WWE SummerSlam’s Greatest Ever Performers

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13. Kane

Record: 6 wins, 4 losses, 1 draw, 3 Title Matches, 0 Main Events

Memorable Moment: Destroys Matt Hardy in 2004

Whilst he might potentially be seen as out-of-place amid all these legendary and celebrated superstars, Kane’s longevity and character has made him a critical part of WWE’s history. Described as the constant in the company for his devotion to the product and willingness to take part in any feud or story, Kane deserves to be held in a similar breath to all these amazing names. This is especially the case at SummerSlam due to his many showings at the event and a significant number of victories in tow.

Before becoming the Big Red Machine, Kane debuted at SummerSlam under a far more unlikable gimmick, as the evil dentist Isaac Yankem lost to Bret Hart in 1995. Soon he would don his famed red mask, losing the Tag Team Championships alongside X-Pac to his brother Undertaker and Big Show. Kane’s tumultuous relationship with his diabolical brother would come to the forefront often at SummerSlam, as they were brawling to a no contest in 2000, but teaming together in 2001 to capture the Tag Team Championships for the only time together in a steel cage match against WCW villains DDP and Kanyon.

The next time Kane featured on a SummerSlam card, he had been unmasked and his demonic nature reached demented new levels. His next two matches were pure decimation, as he wore down former partner Rob Van Dam in 2003, before destroying Matt Hardy in 2004, a match that would result in Kane’s imposing of marriage to Lita. The monster would not blaze into SummerSlam again until 2007, but he made the most of this return with victories over Finlay, The Great Khali and a World Heavyweight Championship defense against Rey Mysterio. His most recent showings of the event have wrought less success for Kane unfortunately, falling to future tag team partner Daniel Bryan in 2012 and a woeful contest against the debuting Bray Wyatt the following year.

Next: Kurt Angle