5 changes down the road that would benefit AEW wrestlers

All Elite Wrestling had their first show last May with Double Or Nothing; which means, in a creative sense, they have only been around for 10 months. That's hard to fathom considering the quality of shows and pay per views the company has given in such a short amount of time.

With all of pro wrestling, as time goes on, changes to the wrestler's character are inevitable to keep things fresh and exciting for the fans. This article will take a look at five wrestlers that could benefit from a babyface or heel turn.

This article is looking long-term and not suggesting that these changes take place immediately. When looking at the five wrestlers mentioned, these changes could take place as soon as a couple of months down the line, or they could take place a year from now.

Continue to see a wrestler who was one of the most popular in NXT as a babyface, but lost his momentum when he was called up to the main roster.

---

#5 Shawn Spears

The pairing of Shawn Spears and Tully Blanchard has been great (photo credit: AEW)

In 2015 and 2016, there were few babyfaces that had a huge crowd following from the NXT Universe as Tye Dillinger. The reaction to his entrance (at number ten, of course) at the 2017 Royal Rumble was tremendous.

Once Shawn Spears debuted in AEW, the call to make him a heel was a great one. The program he had with Cody was astounding, albeit short. With the brutal chair shot, Spears immediately became one of the most disliked heels in the company.

Currently, Spears is sort of spinning his wheels after a feud with Joey Janela. Without a secondary championship in AEW, it may be best to turn him babyface once more and capitalize on the Perfect 10 gimmick.

This is a change that could be done right away, but not until crowds can congregate again.

#4 Nyla Rose

The Native Beast" Nyla Rose showing off her newly won championship

"The Native Beast" Nyla Rose became the second-ever AEW Women's Champion when she defeated Riho on the February 12th edition of Dynamite. Even more significant, she became the first-ever openly transgender wrestler to sign with a major promotion.

Rose is currently doing well in the role as the top heel in the company. Her size and strength difference over the women's division in AEW has played well into her heel persona, which would typically see her adversaries encounter a powerbomb through the table.

With being the first openly transgender signed to a new promotion, there is a lot of material that AEW can use as a babyface. There are several stories they can do that can be inspirational to other transgender people around the world.

A comparison to a past WWE storyline would be the run of Nia Jax towards the WWE Raw Women's Championship when she was being bullied by Alexa Bliss in 2018.

There is a lack of top women heels within AEW, therefore, this is an example of a change that can be used well down the road within AEW.

#3 Jake Hager

Jake Hager entering the ring for his debut at AEW Revolution

Jake Hager made his official debut within AEW on the first episode of Dynamite last October. He was revealed to be the heavy within the newly formed stable of Chris Jericho called the Inner Circle.

For several weeks, being the heavy was all Hager did until the AEW Revolution pay per view when he made his in-ring debut against Dustin Rhodes. At the time of this writing, Hager has a perfect 5-0 win-loss record.

This particular babyface turn is not for the immediate future and could be more than a year from now. A perfect way to set up the babyface turn for Hager would entail a second reign for Chris Jericho as AEW World Champion. If Hager is still undefeated or close to it, there would be a great claim for him to make a run at the title and betray the Inner Circle.

There is no doubt that Hager can be a top babyface within the company as evidenced by his We The People run in the WWE.

#2 Rey Fenix

Rey Fenix (front) as part of Death Triangle (photo credit: AEW)

If you were a fan of Lucha Underground, you knew the brothers of Rey Fenix and Pentagon Jr. very well. Fenix was a standout based on his ability in the ring, and as a result, he held the top championship within Lucha Underground in 2015.

For many pro wrestling fans, Fenix's run in AEW is their first taste of the talented luchador. During his time within AEW, Fenix has dazzled with his high-flying moves and ability as part of a tag team with Pentagon, and now as a trio with PAC under Death Triangle.

With Death Triangle just getting started, this is another instance of a turn that will not happen for quite some time; however, with the ability of Fenix, it is safe to say that he should get a run at the AEW World Championship sometime in his career.

The best way to start the babyface turn would be to feud with his brother Pentagon Jr. The matches those two could put on within a one-on-one setting would be insane.

#1 Kenny Omega

What if it was Kenny that turned?

One of the great stories playing out within AEW today is the relationship between Hangman Adam Page and the rest of The Elite. For months now, Page has distanced himself from The Elite making many fans believe that he will be the one to eventually turn on Omega and The Elite.

With Cody and MJF, it was very clear that someday MJF would turn heel on Cody, and I have a feeling that they won't repeat the obvious with the situation between Page and The Elite. For as long as the story has played out, don't be surprised if they shock the world and turn Omega.

While Omega has played a heel before as part of the Bullet Club, that was a faction that was largely cheered by the audience. If done right, Omega betraying The Bucks, Cody, and specifically Hangman Page would anger the fans and sympathize with the rest of The Elite.

A dangerous and vicious Omega as a heel could be an amazing thing to see.