Heels are always more entertaining than babyfaces. While babyfaces who are supposed to be do-gooders and virtuous, to do something unpredictable don’t really fall in that realm, the heels don’t owe an explanation to anyone as to why they do the shocking things that they do. The factor of unpredictability is always high when it comes to the heels. WWE had its own share of heels but none were as effective, atrocious and as unanimously loathed as much as The AuthorityThough there were some resident heels, some superstars and divas turned heel this year and there were some heel turns which were executed brilliantly. Here are the top 5 heel turns of the past year-
#5 Paige
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The one great outcome of the feud between AJ Lee and Paige was how the latter’s heel turn was executed. Ever since paige’s debut she was positioned as a new kid in school. She was naive yet fearless after she won the Divas Title from AJ in a matter of minutes at the Raw after Wrestlemania. She got a taste of her own medicine when AJ won back the title in similar fashion when she returned from her honeymoon. It was then that the very farce of a goody-two-shoes, BFF-like persona took over Paige and it was just a matter of time till she actually gave apiece of her mind.
She tossed AJ all around ringside and and then threw her over the announce table. The entire heel turn was was much awaited and it was executed pretty well on Raw. It brought some promise to the developing feud and for the divas Division.
‘I told you it was my house’ shouted Paige. And hence, the deed was done.
#4 Nikki Bella
Yes, the feud between the Bellas was possibly the worst feud of the year and nothing could change how bad their promos were. But all of this succeeded what was possibly one of the best diva matches ever at Summerslam. It wasn’t a technical masterpiece. Brie Bella isn’t much of a great actor but Stephanie McMahon’s mere presence raised a lot of expectations and clearly the expectations were met.
Nikki Bella’s heel turn was expected yet it recieved a robust reaction from the crowd. It was a very well worked match and feud. And Nikki Bella looks every bit of a heel.
#3 Batista
His return is the one that has gone down in history as one of the worst ever. But to WWE’s credit, it can’t be ignored that they changed the narrative to make him a heel after his much awaited return. Everything from his wardrobe to his matches were scrutinized throughout his four month run in the company. He truly became a much villifies man standing between Daniel Bryan and the championships that he deserved.
He seamlessly became a great heel, even if that turn wasn’t meant to be. And then came the dirt sheets rolling how he detests to put Bryan over.
And then he waved goodbye to the WWE, princess style and left Evolution high and dry.
But Triple H had a Plan B.....
#2 Seth Rollins
Things couldn’t get anymore unpredictable or shocking after Undertaker’s streak ended. But still, like the fan who screamed ‘No’ just before Rollins hit Reigns with a chair is something that echoed throughout the arena and through the minds of all the fans of The Shield.
It happened 24 hours after Shield beat Evolution at payback and the aftermath of the match saw Reigns reach out his hand to Rollins and Ambrose and a clear emotion of camaradrie was evoked.
Seth Rollins was Plan B.
#1 Kevin Owens
NXT Takeover: R Evolution was nothing less than what a main roster PPV should always be . It was a show of shows. And the night began with a debut most awaited. Kevin Owens made his way to the ring with some tremendous support from the crowd. His fighting persona shone clearly in this match. How many superstars have a ‘bloody’ debut?
That splatter of blood on his face added to his gimmick and got the crowd even more riled up. Chants of ‘Holy$#!t’ and ‘This Is Awesome’ echoed throughout the arena.
His friendship with Sami Zayn was talked about immensely. And there was this little moment backstage where Owens was looking at Zayn in the locker room. The subtleties of friction were planted, without anyone even realizing up until the moment when Owens finally did the unthinkable.
After Zayn won the match of the year, Owens went on to hug his best friend which made the audience cheer even louder. Just when you thought this was it, just when you thought the night will be a joie de vivre, Owens delivered a vicious clothesline followed by an even more vicious powerbomb to Zayn.
The heel turn complete.
That’s how you debut.