10 Wrestling Face/Heel Turns That Shouldn't Have Worked (But Did)

2. Randy Savage Flips The Script

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WWE.com

Randy Savage's name is at the heart of two of the most memorable turns in WWE history. The first came in 1989, when 'Macho Man' famously turned his back on Hulk Hogan through paranoia that his fellow Mega Power was trying to steal his partner Elizabeth from him. He and Liz were then reunited in an emotional WrestleMania VII moment two years later, ending their story on a high.

These are the two face/heel turns everyone talks about when it comes to Savage, but his initial switch from villain to hero was hugely surprising. To put it bluntly, Randy was a piece of s*** when he debuted in 1985. A vile, arrogant bully, he grossly mistreated Elizabeth on live television, and assaulted anyone who looked at her, embarking on memorable feuds with the likes of Ricky Steamboat and Tito Santana.

Savage was detestable, but his electric charisma eventually shone through, and his popularity soared after two years in the company. Like so many before him, Randy turned face to feud with the hated Honky Tonk Man, and soon became one of his era's biggest rivals, despite playing an overbearing oppressor earlier in his run.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.