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In professional wrestling, there are a various kinds of superstars. The characters and the gimmicks vary, but the one aspect that has been a constant in the world of professional wrestling is the influence of Lucha Libre on American promotions. Luchadores are Mexican wrestlers, and their presence in the North American promotions has led to various performers donning masks, thus giving their characters a different dimension.
Wearing a mask is a matter of prestige and honour in Mexican wrestling, as the wrestlers take pride in the masks they wear. In the history of the WWE, there were/are performers who have followed the path of these Luchadores, with Sin Cara being one of such superstars currently. So who were the top 5 masked wrestlers in the WWE in the past two decades? Let’s find out.
5. Vader
There was a time in professional wrestling when “It’s Vader time” used to send chills down the spine of the opponents and the WWF fans. Vader was arguably the best super heavyweight in professional wrestling at a point, and could easily execute moonsaults, something even some of the cruiserweights couldn’t do.
Vader was supposed to get a huge push in the WWF, but rumour has it that the plan for his WWF championship run was nixed when Shawn Michaels refused to drop the belt to him. Vader was one of a kind athlete, and was a monster heel when he debuted in the WWF. With him losing his momentum, he was never quite able to recover in the organization.
Ultimo Dragon
4. Ultimo Dragon
Arguably the greatest masked wrestler in the history of professional wrestling (Although same can be said about the likes of Hayabusa), Ultimo Dragon wrestled all over the world and earned the reputation as the greatest high flying wrestler in the modern era. In what can only be described as an impossible feat, Dragon once held ten different titles from various promotions, a record that hasn’t been broken till today!
So when it was reported that Dragon signed with the WWE, all the fans were excited. After all, he made a name for himself in WCW in the cruiserweight division, and had become a sensation in WCW. Dragon had a relatively lackluster career in the WWE, and was gone within a year. This is considered to be WWE’s biggest mistake till date, something that most of the critics and fans agree in unison.
Mankind
3. Mankind
Mankind, one of Mick Foley’s alter egos, is considered to be the most deranged superstar in the history of the WWE, and one has to agree with that statement.
From being electrocuted to being put through barbed wires, Foley has endured everything imaginable. Who can forget the Hell In A Cell match he had with The Undertaker? Mankind is one of the most respected performers in the history of the WWE, and he has earned every bit of it.
Mankind was also able to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming the WWF champion, and was involved in the highest rated segment in the history of professional wrestling. I suppose there isn’t anything more one needs to add to those accomplishments.
Kane
2. Kane
“The big red monster” has been on a path of destruction ever since his debut, and has been one of the main stays in the WWE.
With Kane being a former WWE and World champion, he is one of the very few to have held the WWE, World and ECW championships. Kane has accomplished everything there is in the WWE, and will go down as one of the biggest legends in the history of the WWE. There are very few people who can boast of doing things that Kane has managed to do in the WWE, and that puts him in the league of Austins and Takers.
Rey Mysterio
1. Rey Mysterio
At number one is arguably the most successful masked wrestler in North America, Rey Mysterio Jr. After taking the cruiserweight division by storm in WCW, Rey Mysterio signed with the WWE, and the cruiserweight division was built around him since his debut. Mysterio was catered to the Hispanic fanbase of the WWE, and he was one of the top merchandise sellers in the company.
Rey won the Royal Rumble and subsequently the World Heavyweight championship in ’06, and main evented WrestleMania! He has had a Cinderella esque story in the WWE, and has been one of the biggest superstars in the organization! This puts Rey Mysterio in the number one spot on our list.
