Character changes are a staple in the evolving world of WWE. Being stuck in the same character for a long time can prove counterproductive. In contrast, a change in character, which usually manifests as a babyface or heel turn, could breathe life into a struggling Superstar’s career and open new opportunities.
For example, the WWE Universe firmly rejected Roman Reigns’ meteoric rise to the top as the Big Dog. However, Reigns turned his fortunes around with the Tribal Chief gimmick, which made him into a global Superstar. In many ways, the heel turn saved his career.
In recent months, we have seen some intriguing heel turns. Randy Orton turned his back on Cody Rhodes for their WrestleMania program. Meanwhile, Sami Zayn’s moral crisis continues to add layers to his personality. Currently, several stars are teasing a heel turn. If those eventual character changes happen, they might have a change in fortune.
On that note, let’s look at 4 WWE Superstars who could turn heel in the foreseeable future.
#4. Damian Priest Could Turn His Back on R Truth
Damian Priest and R-Truth currently hold the WWE Tag Team Championships. Although they have had much success as a duo, the cracks are beginning to show in their fragile alliance. The tag champs are embroiled in an angle with the MFTs. Royce Keys has helped Priest and Truth in their fight against Solo Sikoa’s group.
However, Sikoa seems to have a soft spot for Keys. Since the former AEW star has come to his aid numerous times, Truth trusts Keys. Nonetheless, the same cannot be said for Priest. The Punisher has taken issue with Truth’s eagerness to help Keys in his fight against the MFTs.
At this point, it feels as if the Tag Titles are the only thing holding the alliance together. If the MFTs end up winning the WWE Tag Team Championships, Priest could snap and ruthlessly assault Truth. This would instantly make the former World Heavyweight Champion one of the most hated men on the roster.
Furthermore, it would open up new angles and opportunities for Priest. The former Judgment Day member could feud with Keys or potentially pursue the WWE Championship.
#3. Royce Keys Joins the MFTs
Damian Priest might have a point. Royce Keys does have an intriguing association with Solo Sikoa, which could translate into a meaningful alliance down the line. The 2026 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal Winner has brought the fight to the MFTs, but the numbers and odds are not in his favor.
Eventually, Keys could give in to Sikoa’s pleas and join the MFTs, turning heel in the process. RAW has dominant factions, but SmackDown doesn’t have many. Furthermore, WWE also teased a feud between the MFTs and the Bloodline at Clash in Italy. At present, Roman Reigns has the Usos and Jacob Fatu on his side.
Meanwhile, Sikoa only has Talla and Tama Tonga. If he could enlist the powerful Royce Keys, he would have the numbers and strength to take down Reigns’ Bloodline.
#2. LA Knight Could Turn Heel to Realize His True Potential in WWE
There seems to be a glass ceiling for LA Knight. For years, the Megastar has been a staple in the upper midcard on the cusp of breaking out as a main event-level Superstar. While US Title runs and major feuds have come and gone, World Championship success has eluded the popular star. Despite his booking, he remains over.
Recently, Knight has taken issue with the Usos’ alliance with the Bloodline. The former US Champion has been a victim of the faction in the past, and he would want to avoid a similar fate. Truth be told, for all that he has accomplished, his current character has not earned him the success the “Yeah Movement” initially demanded.
A heel turn could give Knight the edge he desperately needs. WWE could book the turn similar to Drew McIntyre’s descent into madness and obsession, which began with his Bloodline hunter gimmick.
#1. WWE Champion Cody Rhodes Could Use a Heel Turn
In the TKO Era, Cody Rhodes has been the undisputed poster boy of the company. QB1 has led WWE during the last few years, and his feuds have always been a focal point of programming. Given the role he has been given, it makes sense for the American Nightmare to be a good guy.
However, a vocal section of the audience is growing frustrated with his gimmick. Many of his feuds feel formulaic, failing to inspire anything special. WWE has turned all the babyfaces around, Rhodes heel to protect QB1’s image. John Cena, Randy Orton, Kevin Owens, and now, Sami Zayn, have all turned to the dark side for their respective angles with Rhodes.
Nonetheless, a heel turn feels inevitable. The timing will be crucial. The American Nightmare earned a controversial win over Gunther in the Inalpi Arena at Clash in Italy. His complex relationship with Zayn has also brought out a more selfish version of his character. Putting all the pieces together, WWE could be setting the stage for a massive Cody Rhodes heel turn.
