Never underestimate the value of a mask in professional wrestling. The first match in WrestleMania history featured Tito Santana taking on a relative unknown in the world of professional wrestling. Dubbed "The Executioner," he looked and sounded like "Playboy" Buddy Rose but under a generic black mask. Billed from the wondrous world of Parts Unknown, he attempted knock off the talented Santana, who was in the middle of a feud with Greg Valentine over the Intercontinental Championship. He was unsuccessful and disappeared shortly thereafter. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqARu70kQHM In 1996, the Executioner returned to WWE, though this time he closely resembled former Fabulous Freebird Terry "Bam Bam" Gordy. A brief rivalry with The Undertaker ended with the Executioner losing an "Armageddon" match to the Dead Man at In Your House: It's Time in December. Like the previous incarnation of the generic character, he would be gone from television in short order.
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.
