The Many Faces Of Kane Ranked - From Worst To Best
3. Hardcore Kane
When Vince McMahon purchased World Championship Wrestling in 2001, Kane's career was at something approaching a crossroads. He had come in like a house on fire (chortle chortle), before cooling off somewhat with a number of humanising feuds and flirting dangerously with becoming obsolete. 2001 was going to be a pivotal year for the former dentist.
Instead, 2001 became the year in which Kane truly proved his value to the World Wrestling Federation. He began the year by eliminating a then-record 11 men from the Royal Rumble, finishing as runner up to none other than Stone Cold Steve Austin. He followed this up by defeating Raven and Big Show at WrestleMania X-Seven to win the Hardcore Championship.
This was the year in which Kane truly became a fixture in WWE, a more than credible competitor who could fill any spot at any time, be it monstrous heel or loyal babyface. The Demon was also still fresh enough to be exciting at this point, and this combined with his fast improving work made for a fantastic year.