10 Risks That Could’ve KILLED WWE Careers

6. Kane Unmasks

Becky Lynch Seth Rollins Risk
WWE.com

Kane was only ever meant to be a short-lived rival for The Undertaker in 1997-1998. Incredibly, the character survived post-WrestleMania XIV loss and successfully carved a niche for itself on the roster. Big Glenn Jacobs kept Kane alive as full time concern until 2016-ish. That's when he became more of a part-timer and cameo attraction.

Who knew the 'Big Red Machine' would get that far once he unmasked for the first time in 2003? Look above to see how outright naff his "burns" and "scars" were. Also, this was the first time folks realised that hair was attached to the hood, not Glenn's head. There was so much about this reveal that could've gone south in a hurry.

Instead, it added a fresh wrinkle to the character and prolonged Kane's shelf life.

Eventually, he stuck the mask back on in 2011 and rolled into more major matches from there. Taking the mask off in the first place was a monumental risk, and it might've ended Kane's initial run with a popcorn fart.

Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.