Major Heel Turns Could Change SummerSlam 2026
WWE SummerSlam 2026 is only days away. Fans are already expecting several major twists before the two-night event. The main event matches are starting to take shape. However, some of WWE’s most popular babyfaces could soon see major changes to their characters. Recent storylines suggest the company is preparing several superstars for heel turns before SummerSlam. Those changes could happen sooner than many expect.
Paige May Betray Brie Bella
One of the most surprising names attached to the idea of a heel turn is Paige. Paige has regained momentum since returning at WrestleMania 42. She teamed with Brie Bella to win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. However, the partnership always appeared temporary. Many expected the alliance to end sooner rather than later. A betrayal by Brie could quickly push Paige back into the singles division. That move could also start one of WWE’s biggest women’s rivalries ahead of SummerSlam.
Maxxine Dupri and Royce Keys Eye New Paths
It wouldn’t be a surprise if Maxxine Dupri was also pushed as a heel after her recent behavior. The star has had several storylines that suggested a change was coming, including her recent program with Austin Theory. She recently criticized her former mentor, Chad Gable. That moment could signal a major character change. Meanwhile, Royce Keys has made his intentions clear. He appears ready to side with one faction of The Bloodline. A move to join Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu could create a fresh direction for the group.
Sheamus and LA Knight Could Turn Dark
Sheamus also seems like a strong candidate to switch things up after being sidelined for much of the year. The newly returned Celtic Warrior needs a reason to remain relevant, and a heel turn would put him in direct competition with several of the roster’s upper-tier names, including CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, and LA Knight. Speaking of Knight, he could also be in line for a major change.
Cody Rhodes Faces a Big Character Change
The young star has remained popular despite his recent feud with The Bloodline, but his actions have made it clear that he seeks not only notoriety but power. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the rising star switch to the villain role at some point soon. Cody Rhodes also appears to be a viable candidate to change things up, as recent events suggest that he wants to return to prominence as a champion. A heel turn would allow the babyface to reinvent himself yet again while allowing him to move past his role as WWE’s most popular star.
Cody Rhodes Faces a Big Character Change
Finally, CM Punk is perhaps the most surprising name on the list, as some of his most memorable performances have occurred when he has played as the villain. It wouldn’t be shocking to see Punk turn again, as it would create an entirely new set of rivalries for both him and the company to explore. If even half of these rumors are true, it’s safe to say SummerSlam 2026 will mark the beginning of an entirely new era for WWE.
