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As WWE enters a new era and fans return to arenas, we can expect a lot of huge moments to transpire over the next few months. Among the most exciting of them are some potential character switches along the way.
In addition to title changes and NXT call-ups, WWE could shake things up by booking a few face and heel turns. While the company should gauge potential face turns based on crowd reactions, some superstars may soon become villains.
A couple of them have been teased for months, while additional heel turns are much-needed to heat up the road to SummerSlam. Such character developments would be beneficial in the long run too.
Let's try and predict the next five heel turns in WWE, all of which seem pretty exciting. Who do you think will be the first superstar to turn over to the dark side after live crowds return? Let us know in the comments below.
#1 Rhea Ripley could turn fully heel if Becky Lynch faces her upon returning to WWE
Rhea Ripley's character on WWE RAW has been a mess for a few months now, with her actions failing to clearly indicate her heel/face status. The Nightmare has not been particularly likable during her feud with Charlotte Flair, with both women acting like antagonists.
Ripley did seem like a babyface this week on RAW, as she is set to vanquish The Queen at Money in the Bank. However, she could turn heel as soon as next week's episode of RAW, as the current RAW Women's Champion might be Becky Lynch's first opponent back in WWE.
Lynch's return is imminent, with a recent photo showcasing her incredible physique. As a result, she could go straight for the title she never lost. And with Rhea Ripley's character status being in the gray area right now, a complete heel turn for her before SummerSlam seems likely.
Ripley would certainly be a great foil for Lynch inside the squared circle.
This may end up being the best outcome for the RAW Women's Champion, following weeks of confusing storytelling between her and Charlotte Flair.
#2 Sasha Banks might turn into a full-fledged heel during her WWE return
WWE could mirror Rhea Ripley's potential heel turn in the SmackDown Women's Championship scene. But in this case, it would be the returning superstar who becomes the villain.
Sasha Banks has not been seen on WWE television since losing to Bianca Belair in the main event of the first night of WrestleMania 37.
The WrestleMania match between them was all about making Belair a megastar, while Banks was barely the focus of the bout. WWE can highlight this aspect of the story, with the former champion realizing how much she craves the spotlight.
It could trigger The Legit Boss into becoming a full-fledged villain once she returns on SmackDown soon.
While Sasha Banks wasn't exactly a hero heading into WrestleMania 37, she was far from a proper villain at the time.
Now, a full-fledged heel turn from Banks could begin the buildup to her potential SummerSlam rematch against Belair, which will likely focus more on The Legit Boss' character change. It would be a stark contrast to the main story of Bianca Belair's star-making performance at WrestleMania, while logically progressing the feud.
Moreover, Sasha Banks has always been better in WWE as a heel, which is why the company will likely pull the trigger on this possibility at some point this year.
#3 Kevin Owens would regain some direction in WWE by turning heel
When live crowds return to WWE events in a few days, Kevin Owens will be one of the biggest fan-favorites. However, many believe that Owens' character might need a change. He has been a babyface for over two years, and during that time, the current SmackDown star did not win a single championship. This is unlike the KO of old, who won title after title as The Prizefighter.
Unless WWE has a big story planned for him, the company should turn Owens back into a heel. He has done everything possible as a good guy on SmackDown, so it seems like the right time to pull the trigger on a change.
The role of a villain is what he plays best. And based on the viciousness of his recent victory against Sami Zayn on SmackDown, Kevin Owens might be verging on a heel turn. It could happen in the next few weeks if he fails to win the Money in the Bank ladder match.
A heel turn would be an incredibly refreshing direction for the former Universal Champion while broadening his storyline opportunities as well.
#4 Drew McIntyre needs a heel turn to freshen up his character on WWE RAW
When it comes to WWE Superstars who need to turn heel for their own sake, Drew McIntyre has to be on that list. The Scottish Warrior has spent the past few episodes of WWE RAW delivering history lessons about Winston Churchill and the Loch Ness Monster. Not a lot of fans want to see him do that.
While McIntyre was a hero to live crowds back in early 2020, his current persona could make audiences turn on him over the next few months. The former WWE Champion would have to wait on a heel turn, though. He is currently in a feud with Jinder Mahal, which might culminate at SummerSlam.
However, turning heel would be beneficial for McIntyre in the long run. Such a development could stem from his recent run of failures on RAW. The Scotsman must ultimately gain his redemption down the line, but there should be some challenges along the way.
Drew McIntyre's turn to the dark side would spark a lot of intrigue and shake things up on RAW, especially at a time when the red brand desperately needs major changes.
#5 WWE's resident snake Randy Orton will likely turn heel on Riddle
While a predictable move from WWE, Randy Orton's impending heel turn on Riddle should come after a few more months of them being a successful team. RK-Bro has risen up the tag team ranks on RAW since the post-WrestleMania period, thanks to their oddly impressive chemistry as teammates.
While Orton has been off WWE television for weeks, he should be back in time for the buildup to SummerSlam. The odd couple might challenge AJ Styles and Omos for the RAW Tag Team Championship, which should lead to a popular title change.
Riddle and Orton could have a fun tag team title reign before their partnership comes crashing down.
There is no reason for the company to rush the 14-time world champion's heel turn.
The longer the team lasts, the likelier fans will be behind the subsequent feud between Randy Orton and Riddle. Everyone except The King of Bros knows it is happening, so why not tug on the fans' heartstrings a little bit?
