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The Superstar Shake-up had arrived with many possibilities, and it has left us with many more. WWE may have not done anything overly shocking, with top superstars such as Ronda Rousey and Brock Lesnar on a hiatus. We couldn't also have any updates on stars such as Bray Wyatt or Dolph Ziggler. Many stars also were absent with injuries.
However, WWE did try to shake things up. Most notably, the man who had built 'his house' - SmackDown Live, AJ Styles, has moved to RAW. On the other hand, the Big Dog has left the red brand to make SmackDown his new yard. The Usos, Finn Balor, Rey Mysterio, Bayley, and many other stars have switched brands. The entire dynamic has changed.
Change is the only constant, and these changes have also left an opportunity for character changes. There is scope for plenty of characters to look deep inside, and bring out a different shade.
In this article, we predict 3 blockbuster heel/face turns that could happen in the near future after the Superstar Shake-up.
#3 Heel turn: Kevin Owens
In the best Paul Heyman voice, we need to tell you that Kevin Owens turning heel isn't a prediction - it is a spoiler.
Yes, Kevin Owens has the potential to be a great face or an anti-hero. We understand that we might have waited for this babyface run from KO, a run that hasn't lasted long yet. Still, Kevin Owens will turn heel.
Owens' involvement with New Day as "Big O" has no other conclusion. It might be disappointing for everyone who has enjoyed Owens' presence in the new "New Day", but such stories have only one inevitable conclusion, a heel turn.
It'd give Kofi Kingston his first challenger for the WWE Championship, and the turn would give SmackDown their top villain until the Planet's Savior, Daniel Bryan returns.
Meanwhile, Big E has let his displeasure known about the New Day replacing him. He tweeted:
The world's selfish, isn't it? Perhaps Big E will turn heel upon his return as well.
#2 Face turn: Randy Orton
It's a long known thing that Randy Orton is a more compelling heel than a face. Throughout his career, he has spent most of his time playing the cold-hearted viper, the legend killer, showing no mercy in the slow, brutal, and painful decimation of his rivals.
Orton's a classic old-school heel, performing with in-ring psychology and a move-set that's unique to the Viper. Yet, Orton has also got the skill of amping up the crowd whenever he wants. He has unique charisma, a finisher that never gets stale, and a career that has made him impossible to hate.
However, it's not why he will need to turn heel. The reason is Lars Sullivan. The Freak has made it a habit of attacking veterans. And his hunt should lead him to the legendary legend-killer himself. Not only will it give SmackDown a great rivalry, but will also establish Sullivan on the main roster.
The scenario is only possible with a Randy Orton face turn. It may not happen immediately, with a possible Reigns-Orton feud, but it'll happen within the next few months.
#1 Heel turn: Bayley
Bayley has been drafted to SmackDown as part of the Superstar Shake-up. WWE has ultimately decided to break up the Boss 'N' Hug Connection in spite of all the drama that has happened around Bayley and Banks.
We don't quite know if Banks will come back to WWE, but a move to SmackDown shouldn't be bad for Bayley, who genuinely has a chance to be the one of the top "heels" of the blue brand. Yes, I said heel.
People have already started to boo her, despite her extremely likable presence. Her character has gone quite stale, and she hasn't been able to go anywhere in her main-roster run.
Do you know what happens when the WWE Universe stops caring about a babyface? Do you know what happens when the audience boos people despite their smiles and hugs, and a great connection with kids? The superstar, with the exception of John Cena, makes it to the list of heels.
It's a tried and tested method and would work for Bayley too. It's not a far-fetched thing to say that she'd probably take the SmackDown Women's Championship from The Man down the line, and let Lynch do the honors for the red brand.
