10 Best Heel Turns In Wrestling History

8. Chris Jericho Attacks Shawn Michaels

In April 2008, Chris Jericho began his transformation from Attitude Era Y2J to a completely new man for a new era. Shawn Michaels had recently retired Ric Flair at WrestleMania and Jericho dared to suggest that HBK might actually have enjoyed doing the deed, earning himself a Sweet Chin Music for his insinuation.

Jericho insisted on being the special guest referee for the match between Michaels and Batista at the upcoming Backlash. During that match, Shawn feigned a knee injury which caused Jericho to restrain Batista, allowing HBK to hit him with a little Chin Music for the relatively easy pin. Jericho accused Michaels of faking the injury but Shawn maintained his innocence and Jericho apologised. Eventually, Michaels finally admitted he faked his injury and again superkicked Jericho, giving Chris more ammunition for his upcoming turn.

During an episode of the Highlight Reel, Jericho pointed out that the crowd still cheered Michaels even though he attacked Jericho, faked and lied about a knee injury to win a match, and then attacked Jericho again when he tried to do the right thing by confronting Shawn. Jericho had finally had enough and delivered a low blow to Michaels before sending him crashing into the (obscenely expensive) JeriTron monitor screen.

The turn kicked off the Wrestling Observer's 2008 Feud of the Year and completely changed the complexion of the Chris Jericho character. The initial heel turn, with Michaels going face-first through the screen, certainly got the feud off and running the right way.