The spelling of the word "coming heel" might be confusing to some due to its unusual pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled as /ˈkʌm.ɪŋ hiːl/. The first syllable "com" is pronounced as "kʌm" with a short "u" sound. The second syllable "ing" is pronounced as "ɪŋ" with a nasal sound. The last two syllables "heel" are pronounced as "hiːl" with a long "ee" sound. The word refers to a horse's gait where the hind legs touch the ground first before the front legs.
"Coming heel" is a term primarily used in professional wrestling to describe a wrestler's transition from being a fan favorite (face) to becoming a villainous character (heel). It refers to the gradual shift in a wrestler's portrayal and storyline, where they transition from being cheered by the audience to being booed. This term is derived from the verb "come," indicating the wrestler's entrance into the realm of antagonist or villain.
This transition is marked by various changes in a wrestler's characteristics, persona, and in-ring behavior. The wrestler may adopt a more aggressive and ruthless style, resorting to cheating, taunting, or disrespecting the crowd to gain an advantage in matches. They may align themselves with other wrestlers or managers who are already established as villains, forming alliances to amplify their negative impact and further draw the ire of the audience.
The coming heel process is carefully crafted to manipulate the audience's emotions and create a stronger connection between the wrestler and the spectators. The turning point, referred to as a "heel turn," can occur during a match or through a storyline development. Once the wrestler completes their transition, they are usually despised and vehemently booed by the fans, provoking a sense of excitement and tension during matches.
Overall, "coming heel" denotes the deliberate transition of a previously favorable wrestler into a villainous persona, characterized by changes in behavior, alignment, and the manipulation of audience sentiment.