The Ring Post: Wrestling’s Most Shocking Heel Turns

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Welcome to The Ring Post! In this edition, we're taking a deep dive into the 30 most shocking heel turns in pro-wrestling history, all sparked by John Cena’s unexpected heel turn this weekend. We’ll also catch you up on the latest results, key updates, and must-see videos from the wrestling world.

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This Weekend’s Results

• Voltage Wrestling's March Mayhem took place on Saturday in Boonsboro, Maryland.

• MCW Winter Blast took place on Saturday in Galena, Maryland.

• WrestlePro’s Push It to the Limit took place on Saturday in Rahway, New Jersey.

• Rt33W Live took place on Saturday in Spencer, West Virginia.

• FWA Dominion: Theater of War took place on Sunday in Havre De Grace, Maryland.

• X-Brand Wrestling (XBW) held Always Bloody in Philadelphia, which aired this weekend, on 3/15 in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania.

The Latest News

• Former MCW stars Lio Rush and Action Andretti, known as CRU in AEW, are focused on a strong run for the AEW World Tag Team Championship with their unique chemistry and aggressive style.

• Do you believe John Cena’s heel turn on Saturday night was the most surprising in pro wrestling history? Vote now to let us know your opinion!

Must-Watch Videos

• Watch Amara Voyd vs. Shelby Waters at New Era Pro Wrestling.

• Watch Darius Carter's sneak attack on Elijah Eden at Matt Pro Wrestling.

• MATW TV’s latest episode premiered on February 27.

• The latest episode of WDWA Frontline premiered on February 27.

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For decades, pro wrestling has been defined by larger-than-life heroes and the shocking betrayals that leave fans stunned. Some turns are expected, while others shake the industry to its core. On Saturday night at WWE Elimination Chamber 2025, John Cena delivered one of the most shocking heel turns in wrestling history, finally abandoning his longtime "Never Give Up" mantra to embrace the dark side. With this jaw-dropping moment, Cena joins the ranks of legends who shattered fan expectations by turning their backs on the audience, their allies, and everything they once stood for. From Hulk Hogan's betrayal at Bash at the Beach to "Stone Cold" Steve Austin siding with Vince McMahon, these moments have forever changed the landscape of professional wrestling. Here are the most shocking heel turns of all time.

1. Hulk Hogan Joins the nWo (WCW Bash at the Beach 1996)

2. John Cena’s Heel Turn (WWE Elimination Chamber, 2025)

3. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin Aligns with Vince McMahon (WrestleMania X-Seven, 2001)

4. Seth Rollins Betrays The Shield (RAW, 2014)

5. Larry Zbyszko Turns on Bruno Sammartino (WWWF 1980)

6. Terry Funk Turns on Ric Flair (NWA 1989, Clash of the Champions IX)

7. Shane Douglas Throws Down the NWA Title (ECW 1994)

8. The Freebirds Turn on The Von Erichs (WCCW 1982, Christmas Night Massacre)

9. Bret Hart Turns on America (WWF 1997)

10. Andre the Giant Sides with Bobby Heenan (1987)

11. The Rock Joins The Corporation (Survivor Series 1998)

12. Paul Orndorff Turns on Hulk Hogan (WWF 1986)

13. Dusty Rhodes Turns on Pak Song and Gary Hart (Championship Wrestling from Florida, 1974)

14. Taz Turns on Sabu (ECW 1997)

15. Owen Hart Turns on Bret Hart (Royal Rumble 1994)

16. Ric Flair Turns on Sting (WCW Halloween Havoc 1995)

17. Nick Bockwinkel and Bobby Heenan Betray Verne Gagne (AWA 1970s)

18. CM Punk Joins Paul Heyman (RAW 1000, 2012)

19. The Sheik Turns on Bobo Brazil (Detroit, 1960s, Big Time Wrestling)

20. Shawn Michaels Superkicks Marty Jannetty (The Barber Shop, 1992)

21. Jimmy Garvin Turns on David Von Erich (WCCW 1983)

22. Chris Jericho Attacks Shawn Michaels (2008)

23. Harley Race Turns on Dusty Rhodes (NWA 1979)

24. Paul Bearer Turns on The Undertaker (SummerSlam 1996)

25. The Assassins Betray Dusty Rhodes (Georgia Championship Wrestling, 1970s)

26. The Mega Powers Explode – Randy Savage Turns on Hulk Hogan (1989)

27. Tommy Rich Betrayed by Buzz Sawyer (Georgia Championship Wrestling, 1981)

28. The Shield Reunites… Only for Dean Ambrose to Turn on Seth Rollins (RAW 2018)

29. The Garvin Brothers Betray The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express (Mid-South Wrestling, 1980s)

30. Tully Blanchard Turns on Magnum T.A. (Jim Crockett Promotions, 1985)