5 greatest masked superstars in WWE History

WWE has always had a special place for masked performers, be it babyfaces or heels. Throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, masks were ubiquitous in most territories across the country.

In the US, masks were primarily used as part of a storyline if a star is suspended or injured somehow. Examples include Dusty Rhodes as the Midnight Rider, Hulk Hogan as Mr. America, or CM Punk when he donned a mask after getting his hair cut by Rey Mysterio.

There are still WWE Superstars who wear masks today as a part of their gimmick. These Superstars are almost as well known for their masks as their in-ring ability. The masks they donned became part of their persona.

Here is a list of the five greatest masked superstars in WWE history:

#5. A part-time WWE legend, Mil Mascaras.

One of the most famous masked Superstars of all time is Mil Mascaras. He performed all over the world and was active well into his 50s. He was one of the original high-flyers that showed off his aerial moves in WWE rings.

Mascaras was never a full-time performer in WWE but was famous for his appearances at Madison Square Garden. In fact, thanks to him, MSG lifted its ban on masked performers in the 1970s. He had legendary bouts with Superstar Billy Graham. While he never won the title, but Mil was a star attraction at the Garden.

Mascaras also performed in WCW in the early 1990s, having a PPV match with Cactus Jack. He maintained his aerial moves and fit physique even later in his career. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2012, cementing his status as one of the all-time greatest masked legends.

#4. WWE's heavyweight masked man, Big Van Vader

At 6'5" and well over 300 lbs, Big Van Vader was one of the most imposing masked superstars in WWE history. He had a successful run in Japan, WCW as well as WWE. Along with his massive size, he had an excellent ring presentation, coming down to the ring with a large black mask over his smaller mask that smoke would billow out of.

Despite his immense size, like many masked superstars, Vader had some aerial moves in his arsenal. His most famous move, a diving moonsault, was a sight to behold.

At WCW, Vader became a World Heavyweight Champion and was paired with Harley Race, a multi-time world champion, as his manager. He would have feuds with Sting, Ron Simmons, and later Cactus Jack. During a match with Vader in Germany, Mick Foley infamously lost part of his ear.

Later in the 1990s, Vader made his way to WWE. He feuded with Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker but never captured gold.

Vader, unfortunately, passed away due to heart complications in 2018. He has yet to be enshrined in the WWE Hall of Fame, but it seems like it's just a matter of time.

#3. One of three faces of Mick Foley, Mankind.

Mick Foley is a WWE Hall of Famer. Unlike most superstars, he did not possess the typical "look" that Vince McMahon craves. Instead, he achieved success through hard work, storytelling, and his amazing ability to take a bump.

Under the name of Cactus Jack, Foley has had successful runs in both WCW and ECW. When WWE came calling, however, the company wanted a new look. Thus, a mask-wearing maniac, Mankind, was born.

Mankind started as a heel and had notable feuds with Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker. His crazed screams and risk-taking nature in the ring were an instant hit with fans.

Foley later introduced two other characters, Cactus Jack and Dude Love, before returning to the Mankind character. The new version was friendlier, still with his mask and an untucked shirt and tie. He would become a fan favorite and win the WWE title on multiple occasions.

He was initially a villainous heel character, mysterious and dark. Later on, he was a loveable face. Either way, very few wore masks better than Mankind.

#2. WWE Hall of Famer Kane is synonymous with his mask.

Since arriving in WWE at Bad Blood: In Your House in 1997, Kane ripped the door off to interrupt the first ever Hell in a Cell match and cost his brother, The Undertaker, his match with Shawn Michaels. Clad in bright red, complete with a full mask, was an intimidating enigma.

Kane became a WWE fixture for nearly 20 years. He slightly altered his mask and ring attire but kept his identity hidden for the first eight years of his career. The Big Red Machine had memorable feuds with Steve Austin, The Undertaker, and HHH, capturing three world titles, one Intercontinental Title, and 12 tag team titles.

Kane went without his mask for eight years before donning it again in 2011. He is a decorated WWE Superstar with or without the intimidating attire. Still, his most enduring image will always be with his piercing eyes staring at the opponent through his crimson-colored mask.

#1. WWE’s masked G.O.A.T., Rey Mysterio

While there have been some outstanding masked superstars through the years, there is only one icon, Rey Mysterio. From his debut in WWE in 2002 until today, he remains one of WWE’s most popular and beloved characters.

At 5’6” and well under 200 lbs, Mysterio has shattered the glass ceiling for how far smaller superstars can go. Originally a cruiserweight talent, he won the cruiserweight title five times in WCW and then thrice upon entering WWE.

Before ascending to bigger titles, Mysterio had a memorable feud with his long-time friend Eddie Guerrero. Then, as the second entrant in the 2006 Royal Rumble, he outlasted others to earn his shot at the WWE title at WrestleMania 22. He beat Randy Orton and champion Kurt Angle in a triple-threat match to make history.

Rey Mysterio has had a classic underdog story in WWE. He is one of the most successful WWE Superstars of all time and will undoubtedly be an instant Hall of Famer when he finally decides to hang up his mask.