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Storylines in AEW usually follow black and white themes, with villains being pitted against heroes. There is seldom any deviation to more gray areas. The audience is at all times aware of who they are expected to cheer, and who they are supposed to hate.
Every once in a while though, an exceptional heel flips the script in a way which has the audience cheering the villain instead.
This happens due to a myriad of reasons, which include a weak babyface, or outstanding performance of the heel. It can even happen because the villain just happens to be wrestling in their hometown that night.
Whatever may be the reason, it has always been a treat to watch the handful of times this has happened.
Here are 5 moments which saw fans cheering the Heel over the Face in AEW.
#5 Malakai Black got the AEW fans on his side against Cody Rhodes
Malakai Black is easily the most distinguished new heel in the AEW scene. His aura and menacing presence sets him apart from every other talent on Tony Khan's roster. The Dutch Destroyer's skilled moveset also makes the audience look up to him. Furthermore, his skills on the mic and powerful words are impactful enough to sway the crowd.
Malakai Black is usually cheered right from his entrance into the arena, owing to his impressive entrance. However, his most notable moment being cheered was against Cody Rhodes.
At the AEW Grand Slam on September 23rd, Cody Rhodes got one of the first indications of being rejected by the audience. AEW fans will remember how Malakai Black, despite being the clear heel, was constantly being cheered against the American Nightmare.
This was one of the many times the Dutchman was applauded, and he continues to be a welcome appearance in the AEW arena.
#4 MJF was cheered in his home town despite him being the most hated heel in AEW
When talking about AEW heels, MJF's name pops up without a second thought. The Salt of the Earth has firmly established himself as one of the most talented as well as the most despised heels on the AEW roster. Even the commentators never miss a chance to talk about how despicable MJF is.
However, MJF received a hero's welcome in AEW Dynamite on Long Island. Granted, CM Punk did antagonize the hometown crowd enough to attract heel chants to himself. But it was still surprising when AEW fans in the arena chose to cheer the 3-time Dynamite Diamond ring winner. This marks one of the rarest moments of MJF's career, when he was greeted with something other than boos from the fans.
#3 Adam Cole's entrance itself gets him cheered by the AEW fans
Although Adam Cole is usually portrayed as a wrestler who is okay with leaving his partners to save himself, he is still surprisingly adored by fans. His entry song is an AEW property specifically tailored for Bay Bay, and the crowds love to sync up with Adam, saying BOOM at the beat drop.
It should be noted that while Adam Cole does enjoy a certain fan fondness, his 'bad guy' actions still get him booed in situations.
The Panama City Playboy has come to terms with fans being appreciative of his achievements and cheering for him, while also simultaneously treating him as the heel he is.
#2 Britt Baker's talent in AEW still gets her cheered even as a heel
AEW Women's champion Britt Baker can undoubtedly be given a lion's share of the credit for turning around the women's division in the All Elite promotion. Her relentless work and talent have enabled her to rise to the top of the business today. While she currently serves as a heel, fans still cheer for her regardless of how unfair she is in her matches.
Britt Baker has acknowledged the babyface treatment she gets on the PWI podcast, and offered an explanation. Her perception is that fans have seen her work hard in her career to get to where she is currently, which they show appreciation for by cheering.
The best instance of this in recent memory is Britt Baker's iconic Unsanctioned Lights Out match against Thunder Rosa. Both participants took the fight to the next level, and the fans cheered equally for both the women.
It was one of the highest points of Baker's career, where she was cheered despite being the heel.
#1 The Young Bucks never fail to wow the AEW fans with their presence despite being heels
The Young Bucks have been referred to as one of the best tag team duos in the current wrestling industry. The statement certainly has a lot of evidence behind it to back it up. Matt and Nick Jackson are electrifying in every match they fight, owing to their flamboyance as well as their amazing moves.
Despite being heels, the young bucks consistently receive babyface treatment from AEW fans. They have been allied with a number of AEW stars since before being with Adam Cole. Their most notable moment of being cheered on was when they betrayed Jon Moxley to side with Kenny Omega in the AEW Dynamite match on April 7.
While fans were surprised at the Bucks turning on Jon Moxley, they continued to cheer for them. The history between them and Kenny Omega played a big role in this. However, it is undeniable that this was one of the biggest moments of the Young Bucks being cheered on despite being the heels.
Who are some of the other heels that have been cheered in All Elite Wrestling? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
