5 WWE Superstars you forgot wrestled under a mask

The world of professional wrestling is over a century old and drenched in rich tradition and history.

And whilst the industry may have changed dramatically, going from a circus side-show to a popular form of mainstream entertainment, some things remain the same.

One constant in wrestling, is the idea of wrestling under a mask, with the history of Lucha Libre being one of the most respected parts of wrestling's past and present.

But even in WWE, there have been Superstars who competed under a mask, either to pay homage to those who have come before them, or for ulterior motives.

Here are five WWE Superstars who wrestled under a mask, and their reasons for donning it.

5: Hulk Hogan

Hogan competed on SmackDown in 2003, much to the chagrin of Vince McMahon.

One of the most iconic Superstars in WWE history, it's hard to imagine the instantly recognisable face of Hulk Hogan hidden behind a cloth.

But in 2003, the WWE did just that, after the Hulkster was fired by WWE head Vince McMahon, after defeating the Chairman at WrestleMania 19.

Returning weeks later as Mr. America, the mysterious star-spangled Superstar rejected claims he was Hogan, despite looking like Hogan, sounding like Hogan, using Hogan's moves and having Hogan's iconic moustache.

Whilst McMahon did try to fire Hogan again, a loophole that Mr. America had been signed by Stephanie McMahon only infuriated the Chairman of the board even more.

Eventually though, real-life issues did lead to Hogan/America getting fired for real, as the company and Hogan failed to agree on a figure.

After de-masking after SmackDown went off the air, the footage was used by McMahon to rid himself of the masked Hogan once and for all.

4: Trish Stratus

Stratus during a backstage segment on RAW.

One of the most beautiful women in WWE, Trish Stratus is considered by many as the greatest female wrestler in the company's history, capturing seven Women's Championships during her six years as a full-time Superstar.

But after suffering an injury in late 2004, the Canadian was forced to wear a protective mask over her face.

Ever the professional, and ever the heel, Stratus continued to appear in matches with the mask, often using it as a weapon, helping the master of Strasufaction retain her Women's Championship on multiple occasions.

The mask was last seen during her epic main-event with Lita in December 2004, which was the first women's main event in the history of WWE.

During the match, Stratus would de-mask, though even using it as a weapon would not save her from losing the title to her fellow future-Hall of Famer.

3: Alberto Del Rio

Alberto Del Rio competed as Dos Caras Jr, before entering the WWE where he'd become a World Champion.

Before becoming a multi-time World Champion in WWE, Alberto Del Rio had already established himself as a huge star in wrestling.

Working under a mask, Dos Caras Jr dazzled fans for years before joining the WWE, though the company quickly let the future WWE Champion no that they wanted the Lucha star to unmask.

Whilst this has often been seen as a sign of disrespect, Del Rio was fine with de-masking, perhaps helped by the WWE, who said he was too handsome to remain masked as a WWE Superstar.

Debuting in WWE in 2010, the maskless Del Rio had an exceptional career, winning the 2011 Royal Rumble, as well as the United States, WWE and World Heavyweight titles, accolades one wonders if Vince would give him if he was a masked Superstar.

2: The Undertaker

The Deadman wore a mask after suffering an injury to his face by Mabel.

The Undertaker may be a supernatural force capable of controlling lightning and will, but even he is prone to be injured.

And in the mid-90s, just that happened, after a blow from the colossal Mabel left the Phenom with a broken nose.

Afraid of losing a top star like the Deadman, the WWE chose to have The Undertaker compete in a protective mask, with some adjustments.

Rather than a standard clear protective mask (such as the one Stratus wore in 2004), this one was designed specifically to match the Phenom's gothic persona.

Similar to a mask from the Phantom of the Opera, the chalk-white headpiece only made The Undertaker more menacing, as he continued his wicked ways on his path to becoming one of the most respected Superstars in the history of the WWE.

1: John Cena

In 2010, after Randy Orton retained the WWE Championship against Wade Barrett, a bizarre stipulation meant the WWE Universe said goodbye to John Cena.

Okay, so Cena wasn't really gone (and in fact main-evented the next pay per view), but for a brief time, the WWE was without Big Match John.

In his absence, came Juan Cena, Cena's alleged cousin, who competed at live events, wearing Cena's distinct Purple and Yellow attire, complete with a matching mask.

After being 're-hired' by the WWE mere weeks after his firing, Cena quietly retired the Juan character.

Whilst Juan never made it to Monday Night RAW, Cena's relation would finally get his big break, appearing recently backstage during an interview with the Lucha House Party.

Who knows when Juan will next appear, though a WrestleMania dream match between Juan and John would put butts in seats.