5 WWE heel turns that nobody saw coming

Rollins betrayed his Shield brothers in the summer of 2014.
Rollins betrayed his Shield brothers in the summer of 2014.

In WWE, there has been no shortage of great babyfaces.

From the constant source of honor that is John Cena to the take-no-prisoners attitude of 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin, there have always been Superstars that the WWE Universe have been able to get behind.

And similarly, there have been plenty of heels for fans to boo, from the cocky demeanor of The Miz, to the evil, ruthless business tactics of Mr. McMahon.

But in some cases, some babyfaces haven't been all too happy playing the good guy, and have turned heel, to the shock of everyone.

Whether it be out of frustration, opportunity or a lack of respect, these Superstars embraces their darker side, in an effort to be the best.

Here are five WWE Superstars who shocked the world by turning heel.


#5 Shawn Michaels

Michaels, who had returned in 2002, resented the Hulkster for living off a legacy from 30 years ago.
Michaels, who had returned in 2002, resented the Hulkster for living off a legacy from 30 years ago.

Though Shawn Michaels had been a heel before his first retirement when HBK came back to WWE in 2002, he was a new man.

After finding God, Michaels competed exclusively as a face, capturing the World Heavyweight Championship at Survivor Series, and feuding with heels such as Triple H, Ric Flair, and Chris Jericho.

In 2005, Michaels found himself aligned with the recently returned Hulk Hogan, and the pair dominated until HBK superkicked Hogan in the middle of the ring.

His first heel turn in seven years, Michaels fit perfectly back in the role, explaining that Hogan had been living off a legacy from 30 years ago, as opposed to Michaels who had been entertaining fans each night.

Returning to Montreal as a heel, Michaels gave the promo of a lifetime, before losing to the Hulkster at Summerslam.

#4 He did it for... The Rock

Rikishi claimed he ran over Austin for The Rock, but he did it for the Game.
Rikishi claimed he ran over Austin for The Rock, but he did it for the Game.

At the 1999 Survivor Series, the WWE Universe witnessed a tragedy as Stone Cold Steve Austin was run-down by an unknown would-be assassin.

For a year, fans and the locker-room were left wondering, who could do that? Who could aim to take Austin out of the game, for good?

After a lengthy investigation that at one point saw Steve Blackman be accused by Shane McMahon, it was revealed that it was Rikishi who had done the deed.

Instantly becoming one of the company's most despised villains, there were clearly big plans for the Samoan, though plans for the angle quickly changed.

As Rikishi wallowed as a main eventer, the story was changed so that Rikishi was the driver, but had been working under the orders of Austin's long-time nemesis, Triple H.

#3 The Undertaker's battle for respect

The Deadman vowed to punish rookies, including a young Randy Orton he met in 2002.
The Deadman vowed to punish rookies, including a young Randy Orton he met in 2002.

When the WWF was invaded by the WCW/ECW alliance, there were plenty of defectors.

And though stars like 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin, William Regal, and Kurt Angle joined the invaders, one WWF star who always remained loyal was The Undertaker.

After the Invasion, WWF owner Vince McMahon was on an ego trip, and vowed to make Jim Ross literally kiss his buttocks.

Interfering, it seemed The Undertaker was going to save the legendary commentator, though turned on JR, claiming Ross thought he was better than the Deadman, who had (metaphorically) kissed the boss' rear-end.

With a new mean-streak, The Deadman destroyed everyone in his path in his search for respect, including Ric Flair at Wrestlemania X8, and Hulk Hogan at Judgement Day 2002, to claim the Hulkster's Undisputed WWE Championship.

#2 There's always a Plan B

The Architect destroyed his Shield brothers on RAW in 2014.
The Architect destroyed his Shield brothers on RAW in 2014.

At Survivor Series 2012, the WWE Universe saw the debut of a new group of stars, intent on handing out their own perverse form of justice.

Calling themselves The Shield, the team of Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns were an unstoppable force, always having the numbers advantage.

Capturing the United States and Tag Titles on the same night in 2013, the group grew even more powerful, and popular with the fans.

After turning face, the group vanquished Evolution in mid-2014, and with Batista quitting, Triple H told about plan B.

That plan, was Seth Rollins himself, who betrayed his brothers to join the Game, a shocking moment for all involved.

Within a year, Rollins would be WWE World Heavyweight Champion, and has now established himself as one of the top stars on Monday Night RAW.

#1 The New Daniel Bryan

Bryan has promoted an eco-sustainable lifestyle since turning heel last year.
Bryan has promoted an eco-sustainable lifestyle since turning heel last year.

When Daniel Bryan was forced to retire in 2016, everyone was emotional.

Bryan had become one of the company' most beloved babyfaces, capturing the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in 2014, before having to surrender the title due to injury.

So when Bryan returned to action in 2018, fans were rightly excited.

As the 'Yes! Man' continued to impress fans, he eventually found himself facing WWE Champion AJ Styles on the go-home show for Survivor Series.

With the referee down, Bryan quickly revealed his true colors, laying Styles out with a devastating low blow to capture the title, ending the year-long reign of the Phenomenal One.

Now one of WWE's most despised heels, Bryan has foregone all that made fans loved him, and now with Erick Rowan by his side, it seems the new Bryan is here to stay.

Meet the man who called CM Punk the softest man alive HERE