Top eleven best WWE heel turns in recent years

These heel turns sent shockwaves through the fandom!

The world of professional wrestling thrives on the dynamics between heroes and villains, and the “heels” — the villains — play a pivotal role in igniting the passions of the fans. These antagonists are crucial in elevating matches, characters, and narratives to greater heights.

In the last half-decade, the WWE has witnessed a surge of captivating heel turns that have not only kept fans engaged but also cultivated new stars. Let’s dive into a list of the top ten best heel turns in recent WWE history, each offering a unique blend of drama, intrigue, and character evolution.

11. AJ Styles

AJ Styles has a WWE success story. He embarked on a new chapter by turning heel after WrestleMania 36. This shift infused his character with fresh energy, bolstering both his individual presence and the stature of the O.C. as a dominant tag team.

Also Read: Top 10 greatest WWE champions in history

10. Becky Lynch

Becky Lynch‘s character shift as “Big-time Becks,” made waves with her return in 2021 at SummerSlam. Unveiling her sinister side, she swiftly turned heel, marking her second such transformation in the past few years. This time, however, her heel persona was met with genuine disdain from fans, elevating her as a true antagonist within the women’s division.

Also Read: WWE Grand Slam Champion: Explained and full list

9. Sasha Banks (Mercedes Mone)

Sasha Banks’ transformation from a perpetual middle-ground character to a compelling heel took time to unfold. Her heel persona since 2019 has solidified her status as one of the most notable villains of the 2020s.

Also Read: Top 10 greatest female WWE wrestlers of all time

8. Edge

Edge, revered as a legendary heel in the past, surprised fans with a heel turn upon his return to WWE in 2020. His venture into the “Judgment Day” faction aimed to elevate both his persona and promising new talent.

Also Read: Top 10 greatest WWE rivalries of all-time

7. Jey Uso

The intense family feud between Jey Uso and Roman Reigns uncovered new layers in WWE storytelling. Jey’s eventual heel turn strengthened the Usos’ position as a premier faction, intertwined with the pursuit of unified titles.

6. Daniel Bryan (Bryan Danielson)

Daniel Bryan’s unexpected heel turn upon his return to WWE was a surprising twist, especially considering his underdog status. His tainted victory against AJ Styles underscored his mastery in portraying a hated champion. Daniel Bryan might not be with WWE anymore, but his accomplishments will always be remembered.

Also Read: Bryan Danielson’s top five best matches in AEW history

5. Charlotte Flair

Charlotte Flair‘s 2020 heel turn marked a strategic move to reignite her prominence on the main card. This shift aimed to establish her legacy distinct from her father’s while engaging fans in the ongoing narrative.

4. Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey’s remarkable journey in WWE took an unforeseen turn when she embraced the role of a heel in 2019. This unexpected shift paved the way for a historic feud with Becky Lynch, altering the course of women’s wrestling history.

3. Bayley

Bayley’s transformation from a long-standing babyface to a compelling heel in 2019 revitalized her career. This shift not only propelled her to the pinnacle of wrestling but also ignited a memorable rivalry with Becky Lynch. Currently, she is the leader of the heel stable Damage CTRL alongside WWE Smackdown Women’s Champion Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai.

Also Read: Who are the Four Horsewomen of WWE?

2. Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns‘ 2020 heel turn revolutionized his image from a polarizing figure to an unquestioned star. Aligning with Paul Heyman, Reigns’ transformation into a dominant heel has reinvigorated his character and reshaped his legacy.

1. John Cena

The 16-time WWE World Champion John Cena is a surprise addition to the list, which is why he has bagged the first position. After winning the 2025 men’s Elimination Chamber match, Cena punched his ticket to the final WrestleMania of his career.

JOHN CENA HAS SOLD HIS SOUL TO THE ROCK. #WWEChamber #WWE pic.twitter.com/bYQKbnFk73

— KN Wrestling (@knwrestling) March 2, 2025

However, he did the unthinkable after the match when The Rock and Cody Rhodes appeared for the segment where Rock was awaiting Cody’s response. While Cody refused to sell his soul to The Rock and Cena for the first time in his long illustrious career, he turned heel and aligned with The Rock to decimate Rhodes as he battered him and left him bloodied on the mat.

Cena 2025 heel turn will go down in history, it is the first time the G.O.A.T of pro wrestling has embraced the dark side and turned heel with a few months left in his WWE career.

In recent WWE history, these eleven heel turns have reshaped characters, storylines, and the landscape of wrestling itself. From Becky Lynch’s disdainful return to Roman Reigns’ epic evolution, these shifts have ignited new sparks in the ongoing drama that captivates fans worldwide.

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