6 Ups & 6 Downs From Kane's WWE Career

2. His 2001 Royal Rumble Performance

Kane Royal Rumble 2001
WWE.com

Though Kane's WWE résumé isn't exactly padded with great singles bouts (his modest one-on-one record is comfortably the most overstated part of his legacy), he always looked excellent in multi-person matches, with such contests providing most of his in-ring highlights. Of all these, none were more impressive than the 2001 Royal Rumble.

This was his career's greatest performance. With much of the bout built around showcasing his dominance, Kane went on an absolute tear. Only TV host Drew Carey stood in his way as he entered at number 6, but Hardcore Champion Raven saved him from certain death, attacking Kane with a Singapore cane as he was about to deliver a Chokeslam. Carey eliminated himself, and that's when Kane went nuts.

Every wrestler who entered between 7 and 13 fell by Kane's hand. At 12, the returning Honky Tonk Man tried to serenade the audience with a rendition of his theme music, but ate a guitar shot to the head instead. Kane had cleared the ring again. The Rock came out next, putting a halt to 'The Big Red Machine's' complete control. It was only temporary, though: Kane took care of him 38 minutes later.

Kane lasted 53 minutes, 46 seconds in total, eliminating 11 wrestlers. He was ultimately felled by the triumphant Steve Austin, and although he didn't win the Royal Rumble, Kane felt like its biggest star.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.