10 Best Heel Turns In Wrestling History

3. The Freebirds Smash The Von Erichs

The Von Erichs were the superstars of Texas wrestling in the 1980s. Collectively, they were all the sons of the legendary Fritz Von Erich but Kevin, David, Kerry, Mike, and Chris were also superstars in their own right. The Fabulous Freebirds were the exact opposite of the Von Erichs. Instead of being polite, respectful, and wholesome, the Freebirds were brash, cocky, and totally in-your-face. The team of Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy, and Buddy Roberts would begin a rivalry with the Von Erichs that is still remembered to this day and it all started with a World Title match.

Kerry Von Erich was challenging Ric Flair for the NWA world title in the Dallas Sportatorium in a steel cage match. Michael Hayes (then a babyface) was appointed as the special enforcer for the match, supposedly to guarantee that Flair couldn't cheat. Hayes got a little too involved with his role though, as he knocked Ric Flair cold with a right hand and ordered Kerry to cover him for the title. The virtuous Von Erich refused to win that way and Hayes left the cage.

When Kerry attempted to leave as well, Terry Gordy smashed Von Erich's head with the door, allowing Ric Flair to eventually get the win and keep the title. The Freebirds instantly became the most hated team in World Class Championship Wrestling, nearly causing riots with their mere presence. They engaged in a classic war with the Von Erich family, wrestling six-man matches all over the territory and becoming one of the most successful stables in wrestling history.