his legendary status. While this face turn wasn’t groundbreaking within the context of wrestling storylines, it played a crucial role in establishing the enduring character of The Undertaker, who would go on to dominate WWE for decades.
5 Randy Savage
Reunion with Miss Elizabeth
| Event | WrestleMania 7 |
|---|---|
| Date | March 24, 1991 |
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
Randy Savage’s remarkable face turn at WrestleMania 7 is a key moment in WWE history. After initially turning face in 1988, he veered into a heel direction throughout the late ’80s, adopting the “Macho King”persona and aligning with Sensational Sherri. However, as he faded from the main event spotlight, fans began to re-embrace the Macho Man.
During a gripping feud with the Ultimate Warrior, the stakes escalated dramatically when the loser was forced to retire. After losing, Savage experienced a moment of redemption when Sherri’s betrayal led to a heartfelt reunion with Miss Elizabeth. This emotionally charged moment transformed Savage from a villainous figure into a cherished hero, allowing him to retire with dignity. His future in the industry remained impactful, solidifying his status as one of wrestling’s all-time favorites.
4 Hulk Hogan
Return of the Real American
| Event | WrestleMania X-9 |
|---|---|
| Date | March 17, 2002 |
| Location | Toronto, Ontario |
Despite recent controversies, Hulk Hogan’s influence on the wrestling scene is indisputable. By 2002, having revitalized his career with the nWo, fans were thrilled to see their ’80s hero return to the WWE stage. His electrifying bout with The Rock at WrestleMania 18 marked a turning point, as Toronto fans cheered him despite Hogan’s portrayal as a heel.
Following a stellar match, both wrestlers showed mutual respect, capturing the audience’s heart. Hogan re-emerged as a babyface, embracing his iconic red and yellow persona and “Real American” theme song, leading to varied results in the Ruthless Aggression era. Nevertheless, nothing compared to the nostalgia that filled the air upon his return, rekindling the fond memories of the Hulkamaniacs from the previous decade.
3 CM Punk
The Summer of Punk
| Event | Money in the Bank 2011 |
|---|---|
| Date | July 17, 2011 |
| Location | Rosemont, Illinois |
The so-called “PG Era” was marked by WWE’s creative stagnation, driven by a roster filled with polished favorites like John Cena. However, the tide turned dramatically during the “Summer of Punk.” After years in the upper mid-card, CM Punk’s pivotal “pipe bomb” promo electrified the wrestling community and ignited fan passion.
The following showdown against John Cena was a defining moment as Punk returned to his hometown of Chicago, where he was met with a hero’s welcome. In a bold act of defiance, Punk captured the WWE Championship, leaving the company temporarily with the championship belt—an iconic gesture against the establishment.
Although he made a brief return post-departure, Punk was reestablished as a prominent face. He may not have consistently maintained his status at the top, but his impact during 2011 made him feel like the voice of the frustrated WWE fandom.
2 Baptist
Turned on Triple H in 2005
| Event | WWE Raw |
|---|---|
| Date | February 21, 2005 |
| Location | State College, Pennsylvania |
In the absence of Brock Lesnar in 2004, WWE sought to elevate a new generation of stars. Batista emerged as a prime contender to fill that void, showcasing a powerful persona and charisma. After building a long-standing alliance with Triple H and Evolution, the time was ripe for his breakout moment.
In a heart-pounding turn during the February 2005 episode of WWE Raw, Batista diverged from Triple H’s influence, decisively choosing to challenge him instead of JBL for WrestleMania 21. The crowd erupted as Batista delivered a downward thumb gesture, signaling his turn against the Game and solidifying him as a new top babyface.
Eventually, at WrestleMania 21, Batista claimed victory over his former mentor, winning the World Heavyweight Championship and securing his spot as a leading star in WWE for years to come. The moment signified a changing of the guard, as fans cheered Batista’s journey towards becoming the legacy’s new face.
1 Stone Cold Steve Austin
Double Turn at WrestleMania 13
| Event | WrestleMania 13 |
|---|---|
| Date | March 23, 1997 |
| Location | Rosemont, Illinois |
One of the most iconic figures in wrestling history, Stone Cold Steve Austin, experienced a pivotal moment during WrestleMania 13. The event is widely regarded as the peak of Austin’s transformation into a beloved anti-hero and features one of the most notable double-turns in professional wrestling.
Before this match, Austin was perceived as a rebellious figure, often clashing with fan-favorites. However, as fans began to tire of the traditional family-friendly portrayal prevalent in WWF, Austin’s appeal soared. His showdown with Bret Hart, who had long been the face of the company, saw the tides turn dramatically as the match progressed.
Bret’s transition into a darker persona led to fan outrage at his actions, while Austin’s tenacity and refusal to submit to Hart’s dreaded Sharpshooter endeared him to the audience. Though he lost the match, Austin emerged as the embodiment of toughness, setting the stage for his legendary career in the years that followed. Hence, many argue this moment represents the pinnacle of babyface turns in WWE history.
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