Who's Turning Heel or Face Before the End of 2025 in WWE and AEW?

It will be hard for anyone to top John Cena's shocking heel turn at WWE Elimination Chamber, but 2025 likely has more surprises in store.

Sure, the 48-year-old's brief stint as The Last Real Champion was a dud, and he returned to his former babyface self at SummerSlam. Still, you would be hard-pressed to find a more memorable character change over the last few years.

Conversely, Naomi's transformation into a cackling schemer wrapped in caution tape was tremendous. Although her pregnancy announcement cut it short, it was the most enjoyable and successful run of her career as a singles competitor. 

Recent vignettes suggest Bayley could revert to her old ways after she missed WrestleMania 41 and SummerSlam. However, it's still unclear if that's just a red herring to set up a feud with Becky Lynch for the Women's Intercontinental Championship.

Meanwhile, "Hangman" Adam Page's redemption arc has been the highlight of the year for All Elite Wrestling.

Christian Cage reluctantly mended his relationship with Adam Copeland, but old habits die hard, as we saw on the latest episode of Dynamite. 

It will be fun to see how the legendary tag team fits in this era. In the meantime, here are five WWE and AEW wrestlers who could turn heel or face by the end of 2025.

As noted during our biggest takeaways from SummerSlam Night 1, Jade Cargill is on pace for a big turn. 

Triple H may have planted the seed for this during the event's post-show when he called her a ticking time bomb following her loss to Tiffany Stratton. This would make plenty of sense because The Storm is a natural heel. 

After all, that's how she made her name with AEW, and her move set and in-ring style worked best when she was an arrogant powerhouse.

Surprisingly, WWE has gone this long without going back to her bread and butter, but a disappointing loss at The Biggest Party of the Summer could signal a change of direction.

Without Naomi, the SmackDown women's division could use a new heel, and there are so many great matchups for her, such as Charlotte Flair or Bianca Belair.

At this rate, it's only a matter of time before Cargill crosses paths with her former tag team partner again.

Daniel Garcia had a promising resurgence last year due to his feud with MJF and his eventual TNT title win over Jack Perry.

However, the 26-year-old has become lost in the shuffle lately because of the lackluster reign that followed.

Outside of his series of matches with Adam Cole, he didn't take part in any noteworthy rivalries as champion, which is a shame because his win at Full Gear seemed like a step forward. 

Nevertheless, AEW seemingly foreshadowed a heel turn during the feud with Cole. Don't be surprised if he betrays Nigel McGuinness, who he has been teaming up with since May.

There was a bit of apprehension when McGuinness asked Garcia to be in his corner for his upcoming match against Zack Sabre Jr. at Forbidden Door. He was visibly frustrated, but he shook hands and accepted the invitation.

If this leads to a turn and match between the two, it could be just what the former Ring of Honor Pure champion needs to turn his year around.

It will be interesting to see how Konosuke Takeshita's journey to his NJPW G1 Climax 35 win will impact his character with AEW.

The Japanese star's second appearance in the prestigious tournament led to sincere moments, such as his tearful speech after he defeated Evil in the finals.

As such, the 2025 winner will challenge Zack Sabre Jr. for the IWGP world heavyweight title and look to walk into the Tokyo Dome next year as champion.

Takeshita's latest venture in Japan is a departure from his time with The Don Callis Family, and more could be in line for the up-and-comer who debuted with AEW in 2021. This could mean he and Callis will part ways soon. 

The Alpha has also notably had tension with his latest client, Kazuchika Okada. Viewers have been hoping to see the two face off in a one-on-one match since the Four-Way contest for the Continental Championship at All Out in 2024.

Matthew and Nick Jackson have been in a rut since they lost their EVP status at All In Texas. 

Most of their allies have turned their backs on them, and everyone, including the production team, is treating them like common jobbers.

All the benefits their power and money afforded them have dried up, and they're fairly directionless since Bandido and Brody King eliminated them in the AEW World Tag Team Title Eliminator Tournament. 

This is the perfect setup for an eventual face turn later this year. Their foray as would-be rogue authority figures had run its course, and many fans just want The Young Bucks of old back. 

The innovative but polarizing duo were integral to AEW's early years as founding members of the roster. Their match output has been phenomenal this year, but it's time for them to ditch the vests and put on their trademark tassels. 

Asuka and Iyo Sky haven't been on the same page since the former returned during the June 16 episode of Raw.

During her year-long hiatus, Damage CTRL disbanded but Sky reached new heights as a singles competitor. Her grueling road to recovery and a first-round win in this year's Queen of the Ring Tournament lit a fire under The Empress of Tomorrow to come back better than ever.

This ambition initially sparked what seemed like a competitive rivalry between Asuka and her former stablemate, who was still women's world champion. Nonetheless, miscommunication during the latest episodes of Raw has exposed cracks in their friendship and left Kairi Sane in the middle. 

Earlier this week, Asuka took to her YouTube channel, KanaChanTV, to explain their history together and why she was so disappointed with their current situation. It was a heartfelt account of their real-life relationship that outlined why their arguments and Rhea Ripley's involvement have been so challenging. 

Hopefully, this is leading to a big showdown between the two Japanese wrestlers at an upcoming premium live event, but their friendship could be a casualty.