In the months prior to Kanes debut, the Undertakers longtime manager Paul Bearer had turned against the Deadman. Bearer had sided with the demented Mankind in the long-running feud with Taker. In April of 1997, the Undertaker threw a fireball into the face of Bearer, severely burning him. Soon after, Bearer began to threaten Taker with a supposed dark secret from his past. This secret was revealed to be the existence of the Undertakers brother, Kane. According to Bearer, the Undertaker had murdered his family by burning down his childhood home. However, unlike his parents, Takers brother had survived the inferno. However, Kane was left scarred and burned due to the Undertakers supposed actions, and was now on his way to the World Wrestling Federation to seek vengeance. On October 5th at the Badd Blood pay-per-view, Paul Bearers prophecy came to fruition as Kane made his debut. Taker was involved in the first-ever Hell in a Cell contest with Shawn Michaels when strange and eerie music began to play. Fire shot up from the ground and a large man in a red and black mask slowly walked to the ring. The ominous figure, who could be none other than Kane, ripped the Cells door off its hinges and entered the ring. Kane delivered a Tombstone Piledriver to his brother -- Takers signature maneuver -- and left him laying on the mat. Shawn Michaels took advantage of the interference and picked up the victory.
Douglas Scarpa is a freelance writer, independent filmmaker, art school graduate, and pro wrestling aficionado -- all of which mean he is in financial ruin. He has no backup plan to speak of, yet maintains his abnormally high spirits. If he had only listened to the scorn of his childhood teachers, he wouldn't be in this situation.
