Throughout its history, TNA Wrestling has given fans a multitude of face turns. Some became good guys out of the necessity of their gimmick. Others were so loudly cheered on by fans the management had no choice but to pull the trigger on the character change.
Wrestlers who are a part of this list certainly have made an undeniable impression when it comes to improving a storyline. So, without further ado, here are the five best babyface turns in TNA Wrestling history:
Gail Kim
Gail Kim arrived in TNA following a stint with WWE. The former Women’s Champion quickly aligned with Planet Jarrett and America’s Most Wanted. Fans hated her, as she’d routinely interfere on behalf of James Storm and Chris Harris.
Gail Kim would eventually win over the fans after America’s Most Wanted disbanded. She’d engage in a brief feud with James Storm before stepping up to be the face of the promotion’s Knockouts Division. Even in retirement, Gail remains a fan favorite to this day.
Mr. Anderson
Mr. Anderson’s incredible mic skills made for compelling segments between him and TNA’s babyface roster as part of the Aces & Eights storyline. However, Anderson soon recognized the errors of his ways and ultimately betrayed Bully Ray.
This would lead to a series of back-and-forth exchanges between Ray and Anderson, with Anderson ultimately challenging the Aces and Eights President to put the future of his faction on the line.
Anderson would win the match, completely turning face in the process, to wipe the notorious stable off the face of TNA Wrestling.
Hulk Hogan turns face (TNA Bound for Glory 2011)
Hulk Hogan has given pro wrestling fans some of the most iconic heels and babyface turns in the history of the business. His heel turn in the lead-up to nWO’s formation is a moment that’s forever immortalized in the annals of history.
The Hulkster also gave TNA fans one of the best face turns in company history. Hogan originally debuted as a babyface on the January 4, 2010, episode of IMPACT. He’d turn heel and form Immortal with Jeff Hardy as the handpicked world champion.
However, the events leading up to Bound for Glory 2011 would see Hulk Hogan question his allegiance to the dark side. After losing his control of TNA at Bound for Glory, a blood and battered Hulkster would help Sting fend off the bad guys – making peace with his longtime opponent and TNA fans in the process.
Jeff Jarrett
Jeff Jarrett was inarguably the most detested heel in TNA before he made amends with fans. Double J’s first run with the promotion saw him create his own reign of terror. Plus, his controversial victories over some of the biggest babyfaces made him a polarizing figure.
After years of screwing opponents in title matches, Jarrett finally turned his ways around to form a dream team with Samoa Joe, Kurt Angle, Sting, and Rhino. This was truly a feel-good moment for TNA fans who had long watched Double J win big due to his controversial tactics.
The TNA Originals
The Immortal storyline saw Ric Flair’s Fortune group fuse with Hulk Hogan’s faction to form a supergroup. The next few months saw AJ Styles and the rest of the TNA originals form an alliance with Jeff Hardy and his men.
However, the new group seemingly faced threats from another faction, “They,” who had promised to rid TNA of Hogan and Bischoff. They would reveal themselves to be members of Fortune during the world title match between Hardy and Mr. Anderson.
This turn came as a huge surprise to fans. Not only did it solidify Styles and the rest of TNA originals’ allegiance to fans and the company, it made them relevant without Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair in the spotlight.
Honorable Mentions
- Tessa Blanchard
- Matt Hardy
- Rockstar Spud
- Bully Ray
- Jeff Hardy
Also read: 5 Best AEW Babyface Turns
