10 Most Iconic Masks In Wrestling History
The mask makes the man.
Spectacle has been an important part of pro wrestling for over a century, and a huge part of spectacle is presentation. Wrestlers are supposed to look the part - not just in terms of being tough guys with muscles, but in portraying larger-than-life characters.
Part of that involves the healthy tradition of the mask in wrestling. Though the first masked wrestler (named "The Masked Wrestler") debuted in Paris in 1865, the costume element is more linearly traced to the debut of The Masked Marvel in 1915. Ever since then, the mask has served many purposes in the sport.
In the U.S. and Canada, masks were often used to create a sense of wonder, but in Mexico, they became much more important. In lucha libre, the mask has true esteem, with many stars wearing them and maintaining strict anonymity when bare-faced - some have even been buried in their masks. The Japanese wrestling scene, meanwhile, has adopted a mix of both of the traditions.
Here are the bearers of the 10 most iconic masks in wrestling history. Just as a note, the rankings will be influenced by the design and memorability of the masks, as well as the success of the stars who wore them.
10. Kane
The Undertaker was already a WWE legend when the company decided to create a "spin-off" character as an adversary for him. Along came Kane, the red-and-black-clad younger brother of "The Phenom." With the exception of his left arm, Kane's entire body was covered - allegedly due to a fire that had badly scarred him as a child. Part of the getup included a particularly fearsome-looking mask.
Over the years, Kane evolved. He turned face and heel and back again; he traded the mask for one that didn't cover his mouth so he could cut promos; he eventually lost his mask and then, years later, put it back on.
Still, when most people think of Kane, they think of the mask, and it's that original mask that has stood the test of time - the deep red, the black slash-mark strips, the nose cone, and the ever-so-subtle horns at the top. It made Kane a terrifying sight to behold upon his first appearance, and it propelled him into becoming a star of the era.