"Unpredictability," it's the key to keeping people waiting on the edge of their seats. Being somewhat unpredictable also keeps the element of surprise alive, in an industry that sometimes becomes as easy to predict as the December forecast in Northern Canada.
Lately, WWE's creative powers that be, have done a fairly good job of keeping the suspense alive, and as a fan, I really appreciate that effort. In today's fast moving era, we don't need the same old cookie-cutter 'rasslin. The sports entertainment element has long since overshadowed just basic body slams, chest slaps, and good guy beats bad guy. While the nostalgic side of me hates to admit this, it's simply the way things are today, and to be honest, I'm sort of of getting used to being "sports entertained."
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One of the elements of storytelling that will never change in professional wrestling is the need to change ones’ character from a good guy to the bad guy, and vice-versa. We, as fans more commonly refer to this action as a babyface turn or a heel turn.
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From time-to-time, the superstars need to accept a change in pace, for whatever reason. Perhaps their character just isn't clicking with the audience, or maybe a turn is needed in order to progress the storyline. Regardless of the reasoning at the time, these turns are a part of life in the business, and it's something that helps keep that ever so valuable notion of unpredictability alive and well.
Now, as we take a sneak peek into the New Year, it's time to evaluate the current main rosters and make a determination of who should, or might very well make a big face/heel turn. I have narrowed my list down to ten possible superstars that may make that change. Some will probably surprise you, and others you will likely disagree with. Either way, let's take a look at my 10 shocking heel/face turns that we could see in 2017.
#10 Rusev: babyface turn
Rusev is actually one of the nicest WWE Superstars that you'll ever meet in person if you ever get the opportunity to do so. That's why the idea of Rusev and Lana turning face, is actually something that would not surprise me one bit.
In fact, I believe it would be a huge success. Rusev is and always has been naturally gifted, he's just had trouble getting over, completely. A face turn would likely propel him into the good gracious of the WWE Universe, which is the final piece of the puzzle, in making the Bulgarian Brute a top draw talent.
#9 Sasha Banks: heel turn
Sasha Banks is enjoying the best run of her career to date. As the current Raw women's champion, Sasha is at the pinnacle of her craft, as well as being one of the top women's wrestlers in the world. Along with her current success, Banks is also one of the most loved and adored babyfaces on the women's roster.
Throughout the entire year of 2016, Sasha made a strong, successful effort to connect with the fans and became the leading face of the Women's Revolution. Having Banks go into the New Year with the current momentum that she has, will ensure continued success for her in 2017. However, if she has a sudden heel turn in early 2017, it could be the jolt the Women's division needs to get to the next level.
#8 The Miz: babyface turn
2016 has unquestionably been the year of The Miz. Having Maryse back by his side on television, has only made things better for The Miz. Although his current reign is less than one-month-old, this also happens to be the 6th reign as Intercontinental Champion.
Throughout his WWE career, The Miz has notoriously been a heel, for the majority of his time with the company. A babyface turn for The Miz could very well be the missing link in getting him to the position he deserves to be. Since the start of his career, The Miz has been one of the most underrated, and under-appreciated superstars on the roster. 2016 was a statement year for the A-Lister. 2017 could be the year when it all finally comes together.
#7 AJ Styles: babyface turn
AJ Styles is having a championship run that almost mirrors that of Seth Rollins, from 2015. While both Rollins and Styles are tremendous talents, they are being asked to do things as champions, which makes them appear somewhat weaker than normal. For example, Styles losing all of those matches against James Ellsworth. Sure, some may find Ellsworth, and the story surrounding him to be entertaining, but his success is coming, partially at the expense of the WWE World Champion.
Another factor to consider is that Styles has a huge following of dedicated fans, who will support him regardless of the storyline he's involved in. With that said, AJ has always performed better as a babyface. It's simply the way he is. In his normal, day-to-day life, AJ Styles is one of the most humble people you'll meet. At the end of the day, it just makes better sense to have Styles as a fan favourite.
#6 Roman Reigns: heel turn
As we all know, Roman Reigns is unquestionably one of the most hated superstars on any roster, WWE or otherwise. What makes it even more intriguing, is the fact that Reigns is a babyface, or at least supposed to be. No matter how hard they try as a company, they just cannot convince the fans to put him over.
Roman has the look to be a top babyface, but due to how hard WWE tried to force him down the collective throats of the fanbase, it created a sense of resentment. That's why at this point, it only makes sense to draw the proverbial line in the sand, and give Reigns a strong, all-out heel turn.
#5 Bray Wyatt: babyface turn
Here's the deal with Bray Wyatt, the guy already has a huge, cult-like following. This is made evident each and every time The Eater of Worlds makes his entrance. Bray has such a high ceiling, and still so much untapped potential. 2017 could be a statement year for the third generation superstar, as long as his current push continues beyond tag team success.
Just as Jake the Snake Roberts once mentioned, Bray is the total package. He can go with anyone in the ring, he's an exceptional storyteller; both in and out of the ring, plus he's the best talker on the roster. Bray Wyatt is one of those select few who can captivate millions, with nothing more than words.
2017 will be a pivotal year for the patriarch of The Wyatt Family. We will find out just how much Vince and the boys believe in Wyatt. Having him as a top babyface could be the catalyst needed for him to reach that next level.
#4 Kevin Owens: babyface turn
Kevin Owens is another one of those "indy darlings," who came to the WWE with an already established core group of followers. Owens came on board as a proven entertainer and a quality wrestler. For most of his career, Kevin has been the typical antagonist bad guy. However, he has always had great drawing power.
The current angle with Owens and Jericho being best friends is something that has been a tremendous success. The two fellow Canadians have worked exceptionally well off of one another. But, like all good things, this too must eventually come to an end. Once it does, what's next for the WWE Universal Champion? With the imminent return of Finn Bálor, one could only assume that the Demon King will be looking to reclaim the title which he never actually lost.
If in fact, Kevin Owens does see a face turn in 2017, it won't happen early on in the year. His turn will be one that is taken slow and methodical, likely at the end of the potential upcoming feud with Finn Bálor. With Owens, there's just so many different options for various angles and storylines. But in the end, a babyface Kevin Owens will give fans a new alternative to get behind.
#3 The New Day: heel turn
When these three first joined forces, I personally thought this would be a short-lived, temporary fix for three superstars that they didn't know what to do with. However, The New Day turned into the greatest tag team project in decades. Not to mention the fact that they were able to successfully usher in the return of The Freebird Rule, which gave them a nostalgic edge that no other tag team had.
The New Day has successfully grabbed the entire pulse of the WWE Universe, igniting fans all over the world with their "power of positivity." While they have been outstanding in nearly everything they've done together, it may very well be time for a change of pace. One way to immediately change things up a bit would be to give the trio a subtle heel turn. At this point, it would certainly be something that no one would expect.
Regardless of which direction they take, I just hope the team remains intact as one cohesive unit. The New Day has brought something refreshing, something almost magical to the world of tag team wrestling. Hopefully, Kofi, Xavier and Big E remain together for a long time to come.
#2 John Cena: heel turn
It's the turn that the whole world has been begging for. Well, at least some of us, anyhow. John Cena is the Hulk Hogan of the new era. If, and when his heel turn finally comes to fruition, it'll send shockwaves throughout the entire industry, just as Hogan did in 1996, at Bash at the Beach.
Of course, there will be critics who say a Cena heel turn will have negative effects on merch sales, at least with the parents who buy Cena swag for their kids. However, the good will likely outweigh the bad in this scenario.
The ratings will see an immediate increase if we are privy to a bad guy Cena on a weekly basis. Also, fans won't be so resistant against Cena holding a major title if he's a heel either. There's just a lot of appeal to seeing such a staunch babyface turn heel. We, as fans, are attracted to those type of taboo angles. When it's all said and done, having Cena turn, will be another historic notch under his legendary belt.
#1 Finn Bálor: heel turn
Finn Bálor is returning soon. I'm fairly certain his first course of action will be to go after Kevin Owens, considering he's still the Universal Champion at the time. Following that, the options are unlimited. One option will be to form the constantly rumored Bálor Club. However, a stable such as that just doesn't sound like a babyface faction. Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows could be the members. Imagine AJ Styles also joining hands with Balor to form a dream team!
Finn Bálor does have a bit of a bad boy side to himself. Case and point, The Bullet Club. Bálor was once the leader of this infamous heel faction, and under his leadership, it was when the whole world began to recognise what kind of global sensation this guy really was. Bálor is currently one of the most loved faces in wrestling, but the time may be upon us for a change. Finn could potentially come back with a massive chip on his shoulder, which could ignite the possible heel turn.
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