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Masks are props that have been utilized by a number of wrestlers throughout the history of the business. Sometimes they mean something, sometimes they are simply a way of covering up a Superstar's face.
The most important time that masks mean something is when they are being worn by luchadors. WWE fans haven't been exposed to the full extent of Lucha Libre. It is basically an art form in Mexico and the mask that often comes along with it is a sacred symbol of that art form.
Wearing a mask isn't restricted to luchadors though. Kane, Vader, Mankind, there have been plenty of WWE Superstars who have worn masks because it's a part of their costume and their gimmick. For some former wrestlers returning in a mask might actually be a good idea, and here are five performers who should consider it.
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#5 Chris Jericho
Chris Jericho is the absolute master of reinventing himself. The man has been wrestling for over 25 years yet thanks to subtle tweaks in his character throughout his career he remains as relevant in the industry to this day as he has ever been.
From the top knot to the suit to the scarves to the light up jacket, Y2J has done it all maaaaaan. There's one thing Chris hasn't added to his repertoire while in WWE though, and that's a mask. Sure, he wore one to help Kevin Owens retain the Universal Championship, but the concept has a lot of promise.
Imagine if the next time we see Y2J, we don't know it's him. Just a masked stranger constantly getting involved in Kevin Owens' matches and making his life a living hell, only for that man to be revealed somewhere down the line as The Greatest Of All Time himself, Chris Jericho.
#4 Paige
Paige has been absent from WWE for well over a year now. However, the former two-time Divas' Champion is nearing a comeback. Following a suspension and a neck surgery, the British Superstar is currently training at the Performance Centre readying herself for in-ring competition once again.
Which begs the question, how should WWE bring Paige back into the fold? It may seem like a crazy idea but having her wear a mask might be the way forward. They would have to cover up her body as well since she would be so easily recognisable but it wouldn't be impossible.
The only problem with this one is WWE did something very similar with Mickie James when she returned to the main roster relatively recently. There are ways to make it unique though, and it would add an extra twist to Paige's long-awaited WWE return.
#3 Kane
Glenn Jacobs first appeared as Kane on WWE television over 20 years ago. Those of you who remember him as the man pictured above will undoubtedly recall how dominant, terrifying, and formidable he was.
In 2003 though WWE saw fit to have Kane remove his mask. It was a huge moment and the year or two that followed sort of worked out, but then the novelty really did wear off. Kane without his mask was nowhere near the force that he was with his face covered.
The Big Red Machine has been away for a while now as he delves into the world of politics. He hasn't officially retired yet though. If Kane does have one last run left in him then he should do it with his mask back on without question. Give us the best Kane from the past 20 years.
#2 Cody Rhodes
The last year of Cody Rhodes' life may very well be a sign of things to come in professional wrestling. The man formerly known as Stardust has proved to everybody in the business right now that they don't necessarily need WWE to make it and make money as a pro wrestler.
That being said, most still believe that one day Cody will return to WWE. Naturally, the company should treat him as a much bigger deal than when he was first there, but it'll be interesting to see exactly what they have for him when Rhodes does think the time is right.
WWE put Cody in a mask once before, a protective one that became a part of his gimmick. Having him wear that on his first night back in the company would be pretty amusing. Fans would roll their eyes thinking that it was more of the same from Cody in WWE, only for the ROH Champion to tear it off and deliver a beat down to whichever poor soul is first in line for Dusty Rhodes' youngest son.
#1 CM Punk
CM Punk has distanced himself from professional wrestling for quite a while now. Not only that but he is pretty adamant that when it comes to the industry he once loved, he is very much done with it in general, especially when it comes to WWE.
That hasn't stopped fans wishing and plotting his comeback though, and one avenue that has not been explored is the potential of CM Punk donning a mask so that we don't know it's him. He would have to wear ring gear that covers up his tattoos of course but it's certainly a feasible idea.
It may sound crazy, but imagine the reaction it would get. A mystery masked wrestler competes on Raw only to have his mask torn off and he is revealed to be CM Punk. The Straight Edge Superstar would then naturally defeat his shocked opponent and take his leave while the crowd in-house and at home collectively lose their minds.
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