Most Likely Heel and Face Turns at WWE WrestleMania 39

WrestleMania 39 needs to be the biggest two-night event WWE has ever produced. With so much hanging in the balance, the creative team must put together two nights of surprises, excitement and tension that get everyone talking.

One great way to shock everyone is a dramatic heel or face turn, pushing a character to a new perspective for months and years to come.

This year, the possible turns are more plentiful than ever. Some are likelier than others. Everyone expects something big from Jey Uso, but it may be just as important for Dominik Mysterio to make his own stand in The Judgment Day.

The women's division is in flux. Charlotte Flair, Asuka and Trish Stratus may be faces for the moment, but none seem comfortable in the role. Meanwhile, Rhea Ripley is ready to embrace the crowd.

These are the most likely heel and face turns to come out of this coming weekend, making the biggest splash possible at WrestleMania Goes Hollywood.

Face: Jey Uso (and Jimmy Uso, in Time)

Jey Uso chose his side on the March 6, 2023 edition of WWE Raw, when he turned on Sami Zayn and stood with his brother, Jimmy. But Jey has hinted since that he did not make his decision with complete confidence.

He had to protect his brother from the wrath of Roman Reigns while keeping the WWE Undisputed Tag Team Championship in the family. Zayn has also called out that Jey hates Reigns and wants to break free from his abuse.

If Jey lost the gold against Zayn and Kevin Owens, he might just see the light and realize he and Jimmy would be better off alone.

While Jimmy is less likely to turn at the moment, he would almost certainly follow his brother eventually. It may only come after the brothers face each other one-on-one, but The Usos will choose their side away from The Head of the Table.

The Bloodline is beginning to fall apart, and Jey can benefit from embracing a babyface role. The Usos could be even bigger stars in a few months' time.

Heel: Braun Strowman

Braun Strowman has always been a better heel than a face. His recent run with Ricochet has devalued The Monster of All Monsters, causing him to lose matches he should be winning.

The men's WrestleMania Showcase match lacks a clear story. A Strowman heel turn would make it all matter, especially assuming it comes after Ricochet loses for the team again.

While the two have chemistry as partners, the tag team division needs them to thrive. They could be even better rivals, though, setting up the two for a heated rivalry over the next few months.

Ricochet is an underrated performer who has rarely featured in storyline rivalries. He has the talent to benefit from the spotlight that would come with working against Strowman, even if he is likely to lose the matches that follow.

Heel: Trish Stratus and/or Lita

Trish Stratus and Lita have come back to WWE with a clear goal to solidify their legacies while working with a group of talented young women on the current roster.

However, if either wants to stay beyond this week, a happy veteran run will not be enough. There is big money in Lita or Stratus feuding with Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair and others.

Last year, Stratus talked about wanting to be a heel again in WWE in an interview with Ring The Belle. Twitter account @WRKDWrestling has reported that the plan is for the seven-time women's champion to turn on Lynch.

However, at this point, nothing is certain on the timing. Lita and Stratus will team with The Man to fight Damage CTRL at WrestleMania, and Bayley's crew should win no matter what it takes.

That may mean a surprise turn by one or both of the veterans, or Bayley could add some new members to Damage CTRL. But something has to give during this six-woman tag match.

Face: Dominik Mysterio/Heel: Legado del Fantasma

Dominik Mysterio has never been better. His heel run in The Judgment Day has caused many to reevaluate their perception of the 25-year-old.

However, as he prepares for a match with his father, Rey Mysterio, there may never be a better time to reposition him in WWE based on the story the two tell in the ring.

Fighting his own father will either make Dominik double-down on his behavior or reconsider how he has acted. It is all about positioning him in the best situation going forward.

Even if he stayed as a villain, he could make a change by switching stables. Legado del Fantasma will likely be close at hand for this match, and Dom could join them and turn them heel with him.

Santos Escobar, Zelina Vega, Joaquin Wilde and Raul Mendoza have looked miscast recently as a babyface group. If WWE wants to go big, it could have the whole group protect Dom and set up a faction rivalry post-WrestleMania.

Dom must not lose his personality, but he has potential to truly raise his stake by the end of WrestleMania weekend alongside "Mami" Rhea Ripley.

Heel: Charlotte Flair/Face: Rhea Ripley

Something has felt off with the build of Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley since the beginning. The heat is there, but the story isn't. In particular, The Queen has not fit her babyface role.

Every time she has spoken, her promos have come off more heel-like. Meanwhile, the crowd loves The Eradicator, even if she keeps her cool villain persona for the moment.

This match can far exceed the build by pulling off one of the best twists in wrestling, a double turn. Bret Hart vs. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13 was a special moment for WWE that set up the future of the business.

The women have yet to have quite as dramatic a turn, but a double turn could make sure it lasts the test of time.

This would leave Ripley in an odd position with The Judgment Day, but if Dominik Mysterio also turned face, it could begin a bold new direction for the underused stable.

Heel: Asuka

Face vs. face matches can be done in WWE, but it is much easier to sell if someone turns heel. Then, the crowd knows better who to root for.

Asuka has begun a transformation since unveiling new battle makeup at the Royal Rumble in January. However, the development has been moving in slow motion since she earned a shot at Bianca Belair.

That could be because WWE is waiting for WrestleMania for The Empress of Tomorrow to truly show off what she can do.

That could mean using more supernatural power. Her former tag team partner, Alexa Bliss, could also embrace her spookier side while helping The Empress. Perhaps Asuka will simply become more ruthless, brutally attacking The EST of WWE to get the gold.

No matter what path WWE takes, Asuka would thrive as a heel in a new-look Raw women's division, especially following a possible future WWE draft.

Face: Austin Theory

Credit: WWE.com

Austin Theory faced down one of his idols, John Cena, and was told he could not cut it.

Austin Theory has been a heel for most of his time in WWE, including NXT. He has the smarmy young star routine down. However, he may benefit from testing himself as a fan favorite.

The 25-year-old has the charisma to pull it off, perhaps emulating his WrestleMania opponent, John Cena, who is returning to help build the future of the company he carried for a decade.

He is not facing Theory just to give him a quick victory, though. It would be more impactful for the young star to earn Cena's respect. It may not come at The Show of Shows, assuming this rivalry can extend to future events.

However, it would certainly be a special moment for the United States champion to make his mark by defeating the 45-year-old in a way that solidifies him as a top guy.

Theory has proved his worth over this last year. He has been embarrassed but always risen back up the ranks. He is poised for a big run, which could be as a future top face.