WWE Hall of Famer Kane, known to millions as “The Devil’s Favorite Demon,” recently opened up about his long and storied career in professional wrestling with a surprising confession: the one aspect he most regrets not appreciating early and throughout his career was the chance to interact with WWE fans. This revelation came during an insightful interview featured on the “Off The Ropes” podcast, where Kane reflected deeply on what he misses most about his time inside the squared circle[2].

Kane’s wrestling journey began in 1997 when he debuted as the mysterious half-brother of The Undertaker, quickly becoming one of WWE’s most intimidating and memorable characters. Over nearly two decades in WWE, Kane became a multi-time World Heavyweight Champion and a cornerstone of the tag team division alongside his brother, The Undertaker. Despite his decorated career and hardcore fan base, he admits there was something more meaningful he wished he had valued earlier.

“One of my great regrets is I wish I had appreciated [interacting with the fans] more early in my career and then even throughout my career,” Kane shared candidly[2]. He explained that wrestling offers much more than mere entertainment; it is about taking fans away from difficult situations and immersing them in a fantasy world, which he sees as a true gift and blessing. “You’re taking them from what could be a tough situation… by coming into this fantasy world. Man, that’s a blessing. It’s a gift, and it’s really cool. And I do miss that part of it,” he added[2].

Kane’s remarks echo a sentiment heard from other WWE legends who have spoken about their regrets or realizations after long careers. For example, WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle has publicly stated that he wished he retired about a decade earlier to preserve his legacy before his in-ring skills visibly declined[1]. Meanwhile, Kane approached the topic with humility, focusing on the value of appreciating fans rather than on regrets over matches or injuries specifically.

Though Kane joked about not missing the exhausting travel schedule WWE maintained during his peak years—“I don’t miss the travel [laughs], but I think that’s a lot better nowadays. They don’t keep the schedule that we did,” he said—he emphasized that the entertainment and fan interaction remain central to what he misses most about wrestling[2]. This is consistent with insights from others in the industry who observe that the joy of live performance and fan connection is often what wrestlers cherish even after retirement.

Regarding the possibility of a WWE retirement match, Kane—now more widely known as Glenn Jacobs, the Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee—feels the opportunity has passed. During a recent appearance on “Busted Open Radio,” he referred to the idea of a formal farewell match but suggested that the right time has gone by[4]. With his political career filling his life since 2018, Kane’s in-ring opportunities have naturally diminished despite his status as one of WWE’s most iconic Hall of Famers.

Adding to Kane’s reflection are insights from other wrestling news sources that discuss not only Kane’s career highlights but also some of the lows and unusual moments, such as his infamous wig falling off during a marquee match in Saudi Arabia and his complex storylines with Nexus and The Undertaker that sometimes went unresolved or forgotten[3]. These moments underline that even a legend like Kane had imperfections and challenges, yet his overall legacy remains outstanding.

Insiders close to WWE sources further confirm that Kane’s recognition of fan interaction as something truly special resonates with many backstage talents. According to a WWE insider, “Kane always put the fans first, but hearing him say he wishes he’d appreciated it more is a moving and honest acknowledgment of the emotional connection wrestling creates.” This perspective underscores that the wrestler-fan relationship is central to the longevity and impact of professional wrestling careers.

In summary, Kane’s heartfelt reflections provide a rare glimpse into the psyche of one of WWE’s all-time greats. His biggest professional regret is not fully valuing the power of fan engagement throughout his career, a reminder that beyond athleticism and storytelling, wrestling is about community and connection. Fans and wrestlers alike can take away from Kane’s words the importance of appreciating those moments of shared passion that define the sport.

As Kane continues his journey outside the ring in public service, his legacy as a performer who transcended his gimmick to become a beloved WWE icon is firmly cemented. Reflecting on what he misses most gives fans a new dimension of respect for his years of dedication and a window into the human side behind the mask.