Nothing excites WWE fans like a dramatic face turn. When a superstar shifts from villain to hero or anti-hero and send the crowd into a frenzy. The best face turns tap into real audience sentiment and changes the trajectory of entire eras. Sometimes it takes a single match, a post-match save, or a powerful promo for a wrestler to earn the fans’ adoration.
These face turns have given birth to new eras and delivered some of the most memorable moments in sports entertainment history. Here’s our ranking of the top 10 face turns of all time, spotlighting the wrestlers who made the crowd roar.
11. Hulk Hogan (2002)
After years as the villainous “Hollywood” Hogan in WCW’s nWo faction, Hulk Hogan returned to WWE in 2002. Despite his heel status, fans cheered him during his WrestleMania match against The Rock. Post-match, Hogan was attacked by nWo members Kevin Nash and Scott Hall, leading to The Rock aiding him. This moment solidified Hogan’s return to his heroic “Hulkamania” persona.
10. CM Punk’s “Pipebomb” Promo (2011)
In 2011, CM Punk delivered a scathing, unscripted promo criticizing WWE’s management, blurring the lines between storyline and reality. This “pipebomb” resonated with fans, leading to Punk’s transition to a face character. His rebellious persona and subsequent WWE Championship win at Money in the Bank 2011 cemented his status as a fan favorite.
9. Daniel Bryan’s “Yes” Movement (2014)
Despite being positioned as an underdog, Daniel Bryan’s immense popularity led to the “Yes” Movement, with fans vocally supporting him. WWE incorporated this groundswell into storylines, leading to Bryan’s face turn. His journey led to winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XXX.
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 Most Controversial WWE Matches of All Time
8. Becky Lynch Becomes “The Man” (2018)
At SummerSlam 2018, Becky Lynch attacked Charlotte Flair after a triple threat match, initially turning heel. However, the WWE Universe overwhelmingly supported Lynch’s actions, relating with her frustration over being overlooked. Embracing the moniker “The Man,” Lynch’s anti-hero persona led to a meteoric rise, making her the first woman to headline WrestleMania.
7. Shawn Michaels Ends Partnership with Triple H (2002)
Upon returning to WWE in 2002, Shawn Michaels reunited with his former DX partner, Triple H. However, Triple H attacked Michaels, leading to a heated rivalry. Michaels’ resilience and determination to overcome his former friend made him a fan favorite.
It’s amazing to think that Triple H turning on Shawn Michaels during the DX reunion back in 2002 gave birth to one of the greatest feuds in WWE history. pic.twitter.com/YSp5CffLxo
— Wrestling Pics & Clips (@WrestleClips) November 16, 2024
6. Randy Savage Reunites with Miss Elizabeth (1991)
At WrestleMania VII, after losing a retirement match to The Ultimate Warrior, Randy Savage was attacked by Sensational Sherri. Miss Elizabeth, watching from the audience, rushed to the ring to save Savage. The emotional reunion between Savage and Elizabeth led to Savage’s face turn, resulting in their on-screen wedding at SummerSlam 1991.
5. Batista Breaks from Evolution (2005)
In 2005, Batista won the Royal Rumble, earning a title shot at WrestleMania 21. His Evolution stablemates, Triple H and Ric Flair, attempted to manipulate him into challenging for the WWE Championship to protect Triple H’s World Heavyweight Championship. Batista saw through their plan, famously giving the thumbs-down gesture before attacking Triple H and Flair, leading to his first World Heavyweight Championship win.
Also Read: Ranking the 10 Best WWE Storylines of All Time
4. John Cena Aligns with The Rock (2025)
At Elimination Chamber 2025, John Cena shocked the WWE Universe by aligning with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. After winning the chamber match, Cena attacked Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes during a post-match embrace, signaling a dramatic heel turn. This unexpected alliance with his former rival, The Rock, set the stage for a high-stakes WrestleMania 41 showdown.
3. Andre the Giant Turns on Bobby Heenan (1990)
At WrestleMania VI in 1990, after a loss, Bobby Heenan berated Andre the Giant, slapping him in frustration. Andre responded by grabbing Heenan and knocking him out of the ring, signaling his break from the heelish Heenan Family.
2. The Undertaker Rejects Jake Roberts (1992)
In 1992, Jake “The Snake” Roberts sought to involve The Undertaker in his malicious schemes. However, during an episode of “The Funeral Parlor,” Roberts attacked Paul Bearer, pushing The Undertaker to intervene and protect his manager. This act of loyalty signified The Undertaker’s transition to a face character, leading to a feud with Roberts.
A visit to The Funeral Parlor in February 1992
I discussed this moment with @undertaker on a recent episode of his podcast!#TrustMe pic.twitter.com/O6M43ETxA6
— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) March 1, 2025
Which is the greatest WWE face turn of all time?
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin Turns Face (1997)
At WrestleMania 13, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin faced Bret “The Hitman” Hart in a Submission Match. Despite losing consciousness in Hart’s Sharpshooter, Austin refused to submit, showcasing immense resilience. This performance earned him the audience’s respect as Austin’s anti-hero persona was loved by fans.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Which WWE face turn had the largest immediate crowd reaction?
Hulk Hogan’s turn back to “Hulkamania” after WrestleMania X8 in 2002 drew a legendary ovation from the Toronto crowd, with the building shaking when he was saved by The Rock and embraced his iconic persona again.
Which face turn most significantly changed WWE’s business direction?
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s 1997 face turn at WrestleMania 13 is widely seen as the most transformative. It kicked off the Attitude Era and helped WWE overtake WCW in the Monday Night Wars.
Has John Cena ever turned heel in WWE?
Until 2025, John Cena had never fully turned heel as a singles star since his main event rise. His Elimination Chamber attack on Cody Rhodes, aligning with The Rock, was his long-awaited heel turn.
