10 Wrestler Debuts That Blew Us Away
5. Kane - Badd Blood (5 October 1997)
After emerging through hellfire and brimstone - and a dentist's office along the way - Kane finally made his wrestling debut at Badd Blood 97. It was a long wait. Very few characters in WWE history had so much mystery and intrigue surrounding them before they ever showed their face (or mask).
The enigmatic Undertaker had been with the company for years before we ever knew he had any siblings. Then Paul Bearer dropped the shocking news that not only did ‘Taker have a brother, but he was also coming to the World Wrestling Federation to seek his revenge! What revenge exactly? Well, that’s actually incredibly complicated and involves a basement, a funeral home and parents being burned alive. Probably best left for another list.
Anyway, near the end of a brilliant Undertaker/Shawn Michaels Hell in a Cell match, Kane emerged from the depths of hell (with a portal conveniently located backstage) and walked to the ring with Bearer by his side and an eerie red light shining throughout the arena. For perhaps the first time in his career, ‘Taker looked spooked as Kane ripped the cell door off its hinges with ease. This family reunion didn’t go so hot, as The Dead Man was then Tombstoned by his own flesh and blood.
Even without the brothers starting off on the right foot, it was an unforgettable moment, one that kicked off a character who has enjoyed a considerable amount of success for over 20 years.