Booking a compelling heel turn requires a precise balance of psychological motivation and dramatic execution. This guide breaks down the essential steps to make that transition resonate with the audience.
Phase 1: The Psychology of the Turn (The Motivation)
A good heel turn is not random; it is the logical conclusion of a character's journey. The audience must understand why the character is betraying them or the character's ally- although it doesn't need to be explained immediately.
1. The Disgruntlement (The Slow Burn)
The turn should be foreshadowed, with there being hints leading up to it that something is going to happen. During this time, the wrestler's status with the fans is that they are still cheering for them, but also noticing that they are not quite the same person that they usually are. Possible ways to do this include:
Subtle Arrogance: The face begins acting differently, perhaps even appearing to be at lack of ease around an ally, and isolating themselves. They might also start taking shortcuts or showing off, brushing off their questionable and uncharacteristic actions after a win.
Failed Expectations: The face begins losing matches clean, and is clearly frustrated. At some point, they refuse a handshake after a loss, leaving the other face standing alone in the ring.
The Unacknowledged Sacrifice: The face constantly puts their body on the line for the fans, but a win still earns them fewer cheers than they used to receive, which appears to visibly bother them.
Whatever hints you use, the key is to use ones that fit the situation, so that after the heel turn happens, if anyone looks back at the events that led up to the turn, all of it makes sense. Otherwise, there might be confusion in regards to why the character turned heel- you want the heel turn to be one that can be clearly understood by a fan, even if they're not happy about the turn.
2. The Motivator (The Catalyst)
A catalyst is the moment or event that pushes the character over the edge. It can be internal or external.
Internal Self-Doubt: The face loses one too many matches than they can bear, and feels that being a fan favorite isn't enough to be successful. They decide, "The cheers aren't helping me- I need to do whatever it takes to win."
The Power Shift: While a heel faction is beginning to dominate the promotion, the face feels that they have to choose between being a part of the force, or possibly being consumed by the power of the faction. They decide to join the heel faction.
Phase 2: The Execution of the Turn (The Moment)
Even if the heel turn is expected, the moment and exactly how it happens should be shocking, definitive, and immediately establish the character's new attitude of heelishness
3. The Target: Betrayal
A very impactful turn tends to involve betraying a character that the heel was allied with, such as a tag team partner or mentor. It's a safe strategy for it to be a face who is more popular than the character that is turning, otherwise the fans might begin cheering the attack or become confused, which are not the reactions you will want. In addition, the heel must use the audience's investment against them. After the face commits the heelish act, they should look directly at the audience, not showing an ounce of regret.
4. The Method: Maximum Impact
The maximum impact of a heel turn is often derived from emotional betrayal and devious ill will, rather than shock value or dramatic violence. A heel turn doesn't always have to be decisive and extremely dramatic to succeed; in fact, a wrestler attacking their opponent after losing a match, or even a simple, cunning maneuver, can often generate lasting heat from the audience. For example, gaining a win after delivering a low blow or via a roll up using the ropes: if a face uses this tactic to win a championship, this tactic is seen as heelish. This subtle shifting- the moment they choose self-interest and benefit over rules during a previously clean match can change a fan's view of them like how a shocking, violent attack can. While something like a chairshot on an unsuspecting partner is a classic and effective visual, it is not strictly necessary. Some of the greatest heat is generated when the turn feels real, stemming from a small, selfish action that shatters a friendship or a relationship built on respect.
Phase 3: The Fallout (The Heat)
The turn is only 10% of the job; the next few weeks are the remaining 90%. A newly turned heel must justify their actions and establish new behaviors.
5. The Promo: Justification, Not Apology
While a successful heel turn usually prioritizes action over immediate words -one reason sometimes being the idea that shock, and the sound of the attack (or the impact of the finisher) are most effective- the follow-up promo should not be underestimated as a tool for cementing the turn. The first promo must establish the heel's truth- they are not sorry; they are now free. The post-turn promo serves a crucial purpose: it allows the heel to tie up loose ends and explain their actions, justifying them, and maybe mocking the audience for their belief in fair play. This explanation presents to the fans that their actions were not done merely out of emotion- they were done as a result of a philosophical change. A well-delivered, arrogant promo can intensify the heat either by expressing dislike for the fans, revealing a long-held secret dissatisfaction with their former ally, or claiming that they don't need anyone- including the fans. The initial silence creates the shock, but the subsequent promo makes the new heel despised, whose words reinforce their newfound cruelty and big ego, as they express their belief that they are the best.
The Fans are the Problem: If the heel expresses dislike for the fans, they should blame the audience for their turn: "You didn't appreciate me!" This immediately directs the heat back toward the audience.
New Look, New Attitude: Although not a necessity, a change of the heels wardrobe, theme music, or mannerisms would enhance their new image. Changing their colors from bright to dark, a smile replaced by a smirk or a sneer, or a slower walking pace.
By focusing on deep psychological motivation (Phase 1), executing the turn with impact (Phase 2), and maintaining consistent, arrogant behavior (Phase 3), a booker can create a heel turn that makes the wrestler stand even more than they did as a face.
If you are struggling to book a compelling heel turn, I can help. I offer consulting services to help wrestling promotions develop and execute their booking strategies and storylines. I can help you with creative writing, psychology, and industry tradition, as well as advanced concepts. Contact me at info@harold-williams.com
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