Dictionary definition of “babyface turn”

babyface turn

n. in professional wrestling, a change of allegiance or attitude by a wrestler, usually from bad to good. Subjects: English, United States, Entertainment, Jargon

Editorial Note: In professional wrestling, babyface equals ‘good guy’ and heel equals ‘bad guy.’

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Citations: 1993 [dscherer@delphi.com] Usenet: rec.sport.pro-wrestling (Oct. 10) “Eddie Gilbert’s Scarlet letter”: He mentioned then how the actions that occurred after that, including his unscheduled babyface turn at the 9\18 show, cost him his best friend in the business. 1997 Chicago Sun-Times (June 15) “Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael” p. 35: Meltzer called McMichael’s May PPV tussle with the Packers’ Reggie White “easily the worst match of this or many other years.” Don’t be surprised if a major storyline twist (read babyface turn) occurs soon. 2002 Eric Quinones Star-Ledger (Newark, N.J.) (Sept. 26) “Booker T will be main man soon”: Booker T languished in mid-card programs—yet gradually began winning over fans with his charisma and humor. After a brief run with the New World Order, he was bounced from the heel group, cementing his babyface turn. [2003 Classy Freddie Blassie Legends of Wrestling: “Classy” Freddie Blassie (May 1) p. 158: Sometimes, a promoter decides to turn a guy babyface because he’s not getting over as a heel. Other times, the fans make the decision for the promotion.] 2004 Ryan Ellis Usenet: rec.arts.movies.reviews (July 14) “Review: King Arthur (2004)”: Merlin (Stephen Dillane) seems to be warring with Arthur’s crazy-brave knights, until he pulls a babyface turn (as they call it in wrestling) and decides to join the fight for Britain against the Saxons.

Posted 18 Jul 04 | Permalink | Tell a Friend