What’s the story?
On a recent episode of Edge & Christian's Pod of Awesomeness, Kane said that both he and Vince McMahon decided to remove the mask.
In case you didn’t know...
Kane made his inaugural WWE appearance at Bad Blood 1997. Before that Glenn Jacobs had worked several gimmicks in the WWE such as Fake Diesel and Dr Issac Yankem.
In 2003, Kane began feuding with Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship. A match was set up between the two at Madison Square Garden for the championship with the added stipulation that if the Big Red Machine lost, he would have to unmask. Kane was at his destructive best throughout the match, but he lost the bout due to interference from Evolution.
The heart of the matter
Kane talked about performing in the ring with a mask. He said that it took away his facial expressions and forced him to use body language to excite the audience as a performer. He mentioned that by the time 2003 rolled around, the masked demon persona had run its course. Kane told Edge and Christian that he and Vince decided to relieve the character of the mask despite many in the creative team not approving of their decision.
Looking back, Kane claimed that it might have been one of the best things he ever did which garnered him main event status in the WWE. The Big Red Machine went on to win several championships and a Money in the Bank Ladder match after doing away with the mask.
Kane also claimed that it would sometimes get difficult to see with the mask on. He pointed out that sporting the mask in the ring took a lot of getting used to. Edge and Christian too acknowledged the difficulties of wearing masks during their run as Los Conquistadores.
What’s Next?
Over the last few years, Kane has assumed more of a part-time role in the company. He will be running for the Mayor of Knox Country, TN. He has often gone on record to say that he want to make a difference and help the community.
Author's take
Kane is one of the most respected and smartest individuals in the WWE. He has been a constant in the WWE throughout the past twenty years. He has reinvented himself time after time to keep himself relevant with the current product. His work with the company, both with and without the mask, warrants a place in the Hall of Fame.
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