The whole heel and face dynamic has been working for the WWE for a while, but sometimes things do not exactly go as planned. If you become popular as a heel, then it’s likely the crowd will cheer you, no matter how much of a douche you are. Here are some of the matches where the crowd cheered the heel!
AJ Styles at Summerslam
AJ Styles was an extremely popular indie wrestler before he came to the WWE. Those who did not know him by the time he arrived, soon knew him for his ability to get a good match out of any wrestler. Currently, AJ Styles is still considered as one of the best in the world.
Even though AJ Styles is an excellent heel, the man became so popular that fans were starting to cheer him. Even during his match against John Cena at Summerslam 2016, the heel was cheered. Unfortunately, John Cena received some massive boos in return. The old switcheroo, courtesy of the fans!
Seth Rollins Cashing in at Wrestlemania 31
We still describe it as the heist of the century, the moment where Seth Rollins cashed in his Money in the Bank contract at Wrestlemania 31. The crowd could not believe their eyes, and Twitter lit up like a Christmas tree shortly afterwards.
We all know Seth Rollins was a heel at the time, but the crowd was so impressed with the way Rollins pulled it off. You can clearly hear loads of cheers, forcing the WWE to turn him face later.
Triple H at the Royal Rumble 2016
Putting in a veteran heel such as Triple H will cause some cheers in the crowd; this much is a given. However, putting up Triple H against Roman Reigns, who received a tremendous amount of boos at that time, is certainly going to transform Triple H into a baby face, and this is exactly what happened at the Royal Rumble of 2016.
The WWE first teased the crowd with a possible win for Roman Reigns, only to let the Game enter at number 30, and letting him become the World Champion for the 14th time. Well played WWE!
Sycho Sid at Survivor Series 1996
It is hard to imagine a time where Shawn Michaels was not supported by the crowd, but it seemed like the crowd abandoned Michaels during his match against Sid Vicious (Sycho Sid). Sid Vicious was cheered, even though he was supposed to be the heel in this match. You will also notice the numerous fist bumps he’s getting before the match, unthinkable for heels nowadays.
Hollywood Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania 18
The hearts of little kids around the world broke when Hulk Hogan turned heel and became Hollywood Hogan. Fortunately, the Hulkster did not stay heel forever, because a return to the WWE and a match against the Rock would force the company to turn him face again. The best thing about the sudden heel to face turn? It happened in the middle of his match!
What heel cheering matches do you remember most? Let us know in the comment section below.