Who Was the Original Kane in WWE?By Coder| September 29, 2023 Wrestling Blogs When it comes to larger-than-life characters in professional wrestling, few can match the intensity and mystique of Kane. Known for his monstrous appearance, demonic persona, and destructive presence inside the squared circle, Kane has become one of the most iconic figures in WWE history. But who was the original Kane Let’s dive into the riveting story of how this enigmatic character came to be. The Origin Story In 1997, WWE introduced a new character named Kane. At that time, he was portrayed by an imposing wrestler named Glenn Jacobs. However, before he became known as Kane, Jacobs had already made a name for himself in wrestling under different personas. The Unmasking of Isaac Yankem Prior to donning the iconic red and black mask, Glenn Jacobs first entered WWE as Isaac Yankem, DDS. Debuting in 1995 as a villainous dentist hired by Jerry “The King” Lawler to take out his rival Bret “Hitman” Hart, Yankem quickly became a formidable force in the ring. Fun Fact: Despite his menacing appearance as Isaac Yankem, DDS, Glenn Jacobs actually has a degree in English Literature from Truman State University! The Birth of Kane In October 1997, during one of The Undertaker’s matches against Shawn Michaels at Bad Blood: In Your House pay-per-view event, a shocking revelation occurred. As The Undertaker looked poised to win the match, the arena went dark and eerie music filled the air. The lights returned to reveal an unknown figure standing beside Paul Bearer – The Undertaker’s long-time manager. The Debut: The mysterious figure wore a red and black mask, hiding his face from the world. He was introduced as Kane, The Undertaker’s long-lost brother. Kane made an immediate impact by attacking The Undertaker and costing him the match against Shawn Michaels. The Backstory: According to the storyline, Kane had been presumed dead in a fire caused by The Undertaker years ago. However, he miraculously survived with severe burns covering his body. The traumatic incident transformed him into a vengeful soul seeking to destroy his own brother. Kane’s Reign of Terror From that point forward, Kane became one of WWE’s most dominant and feared superstars. Known for his incredible strength and agility despite his massive frame, he engaged in memorable rivalries with some of the biggest names in the industry. Rivalries: Kane clashed with Stone Cold Steve Austin, resulting in epic battles that captivated audiences worldwide. He also feuded with The Rock, Triple H, and even faced off against The Undertaker in several high-profile encounters. The Unmasking of Kane After wearing the iconic mask for over seven years, Kane eventually removed it during a match against Triple H at WrestleMania XX in 2004. This unmasking allowed fans to see Glenn Jacobs’ face for the first time as he continued to compete without his signature mask for many years to come. Kane’s Legacy Kane’s impact on WWE cannot be understated. Throughout his career, he held numerous championships including the WWE Championship, World Heavyweight Championship, and multiple tag team titles. As a character, Kane’s dark and brooding presence left an indelible mark on fans. Whether it was his fiery entrance, his powerful chokeslam, or his ability to strike fear into the hearts of opponents, Kane’s legacy as one of the most iconic characters in WWE history is firmly cemented. A Final Tribute Although various individuals have portrayed Kane over the years in different storylines, it is Glenn Jacobs who will forever be remembered as the original Kane. His portrayal of this monstrous character showcased his immense talent and contributed to the enduring popularity of WWE. So next time you see a towering figure in a red and black mask wreaking havoc inside the squared circle, remember that it all started with Glenn Jacobs – the man behind the original Kane.
