Most Shocking WWE and AEW Heel Turns That Could Happen This Year

After one of the busiest weekends on the wrestling calendar, fans are already turning their attention to what the rest of 2026 will hold for AEW and WWE's biggest names.

One of the easiest ways for wrestling companies to infuse excitement into their product is by turning a popular babyface heel, offering both shock value and new storyline and feud possibilities.

With All Elite Wrestling looking to maintain its momentum and WWE still searching for stories that truly connect with fans, here are the most shocking heel turns that could happen this year.

Cody Rhodes

Despite Cody Rhodes himself remaining adamant that he would like to remain a babyface and a role model for younger fans, several years as WWE's top good guy have started to wear thin on fans.

It has become clear that the company could get more mileage from a dramatic character shift than continuing the same John Cena-esque stories.

Since jumping ship from AEW, Rhodes has done almost everything a top babyface could accomplish, including winning multiple world championships, headlining WrestleMania and finishing his story.

The WWE Universe doesn't buy the underdog story anymore. It's time for him to lean into the American Nightmare gimmick after losing the Undisputed World Championship to Sami Zayn at Night of Champions.

Even as the company's top babyface, there are things Rhodes is already doing that, with a small tweak, could become heel qualities. He is obsessed with legacy, incredibly emotional and willing to sacrifice everything to stay on top, all of which are qualities that could become cornerstones of his heel character going forward.

WWE has worked over the last several years to build a new crop of Superstars for fans to support, whether it's now or down the line. Look for names like Oba Femi, Bron Breakker, Jacob Fatu, Jey Uso and others to take the mantle if Rhodes turns to the dark side.

The stage is set for Rhodes to follow in the footsteps of Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, and Cena.

Kenny Omega

As The Cleaner, Kenny Omega's heel run was one of the best in recent history, and it's time for the AEW veteran to put away the babyface gear and get back to what made him one of the best wrestlers in history.

Since returning from injury, Omega's programs have focused on overcoming adversity, reuniting with old allies and regaining his previous form. His comeback feels nearly complete, making this year the ideal moment for a dramatic character shift.

The one thing Omega has lacked since his return is enough interest in the world championship scene, and that should become the catalyst for his heel turn. He should attribute his lack of success to his affiliation with The Elite and claim that the AEW he once knew is gone, replaced by a softer version that needs to be cleaned up.

What makes the heel turn so intriguing is that Tony Khan and AEW have created a new generation ready to challenge him, including Will Ospreay, Swerve Strickland, Hangman Adam Page, Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher and more. These matchups would feel fresh since Omega's motivations would be completely different.

It's time for the return of The Cleaner.

LA Knight

There are few Superstars in recent WWE history who have gotten as over organically with fans as LA Knight, but the company continues to fail at capitalizing on his momentum.

Like Dean Ambrose or Cesaro before, Triple H is wasting a talented performer.

This mistreatment should be the entire basis for Knight's heel turn in 2026.

The Megastar has already started showing signs on television of becoming frustrated over missed title opportunities and being overlooked despite his popularity, so now is the time to have him start blaming the WWE Universe for his lack of success.

As a narcissistic heel, Knight's cocky attitude would translate well to ruthless arrogance without losing what made him so popular in the first place. He can still insult opponents, brag about himself, and interact with the crowd, but this time, it will be running down each town they visit instead of building them up.

Like MJF in AEW, Knight has the ability to make people hate him on the mic, something foreign to modern-day wrestling fans. Add in the fact that WWE desperately needs elite heels right now, and he should be given the chance to shine as a world champion, if only for a short time.

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