The topic of a Jey Uso heel turn has become a major talking point within WWE circles in early 2025, as industry insiders question whether the star could successfully reinvent himself as a villain. The discussion gained momentum after a period where Jey’s solo run lost steam and he returned to tag team action with his brother Jimmy Uso, with fans and experts debating what such a change could mean for his career and WWE’s creative direction.
Shifting Momentum for Jey Uso in 2025
Jey Uso, long recognized for his energetic presence as the “YEET” star, received a significant singles push at the outset of 2025. This move initially saw him step into the spotlight as a solo performer, but his momentum slowed as the year progressed. By mid-year, Jey found himself reunited with his brother Jimmy Uso in the tag team division, returning to familiar territory where the Usos have achieved considerable success.
Before this return to tag action, WWE had hinted at a possible darker turn for Jey’s character. These teases led fans and wrestling analysts to wonder if a heel turn, where Jey would transition to a villainous role, was on the horizon. Such speculation has been fueled further by ongoing discussions among prominent wrestling personalities and media outlets.
Eric Bischoff Questions the Viability of a Jey Uso Heel Turn
During a notable episode of the “83 Weeks” podcast focused on potential heel turns for WWE superstars in 2026, Jey Uso quickly became a central topic. Former WCW executive Eric Bischoff explored the creative reasoning behind the idea, acknowledging that a Jey Uso heel turn could offer intriguing storyline possibilities. Still, Bischoff expressed uncertainty about whether Jey could elicit the genuine negative reactions expected from WWE’s audience.
If I were in the room, I’d want to talk about Jey a little bit because, for all the reasons you stated, he absolutely checks a lot of boxes. He’s the type of guy, though, I’d have to go around the room and get everybody to think about this one.Do you think the fans, you know, get a Pavlov’s dog reaction if he does something heelish? You’d get a certain amount, but do you think the fans will ever see him as a heel?Do you think he could pull that off? That’s the question. The idea is a solid idea, but could that individual, could that human being, does he have the instinct and the desire to really make people hate him? If he does, that would be awesome. I’m not sure he’s got that.That’s not a criticism; I just think that he is playing into his strength right now. He is just a genuinely lovable guy. He is a fun person; you just feel better when you’re in the room. He is that guy.Sometimes it’s hard to get that guy, who is that guy in real life, to be the kind of heel they need to be for the audience to really buy it and not just do what they are supposed to when the red light is on.
— Eric Bischoff, 83 Weeks Podcast
Bischoff raised the question of whether fans, accustomed to cheering for Jey Uso, could ever truly accept him as a villain. He pointed out Jey’s natural charm and likability, suggesting that these real-life qualities might make it especially difficult for him to convincingly portray a character that draws boos and resentment from the crowd. This sentiment reflects a wider debate within the wrestling industry about the challenges faced by beloved performers who attempt to switch roles.
Industry and Audience Perspectives on Character Transformation
In wrestling, a heel turn carries significant risk and reward, particularly for superstars like Jey Uso, who have developed strong, positive connections with fans over the years. While a shift to a villainous persona could revitalize a career and generate new storylines, it also demands the ability to provoke genuine negative emotion from the audience.
The discussion among industry veterans underlines the complexity involved in such a transition. For Jey Uso, whose “genuinely lovable” reputation is frequently acknowledged by insiders, a heel turn would require a convincing break from his established personality traits. The challenge, as Bischoff and others highlight, lies in making the transformation credible enough to sustain fan investment over time.
Broader Implications for WWE’s Creative Future
The outcome of ongoing deliberations about Jey Uso’s character path may have deeper implications for WWE’s storytelling approach in 2026 and beyond. WWE’s willingness to experiment with high-profile stars like Jey Uso signals a readiness to shake up the status quo, potentially leading to more unpredictable storylines and character shifts. The conversation around Jey’s possible heel turn mirrors broader themes for WWE, such as balancing nostalgia, audience loyalty, and the constant need to evolve.
With other major storylines on the horizon—like the integration of new NXT talent, ongoing rivalries involving John Cena, The Rock, Triple H, and the emergence of champions like Jon Moxley and Carmelo Hayes—WWE appears set for a dramatic year. The ultimate decision on Jey Uso’s character direction will serve as a significant test of both creative risk-taking and the loyalty of the WWE audience, ensuring that the “Jey Uso heel turn discussion” continues to be a hot topic in wrestling circles.
