11 Surprising WWE Heel Turns You Never Saw Coming

3. Triple H On D-Generation-X (1999)

Daniel Bryan
WWE

Brilliant for the other phantom switch that proceeded it, Triple H's turn on D-Generation-X at the climax of X-Pac's WrestleMania XV European Title match with Shane McMahon re-broke hearts that had just been healed by his emotional reunion with Chyna.

The pair came back together at the expense of Kane that same night, ostensibly highlighting how DX were more unified than ever before. It was here where the plan packed a sickening punch. Chyna's Corporate switch earlier that year had turned Hunter's head as he chased the solo glory he felt entitled to. Embracing the inner evil at the expense of his brothers X-Pac and The New Age Outlaws, Hunter and new accomplice Test were chased away by a vengeful 'Big Red Machine' marching out looking for vindication.

It would be the heel turn that started his gradual ascent to the summit, with several minor tweaks failing to effectively take before 'The Game' emerged from within him shortly before his first WWE Championship main event at August's SummerSlam. For much of 1999, Triple H's turn was the peak of his heel persona - the company showed rare patience and persistence with their chosen choice, something just about every modern day villain could now do with.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation nearly 8 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back over 35 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz" Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast and its accompanying YouTube channel, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 62,000,000 total downloads. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times, GRAPPL, GCP, Poisonrana and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett