Here’s When WWE Officials Decided to Turn Bobby Lashley Heel

Most fans weren’t expecting Bobby Lashley to be in this situation. After the news broke that he was returning to WWE, most believed Lashley would feud with Brock Lesnar. It wasn’t meant to be, but it still took six months for WWE officials to do something huge with him. On Raw, Bobby Lashley officially turned heel after “injuring” Kevin Owens.

The angle was meant to write Owens off WWE television due to a legitimate knee injury, but it’s also designed to create a huge character change for Bobby Lashley. According to a report from the Wrestling Observer, the decision to turn Lashley heel was only made this Monday. WWE officials had a discussion and it was decided he’d be better as a heel.

Related: Feel The Electricity. Bobby Lashley Still Wants To Fight Brock Lesnar

On paper, WWE officials needed to replace Kevin Owens. With Owens’ health in doubt, turning Lashley heel gives Raw a new heel. However, WWE has been transitioning him for a big character change since Lio Rush’s debut as his “hype man.” Rush’s involvement has created a persona for Lashley that’s stronger than a routine smiling babyface run.

Since returning, Bobby Lashley has “injured” both Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. For the storyline, it’s a natural character change for him to turn heel. It makes him dangerous and someone who can replace that “monster heel” role that Brock Lesnar has left open since taking a more limited role. That could be a better set up for Lashley vs. Lesnar.

Bobby Lashley vs. Kevin Owens: Raw, Oct. 8, 2018

Most people are embracing Bobby Lashley’s heel turn because it’s more interesting than what he’s been doing for the past six months. WWE officials clearly have something big planned for Lashley and Lio Rush. It’s clear that his turn on Raw is only the beginning.

How do you feel about Bobby Lashley’s heel turn?