10 Most Shocking Wrestling Unmaskings

There's no place where masks are as venerated as they are in Mexico, and there's no enmascarado as legendary as El Santo.

Born Rodolfo Guzmán Huerta, El Santo started wrestling in the mid-'30s, taking the Santo name in 1942. He soon became the sport's most popular star, feuding with fellow legend Blue Demon, as well as men like Perro Aguayo and Black Shadow. Santo became so popular that a comic book based on him (which ran for 35 years) was produced, turning him into a cross-cultural icon. In 1958, Santo began to star in movies, eventually appearing in over 50 films.

Through it all, Santo kept his mask on. Whether he was wrestling in the ring or romancing women and fighting werewolves on screen, he was always covered up by his trademark silver mask. Santo reportedly kept his mask on even among friends, and had a version made with an opening for his mouth so he could eat unobstructed.

All of that is why it was so stunning when Santo appeared on Mexican television show Contrapunto in 1984 and, during an interview, willingly unmasked. He only lifted the front of his silver mask up briefly, but it was long enough for those watching (and fans on the Internet years later) to get a good look at his face.

Just a week after that appearance, Santo died at the age of 66. He was buried in his mask.