Could Someone Remain Unknown Under A Mask?

["Sweet & Sour" ImSoFudginGreat]

In today’s wrestling landscape all information is know, even most masked wrestlers are known what they look like under a mask. My question is, could someone wrestle under a mask and remain truly unknown? Whether it’s someone looking to completely reinvent themselves, or someone disgraced (think Joey Ryan) trying to hide, how long could someone remain anonymous to the general public?

[Captain Stud Muffin (BLM)]

Yea, to an extent. I mean I really don't know what Kalisto looks like. If you're talking about a known wrestler like Joey Ryan, Hell no. He would need to change his whole body type on top of wearing a body suit

In Mexico, they maintain the illusion but it is def much harder in the U.S.

[Squirrel Master]

I’m still trying to figure out who The Machines were.

[jason1980s]

I think if someone in 1987 could figure out Moondog Rex and in 1990 could figure he was the Black Scorpion, there's really no know wrestler who can get away with wearing a mask today. Unless he's a total unknown, new roster guy, someone will out him and ruin the gimmick.

[Mozenrath]

It's not impossible, but it's tricky. I think it'd depend on how high-profile you were.

Joey's too known, but if he DID want to do this and had the humility to try this (he doesn't), then he'd have to do this shit on a really low profile basis, like small shows. It also would require them to work the boys, so to speak, effectively, which either requires a major appearance overhaul or collaborators who could cover for them.

If I was a wrestler and a dude came in and left in a mask, I'd assume it was a mark, a known pedophile or something, or Great Sasuke, though I did already say "mark".

[BlackoutCreature]

Didn't David Arquette a couple years ago wrestle some matches under a mask and nobody had any idea it was him until he revealed it? Although I guess not too many people would've guessed that David Arquette was wrestling random indie shows in the first place.

[Deleted]

It's easier in Mexico, but I'm fairly certain the moment you start taking bookings in the US all bets are off on anonymity.

[Nickybojelais]

Oh no. I always wondered what new low that scummy sleazebag Joey Ryan would stoop to next. He's totally going to do something like this isn't he?

[El Pollo Guerrera]

Excalibur?

[Mozenrath]

May 5, 2021 0:03:58 GMT -5 El Pollo Guerrera said:

Excalibur?

It's honestly not that hard to find out what he looks like if you google around a bit. Honestly better looking than I'd have expected, the mask isn't the most flattering on face shape.

May 4, 2021 20:30:31 GMT -5 Nickybojelais said:

Oh no. I always wondered what new low that scummy sleazebag Joey Ryan would stoop to next. He's totally going to do something like this isn't he?

I doubt it. I don't think his ego will allow for it, especially if he's trying to use the gospel card like he has.

[A Platypus Rave]

Probably not.

CHIKARA people were pretty hush hush about who were under the hoods and like all of them were figured out pretty quickly.

[Deputy Muscle]

May 4, 2021 19:22:19 GMT -5 Squirrel Master said:

I’m still trying to figure out who The Machines were.

I've got the same issue working out who Los Conquistadors are!

[Blade]

You could pull it off for awhile if you're versatile enough to hide your style and your body wasn't too distinctive-looking, but after people are paying attention, it's only a matter of time until internet sleuths figure it out.

[Oh Cry Me a Screwball]

It absolutely is possible to some extent. For example, Gran Metalik’s name is not public knowledge despite working for WWE.

Now, the idea of the Joey Ryans and David Starrs working in hoods to cover their identity just isn’t happening. There’s certain things that would be difficult or impossible to change or cover for, like body types, body language, the sound of their voice, and they would need to disguise their identity to the locker rooms (much less whoever they work), promoters, fans at the Merch tables, and they would need to avoid being spotted out of character if they are working away from where they live (this would make flying next to impossible and they would be unable to split travel costs with other workers like hotel rooms and would likely have to drive alone to the venue or only with friends they could trust with their real identity).

[toodarkmark]

With the internet, I think it would be impossible to hide someone's identity from the general public. Someone's going to figure it out.

[The Summer of Muskrat XVII]

Transitioning from a known wrestler to a new unknown masked wrestler would be virtually impossible to pull off for long in the internet age.

[CMWaters]

May 5, 2021 13:42:48 GMT -5 The Summer of Muskrat XVII said:

Transitioning from a known wrestler to a new unknown masked wrestler would be virtually impossible to pull off for long in the internet age.

Pretty much my thought.

Closest we ever got was with Miz as Calgary Kid, because A)he was fighting someone established in the past in the form of Eugene, B)WWE's track record for making up "local" wrestlers with masks (La Luchadora, El Gran Luchador, etc), C)At that point we hadn't seen Miz in trunks before, only the shorts and D)One night only thing.

[Can you afford to pay me, Gah]

May 5, 2021 1:35:10 GMT -5 Deputy Muscle said:

May 4, 2021 19:22:19 GMT -5 Squirrel Master said:

I’m still trying to figure out who The Machines were.

I've got the same issue working out who Los Conquistadors are!

Uno and Dos....What that isn't what you meant?

[James Fabiano]

May 4, 2021 20:21:20 GMT -5 BlackoutCreature said:

Didn't David Arquette a couple years ago wrestle some matches under a mask and nobody had any idea it was him until he revealed it? Although I guess not too many people would've guessed that David Arquette was wrestling random indie shows in the first place.

Didn't someone say CM Punk did the same thing?

[James Fabiano]

May 4, 2021 19:22:19 GMT -5 Squirrel Master said:

I’m still trying to figure out who The Machines were.

Giant Baba?