WWE delivered several engaging storylines throughout the year. Catering to the demand, several superstars showed unknown or familiar shades of their personalities. In short, it was a year with its fair share of personality changes.
It seems the new Head of Creative, Triple H wanted to make a statement right from the beginning of the year. To elaborate, the former Raw Women’s Champion, Alexa Bliss, tapped her heel persona as she attacked the referee and went over the EST, Bianca Belair. There were even surprising babyface turns as the likes of Shayna Baszler decided to receive the love of fans and even stood up against icons like Ronda Rousey.
With a few more days left in 2023, one should still not sit out on the thought of the roster remaining consistent. While the shocking factor accompanies all the changes in character, some did manage to stand out.
10. Asuka turns heel and joins the Damage CTRL
The Empress of Tomorrow has been one of those few names to quickly shift alliances to reach their goals. The former WWE Women’s Champion shocked everyone by turning on Bianca Belair and Charlotte Flair during the six-woman tag team match on SmackDown.
There was visible disgust and distaste on the face of the crowd as she sprayed poison mist on the EST of WWE. Allowing the Damage CTRL to pick up the win, Asuka joined them in their celebration. Later she was declared as the fourth member of the Damage CTRL Team for the Survivor Series 2023 Women’s War Games Match.
9. Jimmy Uso turns face on Roman Reigns
The occasion was the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship match. The duo of Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn was against the challengers, Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa. Just like the previous occasions, the Usos showed up and the Bloodline was on a winning moment. However, the tides soon turned when Solo was accidentally superkicked and the Tribal Chief got on the nerves of Jimmy Uso.
Jimmy was triggered and replied with two vicious superkicks one after another. Jey got into his face and asked the reason behind his deed. Jimmy gave a reply that shook Jey, he said, “I’m doing what you should have done a long time ago”.
8. Drew McIntyre turns heel by delivering a claymore on Jey Uso
The buildup to Survivor Series 2023 saw a lot of demeanor changes. It also included the heel turn by the Scottish Warrior, Drew McIntyre who decided to show his changed attitude by kicking off the head of Main Event, Jey Uso. Later, he walked close to the stage and stood with Rhea Ripley by his side.
This was a moment that heralded the inclusion of Drew McIntyre in the Survivor Series Men’s War Games team of the Judgment Day. For long, fans observed the lack of consistent thought patterns in the Scottish Warrior. He blamed the Bloodline for his demise and Jey Uso was the visible fragment of the stable at that point. Thus, a seething McIntyre was bent on turning all the stones to get his hands on Jey Uso.
7. Jey Uso turns face by delivering a Superkick on Roman Reigns
The former Tag Team Champion had been on the receiving end of excruciating mental conflict. He was torn between standing up for the man who had earned his respect, Sami Zayn, and not disappointing his Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. His suffering finally came to an end when the Bloodline met on the 16th June episode of SmackDown.
Jey’s mental clarity eventually brought the end to the Bloodline. He chose to side with his seceding brother Jimmy and put a statement by superkicking both of his cousins in front of thousands. It was an emphatic end, that fans never expected for the Bloodline.
6. AJ Styles turns heel on LA Knight
AJ Styles was on a long hiatus after he got taken out by the Bloodline. It was then that the Megastar, LA Knight stepped up to aid the 16-time World Champion, John Cena. After being victorious at Fastlane, the Megastar even headlined the Crown Jewel 2023 with the Tribal Chief.
It seems the Phenomenal was frustrated at having been denied his opportunities by the Megastar. He would make a surprising return by slamming a thunderous Phenomenal Forearm on the Tribal Chief. However, he would also clothesline the Megastar to vent his repressed hatred.
5. The Miz turns face against Gunther
The A-lister has been one of those few names who nailed every role given to them. Fans fondly remember the days he lifted the Intercontinental title to its prestigious pedestal. It seems the Miz felt that title calling his name once again, as he issued a challenge to the Ring General.
The former 2-time Grand Slam Champion was shunned and was called a joke. Then, the fans saw that Miz could be serious whenever he wanted.
4. Santos Escobar turns heel on Rey Mysterio
The Greatest-Mask-of-All-Time gave fans a treat when he went on to revive the Latino World Order earlier this year. His efforts were aided by his prodigy, Santos Escobar. He aided Rey Mysterio‘s efforts as they recruited names like Joaquin Wilde, Cruz Del Toro, and Zelina Vega into their fold.
However, the inclusion of Carlito had become a thorn in the flesh of the Emperor of Lucha Libre. He decided to take control of the situation by thrashing Mysterio. The assault was so vicious that Mysterio still remains sidelined from action to this date, meanwhile, Santos continues his rant against his former teammates.
3. LA Knight turns face after his defeat against Bray Wyatt
LA Knight has been one of the biggest stars of 2023. Despite a lackluster debut as a manager, he did slip into a wrestling role as a heel superstar once Triple H took the reins of WWE Creative. His heel demeanor was further cemented as he became the first rival for the returning Bray Wyatt.
Both the superstars squared in a unique Pitch-Black Match where the Eater-of-Worlds emerged victorious. It seems like Wyatt brought a change of heart to Knight. Since then, the Megastar has been one of the biggest babyfaces of the Blue Brand.
2. Shinsuke Nakamura turns heel on Tomasso Ciampa
Shinsuke Nakamura earned the respect of the WWE Universe once he competed in a hard-hitting match against Gunther. However, constantly losing made him lose his cool against the Blackheart, Tomasso Ciampa. A heel turn that looked like a minor spark turned out to be a wild forest fire.
After feuding with Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins for the World Heavyweight Title, he showed his vicious side to the fans. He has become a menace to the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes. Owing to his Anime-villain-inspired gimmick, combined with acidic words and gruesome fighting styles, fans discovered a new shade of the Japanese legend that wasn’t seen before.
1. Sami Zayn turns face on Roman Reigns
The efforts of the underdog from the underground finally paid off at Royal Rumble 2023. Sami Zayn listened to his heart when he stood up for his frenemy, Kevin Owens as he denied an order from the Tribal Chief. Instead, he slammed the kendo stick on the back of the Head of the Table, which caused a tsunami of cheers among the 51 thousand fans.
It was through Sami Zayn that the whole of WWE experienced the magic of storytelling as the crowd cried when he lost against the Tribal Chief at the Elimination Chamber and celebrated when he won the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles with Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 39.
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