10 Dumbest Wrestling Heel Turns Ever
3. Triple H
Over a six month period, Triple H twice had organic audience adoration he'd later so desperately crave. But on both occasions, he'd tragically retire to his comfort zone as a hated heel.
He'd spent much of 2000 cultivating a reputation as the best all-rounder in the industry. Stewarded by his mammoth feud with The Rock, WWE had built upon a rampant 1999 with even greater mainstream success. Transitioning into a feud with Kurt Angle, 'The Game' was finally in a position to be cheered for his achievements, and crowds duly obliged. Stone Cold Steve Austin's return rivalry with Rikishi had sadly been an almighty bust though, presenting Hunter with the opportunity to be the 'Mastermind' and effectively take responsibility for the attack instead.
He was in an almost identical position yet again the night after WrestleMania 17. Austin had turned on The Rock 24 hours earlier, and was delivering another beating to 'The Great One' the following night alongside new ally Vince McMahon when Triple H defiantly marched to the ring.
Utterly desperate to cheer him again, fans eagerly awaited confirmed permission. He retracted it again. Swerve-turning on Rock, Triple H instead formed the 'Two Man Power Trip' unit with Austin. Save for one glorious evening in Madison Square Garden following his January 2002 return from injury, he'd never be as popular again.