With WWE SummerSlam 2026 right around the corner, there is a lot for wrestling fans to be excited about. From the massive men’s title matches – like CM Punk defending the Undisputed WWE Championship for the first time against Cody Rhodes – to Roman Reigns putting his World Heavyweight Championship on the line against former Shield partner Seth Rollins in what feels like their final legendary showdown.
Beyond the titles, anticipation is also high for a pair of non-title matches scheduled. Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar will settle their feud inside Hell in a Cell, also known as the “Demonic Structure,” as it makes its return for the first time in nearly two years.
It was also announced this past Sunday during the SummerSlam kickoff show that Nick Aldis will get his chance at revenge against Gunther in a one-on-one match. This will mark the first time Aldis has competed in a wrestling ring since October 7, 2023.
But beyond all these exciting matchups, one burning question lingers: could we see a Cody Rhodes heel turn? With tensions escalating rapidly between Rhodes and Punk during the kickoff show, fans are eagerly waiting to see if SummerSlam is where WWE finally pulls the trigger.
Since SummerSlam and heel turns are on everyone’s radar, what better time to take a trip down memory lane? Here are the five best heel turns to ever go down at the “Biggest Party of the Summer.”
5. Tatanka Joins the Million Dollar Corporation (SummerSlam 1994)
During the summer of 1994, Ted DiBiase made waves by teasing the purchase of Lex Luger’s contract and attempting to recruit one of the company’s top babyfaces into his villainous Million Dollar Corporation.
Initially, Luger denied the claims, but as the weeks went on, the evidence kept stacking up against him. DiBiase began lurking at ringside during Luger’s matches with a red bag full of cash, all while Luger’s close ally and fellow fan-favorite, Tatanka, watched on with suspicion.
Calling out Luger for abandoning his morals in exchange for DiBiase’s cash, Tatanka set out to settle the score in a match at SummerSlam from the United Center in Chicago. The contest was highly competitive, but the finish became by far the most memorable part.
DiBiase made his way down the ramp carrying his iconic red bag of cash, clearly enjoying the chaos unfolding in the ring. Just as DiBiase reached ringside, Luger confronted him and kicked the bag right out of his hands, sending money flying through the air.
But as soon as Luger climbed back into the ring, Tatanka capitalized, using a schoolboy roll-up to steal the victory. In the aftermath, a confused Luger confronted Tatanka, only for Tatanka to suddenly attack him – embracing DiBiase to reveal that he was the one who sold out all along.
