What Is a Face Turn in WWE?By Coder| September 29, 2023 Wrestling Blogs A face turn in WWE, also known as a babyface turn, is a term used to describe the transition of a professional wrestler from a villainous or heel character to a heroic or face character. This change in character aligns the wrestler with the fans’ support and portrays them as a fan-favorite. Let’s delve deeper into what exactly constitutes a face turn and its significance in the world of professional wrestling. Understanding Face and Heel Characters In professional wrestling, characters are typically divided into two categories: faces and heels. A face is a wrestler who portrays a heroic, good-natured, and sympathetic persona. Faces are often cheered by the audience and embody positive values such as integrity, courage, and sportsmanship. On the other hand, heels are characters who play the role of villains or antagonists. They engage in underhanded tactics, cheat their way to victory, and often disrespect both their opponents and fans. Heels generate negative reactions from the audience through their actions and behavior. The Purpose of Face Turns A face turn serves several purposes within the narrative of professional wrestling: Refreshing Storylines: Face turns inject new life into ongoing storylines by introducing unexpected character transformations. This dynamic shift keeps fans engaged and interested in the evolving plot. Emotional Connection: By turning a previously disliked character into someone more relatable or sympathetic, face turns allow wrestlers to establish emotional connections with fans. This connection can lead to increased fan support and investment in their matches. Broadening Fan Base: A well-executed face turn can attract new viewers who may have previously been put off by an individual wrestler’s heel persona. It opens up opportunities for the wrestler to appeal to a wider audience. How Face Turns Are Executed Face turns are typically executed through storylines and carefully crafted character arcs. Several common methods are used to facilitate a face turn: Redemption Story: One of the most effective ways to turn a heel into a face is by having them go through a redemption arc. This involves the wrestler recognizing their past actions, making amends, and showing remorse for their previous behavior. Alliance with Other Faces: Another way to initiate a face turn is by forming an alliance or partnership with established face characters. By association, the wrestler gradually adopts more heroic traits and aligns themselves with the values upheld by their newfound allies. Fan Support: Sometimes, fans themselves play a crucial role in prompting a face turn. If the audience consistently cheers for a previously disliked wrestler or shows sympathy towards them, WWE may decide to capitalize on this organic fan support and officially turn the character into a face. Examples of Memorable Face Turns Over the years, WWE has witnessed numerous memorable face turns that have left an indelible mark on wrestling history. Some notable examples include: Eddie Guerrero Eddie Guerrero’s transformation from conniving heel to beloved face remains one of the most iconic in WWE history. His honest portrayal of personal struggles, redemption arc, and charismatic in-ring performances endeared him to fans worldwide. Daniel Bryan Daniel Bryan’s journey from an underdog heel to an inspiring face was fueled by overwhelming fan support. Bryan’s “Yes!” chants became synonymous with his rise, culminating in a triumphant WrestleMania moment that solidified his status as a top face in WWE. Stone Cold Steve Austin Stone Cold Steve Austin’s rebellious anti-hero character initially started as a heel. However, his charismatic persona and refusal to conform to authority figures quickly won fans over, leading to one of the most successful face turns in wrestling history. Conclusion A face turn is an essential tool in professional wrestling storytelling. It allows wrestlers to evolve their characters, connect with the audience on a deeper level, and bring new dynamics to ongoing storylines. Whether through redemption arcs, alliances, or fan support, face turns have played a significant role in shaping the landscape of WWE and captivating fans for decades.
