10 Failed Heel Turns Of Popular Wrestlers

1. Jim Ross - WWF (1996)

Few commentators in wrestling history are as beloved as 'Good Ol' JR'. Right up there with the likes of Gordon Solie and Gorilla Monsoon, Ross' place in history as one of the greatest announcers to ever wear a headset is set in stone... making WWF's decision to turn him heel in 1996 all the more baffling.

With WCW's New World Order angle picking up serious steam, Vince McMahon needed a big angle of his own in response. Shawn Michaels could have betrayed Jose Lothario; The Undertaker could have double-crossed Paul Bearer; Bret Hart could have turned his back on the fans... so many great options!

Sadly, this was WWF in '96. What we got instead was Jim Ross cutting a worked shoot promo in the ring and debuting the "returning" Razor Ramon and Diesel (in reality, the fake versions played by Rick Bognar and Glenn Jacobs). The turn went down like hot beer.

Notwithstanding the fact that everything JR said was laced with serious truth, the reception to the fake Razor and Diesel was overwhelmingly negative. Thankfully, the Ross heel turn was quickly dropped altogether shortly after.

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Occasional wrestler, full-time gym rat and lifelong lover of the grapple game. Would probably buy you a shot of Jack at the bar in exchange for witty banter...and preferably more Jack. @MartynGrant88 for more wrestling-related musings and weight room wisecracks!