From the moment WWE fans laid eyes on Mankind in a series of pre-taped video packages, his face decorated with a brown mask and his focus on a rat cradled in his hands, it was clear to see that the newcomer was insane. His insanity was different than that of the others on this list, though. His was very measured and calculating, as evidenced by his sneak attacks on The Undertaker in the weeks and months following his debut. He would hide under the ring or inside caskets just to preserve the element of surprise. From there, he would endure tremendous pain and punishment, sacrificing his own body just for the opportunity to take out his opponent. Employing a dangerous and deadly submission hold like the Mandible Claw, Mankind was as devastating as he was crazy. He willingly and knowingly met The Undertaker inside Hell in a Cell at the 1998 King of the Ring, stepping foot into the devil's favorite structure for a showdown with the man who tore apart Shawn Michaels inside the very same match. Worse yet, he climbed to the top of the cell to battle it out with the Deadman some 30 feet above the ground. Why? Why not?! By now, everyone knows how that ended for the deranged one, who wound up knocked unconscious, his tooth penetrating his nasal cavity. Sound crazy enough? Don't even get me started on Cactus Jack and Dude Love...
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
