Kane's had a few different runs as a "corporate" heel although it's the most recent one that stands out the most. The corporate version of Kane in 1998/1999 really wasn't much different than his original character. It was just Kane working with the McMahons instead of being on his own or with Paul Bearer. The babyface run of Kane had gotten stale in October 2013. His former partner Daniel Bryan had taken off as a babyface star while Kane was stuck in the midcard. He got taken out for a few months by the Wyatt Family (that allowed him to film the movie See No Evil 2) and when he came back, it appeared as though he would go after them again. Instead, he decided to go a different route by taking off his mask and handing it to Stephanie McMahon of The Authority. We have seen Kane without a mask before, but the look he debuted in late 2013 was different as he kept his hair and he wore a suit with a tie (usually red) to complete the outfit. It was unique for him although it fit his new role as the "Director of Operations" that basically served as a physical presence as part of The Authority. When WWE needed a heel opponent for Daniel Bryan after WrestleMania 30, Kane went back to the "Demon Kane" look with his mask back on. A few weeks ago he took the mask back off and become the Director of Operations again. The "Corporate Kane" gimmick actually works well for him because he's a well spoken guy that brings credibility to the table thanks to his nearly 20 years in WWE. Fans may want to see him with the mask back on, but for now at least it feels like the Corporate Kane look is going to stay.
John wrote at WhatCulture from December 2013 to December 2015. It was fun, but it's over for now. Follow him on Twitter @johnreport. You can also send an email to mrjohncanton@gmail.com with any questions or comments as well.
