WWE: What Does Kane's Impending Return Signify?

On the November 21st edition of Monday Night Raw, a video package aired, indicating that "The Big Red Monster" Kane was one his way back to the WWE following a lengthy hiatus, which was the result of a devastating attack by Mark Henry.

The video was interesting, with Kane apparently lighting his old red-and-black mask on fire. Does this mean he has rediscovered his fire and that he will be returning with his mask intact? While the symbolism may not yet be clear, what is certain is that WWE does not produce that type of return video without having plans to push the Superstar heavily.

Kane enjoyed the best year of his career in 2010. After years of being stale and out of place in a rapidly changing WWE landscape that was pushing for a youth movement, Kane upped his game with several excellent promos and ring work that were far better than his work of the previous two or three years. He was rewarded with a lengthy World Heavyweight Championship run.

As 2011 approached, that push died out, and Kane returned to his spot as veteran mid-carder. With the talent pool on SmackDown diminished, he remained a force on the Friday night brand but was soon off of TV after suffering a storyline injury at the hands of "The World's Strongest Man," and future World Champion, Mark Henry.

With the new videos hyping Kane's return, expect him to make a push to the top of the card. There have been a number of unsubstantiated rumors in recent weeks that Kane would make his return to the Royal Rumble in January. One of the greatest performers in the history of the 30-man, over-the-top-rope battle royal, it would be fitting for him to return and go on a rampage, eliminating Superstar after Superstar and re-establishing himself as one of the company's most dominant performers.

Let us make no mistake about it. Kane's best days in the ring are likely behind him. But he still fills the role of experienced veteran over enough with the fans to stay relevant and, when he puts over a young star, it means something. Kane may never again be a heavyweight champion, but with the freshening up of his character via his old mask, and the renewed interest of the WWE fans when that happens, there is no reason he cannot be a valid top-tier performer in the company for the next year or two.