5 babyfaces who broke character and praised heels 

Professional Wrestling has been around for decades and has entertained fans across the globe in the process. The basic aspect of pro-wrestling has always been the fight between good and evil, with a clear-cut babyface (good guy) taking on a heel who can stoop to any lengths to defeat his nemesis.

As time passed, the line between good and evil began diminishing, and we got stars like Stone Cold Steve Austin and D-Generation X, who were anti-hero figures. Keeping kayfabe alive was one of the most sacred deeds associated with pro-wrestling at one point in time, but with the advent of social media, it died down a slow death. Contrary to the past when a babyface and a heel couldn't even travel together, we have Superstars breaking kayfabe every other day and praising their opponents.

Let's look at 5 times a babyface broke character and praised a heel.

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#5 John Cena makes a bold comment on Randy Orton

Cena and Orton

Back in early 2009, Randy Orton had turned into a psychotic heel, attacking the McMahon family on several occasions. The Viper, along with Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes, was the top heel on the Raw brand at that time, feuding with Triple H and the McMahons. On the other hand, John Cena was on his way to meet Edge and The Big Show at 'Mania for the World title. In an interview around WrestleMania season, Cena had nothing but praise for Orton.

I’ve said this before and I said this before his—what is this, his fifth or sixth “breakout?”—that he is the best guy we’ve got. He is certainly the best performer of my generation.

Additionally, Cena talked about him and Orton once being two average guys in WWE developmental, and that he never thought they would go on to headline a WrestleMania.

#4 Seth Rollins has praise for Brock Lesnar

Rollins triumphs

At WrestleMania 35, Seth Rollins accomplished the goal that he had set for himself after winning the Royal Rumble match, when he defeated Brock Lesnar to win the Universal title in front of 80,000+ fans. The two continued their feud further down the line, with Lesnar cashing in his Money In The Bank briefcase on Rollins at Extreme Rules.

Mere days after losing his Universal title to Brock Lesnar, Rollins gave an interview to The Independent and proceeded to heap praise on his arch-rival.

He goes, and he can go. For a guy who has been through what he's been through in his life; from his teenage years and collegiate wrestling, his WWE schedule and UFC schedule, he's a competitor.

The dude is a fighter and he brings it, every single time, trust me - I've been in there and I know what those suplexes and knees feel like.

#3 Jim Ross defends Michael Cole

Cole and Ross

In one of the strangest moves in WWE history, Michael Cole was turned heel back in 2010. During the first season of NXT, Cole began showing signs of arrogance and belittled Daniel Bryan on a regular basis. Additionally, he began praising The Miz, who was emerging to be a top heel at the time. Cole's heelish mannerisms resulted in him facing his announcing partner Jerry "The King" Lawler at WrestleMania 27, with Stone Cold Steve Austin as the special guest referee.

Barring a short, forgettable stint in the 90s, Jim Ross has always been portrayed as a babyface commentator, who always sided with the good guys. When Michael Cole began getting heat for his dastardly antics by fans, Ross came to his rescue and praised him for his work in a blog post.

Michael Cole does not deserve to be piled on like many are doing. Michael is fulfilling a role on a fictional, TV show. He has been ‘cast’ to play this role as best as he can. For those that have never sat in that particular seat, let me assure you that it isn’t easy. Cole’s new persona must be working because never before have so many fans, for better or for worse, commented on Cole’s work.

#2 Kenny Omega has respect for Chris Jericho's career path

Jericho attacks Omega

At present, Kenny Omega and Chris Jericho are signed with All Elite Wrestling. Jericho defeated Omega in the main event of Double of Nothing, bagging a shot at the AEW World title. This rivalry goes way back to when the two faced each other at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom.

Back in 2017, Omega was set to face Jericho at Wrestle Kingdom 12. At the WK12 Press Conference, Omega talked about respecting Jericho's career path, and wanting to do the same himself.

When I was a child, I saw Chris Jericho. He went from wrestling in Japan, to Mexico, to ECW, WCW, WWE, and I really respected that path, and I thought to myself, that's gonna be me someday. I'm gonna be just like Chris Jericho. I'm gonna wrestle all around the world, bring respect to my name, become the greatest performer.

#1 Roman Reigns says Brock Lesnar doesn't get enough credit

Roman spears Lesnar

Last year, Roman Reigns failed to capture the Universal title from Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 34. The rivalry continued further, with Reigns coming short again at The Greatest Royal Rumble, when Lesnar defeated him in a Steel Cage match.

The two were set to face off again at SummerSlam, where Reigns finally dethroned Lesnar and won the Universal title for the first time in his career. On the road to SummerSlam, Reigns was interviewed by Newsweek. The Big Dog broke character during the interview and showered praise on Lesnar.

He doesn’t get credit. He did years ago; but for his age, to be in the back of his athletic career it’s very impressive to see the shape he maintains, the explosive power that he holds. That takes a lot…He’s a smart businessman in what he does and he’s turned ‘Brock Lesnar’ into a complete character now in the past month or so. It’s pretty neat to see how he can pinball between UFC and WWE and still have that power. It’s insane.