Kurt Angle

Biography

Kurt Angle was born on December 9, 1968, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is a former Olympic Gold medalist in freestyle wrestling and one of the most decorated professional wrestlers of all time. His transition from amateur to professional wrestling marked a new era in sports entertainment, showing that Olympic athletes could succeed in the pro wrestling world.

Career History and Evolution

Angle’s wrestling career began in 1998 with the World Wrestling Federation (now World Wrestling Entertainment), where he quickly rose to the top. His “wrestling machine” persona and the successful integration of his Olympic hero status into his character made him a unique figure in the wrestling landscape.
After leaving WWE in 2006, Angle went on to have a successful career in Total Nonstop Action (TNA) wrestling, where he further proved his incredible in-ring skills and versatility as a performer. He returned to WWE in 2017, taking on both in-ring and general manager roles.

Titles and Achievements

During his time in WWE, Angle won the WWF/WWE Championship four times, the WCW Championship once, the World Heavyweight Championship once, and the Intercontinental and European Championships once each. He also held the WWE Tag Team Championship once with Chris Benoit. In TNA, Angle became a six-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion and a two-time TNA World Tag Team Champion.
In recognition of his contributions to the industry, Angle was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2017.

Biggest Matches and Rivalries

Angle has had a plethora of memorable matches and rivalries. His match against Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 21 is often hailed as one of the best WrestleMania matches of all time. Other significant rivalries include Brock Lesnar, Triple H, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Samoa Joe (in TNA).

Tag Team Partners

Angle’s most notable tag team partnership was with Chris Benoit, with whom he had a bitter rivalry turned reluctant partnership. This storyline was well-received by fans and resulted in a tag team championship reign.

Family Life

Angle is married to Giovanna Yannotti, and they have three children together. He also has two children from his previous marriage to Karen Smedley.

Finishing Move

Angle’s finishing move, the Angle Slam (an Olympic slam), is a testament to his amateur wrestling background. However, his most famous finisher is the Ankle Lock, a submission hold that has led him to victory in many matches.

Clothing and Entrance Music

In the ring, Angle usually wore a singlet, echoing his amateur wrestling background, with various designs and the colors of the American flag. His entrance theme in WWE, “Medal,” is one of the most recognizable in the business, often prompting fans to chant “You suck!” in rhythm with the music, regardless of Angle’s face or heel status.
Kurt Angle’s legacy in professional wrestling is a testament to his dedication, passion, and resilience. He is proof that a successful transition from amateur to professional wrestling is possible, and his impact on the industry will be felt for generations to come.