Why 1997 Was The Greatest Year In Wrestling History
5. That... That's Gotta Be Kane!
Is it the greatest debut in pro wrestling history? If not, it's most certainly in the conversation.
The arrival of Kane was huge when it happened back at October 1997's Badd Blood PPV. For years, the Undertaker was the unstoppable, otherworldly monster who would always stand tall against whatever threat reared up. But with the arrival of Kane, that dynamic was flipped on its head.
After Paul Bearer had spent months teasing the impending arrival of the Phenom's presumed-dead brother, the wrestling world was shocked to see the Big Red Machine turn up at Badd Blood, rip the Hell in a Cell door off, and leave his big brother laying.
Not only was the presentation of Kane instantly attention-grabbing, but his arrival added a whole new layer of character depth to The Undertaker by giving him a sibling who was even more destructive and demented than he was. All of a sudden, 'Taker was vulnerable - and it made for fascinating TV over the ensuing months and even years.
As alluded to, Badd Blood also introduced wrestling audiences to the concept of the Hell in a Cell match. In fact, some still retain to this day that the original HIAC offering of Shawn Michael vs. Undertaker is the greatest match ever served up within the confines of the cell structure.