Jon Moxley Turns on Bryan Danielson – AEW All Out 2024
Top 10 Most Shocking AEW Heel Turns That Changed Careers. A great heel turn can make or break a wrestler’s career, instantly transforming them from fan favorites into some of the most despised villains in the company. In AEW, we’ve witnessed unforgettable moments where cheers turned to boos in an instant, friendships shattered, and rivalries exploded. These aren’t just character shifts — they’re career-defining events that can alter the entire landscape of a wrestler’s career.
Here, we count down the Top 10 AEW Heel Turns that shocked fans, sparked major storylines, and proved that sometimes the dark side is where the real magic happens. If you love AEW and want to stay updated with the latest news and insights, make sure to follow AEWTalkDown.com — your go-to source for everything AEW.
10. Kyle Fletcher Betrays Will Ospreay – WrestleDream 2024
What began as a bond forged through years of friendship—COVID roommates and United Empire comrades—took a brutal turn at WrestleDream 2024 when Kyle Fletcher shocked fans by attacking his longtime ally, Will Ospreay. Armed with a screwdriver at the behest of Don Callis, Fletcher shocked everyone.
Sporting a dramatically new look with a shaved head and raw confidence, Fletcher declared, “I am nothing like you,” cutting ties with Ospreay’s shadow. That night, he cost Ospreay the AEW International Championship and completed his heel turn. Now, as TNT Champion, Fletcher is one of AEW’s rising villains with fans eager to see how far he will go.
9. Adam Cole Turns on MJF – Worlds End 2023
Cole’s betrayal of MJF at Worlds End 2023 was one of AEW’s most chilling heel turns. Revealing himself as the sinister “Devil” who had been tormenting MJF, Cole appeared seated among The Devil’s Masked Men, including Roderick Strong and Wardlow.
Although the storyline had delays and inconsistencies, many fans still remember this moment as a major turning point. It solidified Cole’s heel persona and led to the formation of the Undisputed Kingdom faction.
8. Christian Cage Turns on Jungle Boy – AEW Dynamite Road Rager 2022
Cage’s heel turn on Jungle Boy at Road Rager 2022 changed both men’s careers forever. After Jurassic Express lost the AEW Tag Team Championships, Christian betrayed his young protégé with a vicious attack.
This ruthless act marked the birth of a sinister Christian Cage, who fully embraced his dark side. He became one of AEW’s most despised heels and a dominant force within the company.
7. Jungle Boy Turns on Hook – Forbidden Door 2023
Following Christian Cage’s betrayal, Jungle Boy’s story took a dramatic turn after losing to Sanada for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Forbidden Door 2023. He formed an unlikely friendship with Hook, but tensions grew as Hook won more matches and Jungle Boy struggled.
The breaking point came after the Sanada match when Jungle Boy attacked Hook, officially turning heel. This moment marked the end of Jungle Boy and the birth of Jack Perry, a major transformation in his career. Controversy with CM Punk also fueled his new character, now known as “Scapegoat.”
6. William Regal Turns on Jon Moxley – AEW Full Gear 2022
At Full Gear 2022, Jon Moxley walked in as AEW World Champion, with William Regal at ringside as his mentor and trusted ally. Fans believed Regal was there to support Moxley, but hidden tensions with MJF told a different story. Just weeks before the event, MJF confronted Regal about their past. Regal had once promised to help him land a WWE contract but instead ghosted him, leaving MJF feeling betrayed and worthless. That history came full circle in the main event.
At the climax of Moxley’s championship defense against MJF, Regal shockingly slid brass knuckles to MJF, who used them to score the victory. The betrayal stunned fans, instantly changing Regal’s image from respected veteran to cunning villain. But Regal’s alliance with MJF didn’t last. Soon after, MJF attacked Regal, gaining revenge for years of bitterness. A double betrayal that remains one of AEW’s most shocking moments.
5. Mariah May Turns on Toni Storm – AEW Dynamite July 10, 2024
May started as a fan and ally of Toni Storm, aligning with her to boost her career. She competed in a tournament to earn a World Championship shot at All In 2024. On July 10, 2024, during the tournament finals on AEW Dynamite, Toni was supportive and looked forward to facing Mariah.
However, Mariah shocked fans by turning on Toni, revealing her true colors and admitting she used the alliance to mask her weaknesses. At All In 2024, Mariah defeated Toni Storm to claim the title and cement her place as one of AEW’s most cunning and ruthless women.
4. FTR Turns on Adam Copeland – AEW Dynasty 2025
Cash & Dax – FTR and Adam Copeland share a strong real-life friendship and had been close allies since Copeland’s AEW debut. As Adam chased the AEW World Championship, the Death Riders blocked his path, with FTR supporting him.
Although the title bid failed, the trio challenged for the Trios Championship against the Death Riders but came up short again. After their loss at Dynasty 2025, FTR shocked fans by turning on Copeland. This ongoing storyline promises a tense personal rivalry.
3. Don Callis Turns on Kenny Omega – AEW Dynamite May 10, 2023
Callis, a manager and strategist rather than a wrestler, shocked fans when he turned on Kenny Omega during the May 10, 2023, Dynamite episode. The betrayal happened inside a steel cage match against Jon Moxley.
Callis had wanted Omega to be AEW’s greatest singles star but grew frustrated when Omega prioritized helping friends. His turn led to Konosuke Takeshita’s heel turn on Omega at Double or Nothing, aligning with Callis. This remains one of AEW’s most impactful betrayals.
2. MJF Turns on Cody Rhodes – Full Gear 2019
One of AEW’s earliest and most memorable heel turns came when MJF betrayed Cody Rhodes at Full Gear 2019. They were close allies, with MJF positioned as Cody’s protégé and the future of AEW.
However, MJF had already been showing his ruthless side behind the scenes. During the pay-per-view, MJF shocked fans by throwing in the towel for Cody, signaling defeat on his behalf, then followed up with a low blow. This solidified MJF as one of AEW’s top villains.
1. Jon Moxley Turns on Bryan Danielson – All Out 2024
Bryan Danielson finally captured the AEW World Championship at All In 2024, setting up his first title defense against Jack Perry at All Out 2024. The match was intense, with Christian Cage attempting to interfere, stopped by the Blackpool Combat Club.
Despite the chaos, Bryan retained his title thanks to allies’ help. But post-match, Jon Moxley and the Death Riders turned on Bryan, choking him out in a brutal heel turn. Moxley felt AEW had grown soft and took it upon himself to “make it better.” He defeated Bryan at Wrestle Dream 2024 and ended the Blackpool Combat Club.
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