10 Most Shocking Wrestling Unmaskings

While wrestling masks don't have the same cultural cachet in Japan as they do in Mexico, there are few superstars in wrestling history whose masks are as memorable as Jushin Liger's. Based on the mask of the anime character of the same name, Liger first donned the horns in 1989 and continues to wear them to this day.

After cementing himself as one of the greatest junior heavyweights of all time, Liger began taking on heavyweights. On October 20, 1996, he battled former IWGP Heavyweight Champion The Great Muta in a dream match that saw Muta, who was teasing a heel turn at the time, resort to cheating against Liger. Muta's chicanery reached its apex when he tore Liger's mask up, leaving the junior heavyweight face down in the ring.

Muta went out of the ring to grab a chair, but when he came back in, Liger rose up to meet him - with eerie white paint on his face. Muta was taken aback, and his hesitation gave Liger the opportunity to spit mist in his face. Liger then ripped off his shirt, revealing markings on his body, and proceeded to fight more aggressively for the remainder of the match.

This persona eventually came to be known as "Kishin Liger" and would make a few more appearances over the years. Still, "Kishin's" debut - when Muta thought he had Liger down and out, only to be terribly surprised - is the character's most shocking moment.