Kurt Angle
Template:Short description Template:Distinguish Template:Very long Template:Use American English Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox professional wrestler
Kurt Steven Angle (born December 9, 1968) is an American retired professional wrestler and amateur wrestler. Currently, he is a sports analyst for Real American Freestyle. He first earned recognition for winning a gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 1996 Summer Olympics despite competing with a broken neck,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and achieved wider fame and recognition for his tenures in WWE between 1998 and 2006, and 2017 to 2019 and in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) between 2007 to 2016.
Angle won numerous accolades while at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, including being a two-time NCAA Division I Wrestling Champion in the Heavyweight division. After graduating, he won gold medals in freestyle wrestling at the 1995 World Wrestling Championships and 1996 Summer Olympics. He is one of four people to win the Junior Nationals, NCAA, World Championships, and the Olympics. In 2006, he was named by USA Wrestling as the greatest shoot wrestler of all time and as one of USA Wrestling's top 15 college wrestlers of all time. In 2016, he was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Angle made his first appearance at a professional wrestling event in 1996, and signed with the WWF (now WWE) in 1998. Although he was never a fan of professional wrestling and previously had a negative opinion of it due to its scripted nature, he was noted for his natural aptitude for it; after training for only a few days, he had his debut match within the WWF's developmental system in August 1998 and had his first official WWF match in March 1999. After months of dark matches, Angle made his televised in-ring debut in November 1999. Within two months, he was holding the European and Intercontinental Championships simultaneously. Four months later, he won the 2000 King of the Ring tournament and began pursuing the WWF Championship, which he won in October and would go on to win a total of four times. He also became a one-time WCW Champion and one-time World Heavyweight Champion. He is the tenth professional wrestler to achieve the WWE Triple Crown and the fifth to achieve the WWE Grand Slam. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame's class of 2017.
After leaving WWE in 2006, Angle joined TNA, where he became a record six-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion (and the inaugural) and the second TNA Triple Crown winner, holding all three TNA championships simultaneously. He is also a two-time King of the Mountain. During his tenure with TNA, he also competed for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and the Inoki Genome Federation (IGF), winning the IWGP Heavyweight Championship once. In 2013, he was inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame. He is the second wrestler, after Sting, to be inducted into both the WWE and TNA Halls of Fame.
Angle has won over 21 professional wrestling championships and is an overall 13-time world champion. He is the only wrestler to have won the WWE Championship, World Heavyweight Championship, WCW Championship, TNA World Heavyweight Championship, IWGP Heavyweight Championship, and an NCAA Wrestling Championship. He is also the first person to hold both the WWE and TNA Triple Crowns. He has headlined numerous pay-per-view events, including WrestleMania XIX and Bound for Glory on three occasions (in 2007, 2010, and 2011), the flagship events of WWE and TNA, respectively. In 2004, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter inducted Angle into its Hall of Fame and later named him "Wrestler of the Decade" for the 2000s.<ref name="WONWofD" /> Fellow professional wrestler John Cena called Angle "without question the most gifted all-around performer we have ever had step into a ring" and said "there will never be another like him".<ref>Template:Cite episode</ref>
Early life
Kurt Steven Angle<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> was born in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, on December 9, 1968, the son of Jackie and David Angle.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> He is of Welsh, German, Irish, Polish and Lithuanian descent.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He has four older brothers named David, Mark, John, and Eric, the latter of whom is also a wrestler; his older sister, Le'Anne, died at the age of 43 in 2003.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He attended Clarion University of Pennsylvania, graduating with a degree in education in 1993.<ref name="Washington Post">Template:Cite news</ref> His father was a crane operator who died in a construction accident while working on Fifth Avenue Place when Angle was 16.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Angle dedicated both his career and his autobiography to his father. He stated in an interview that, following his father's death, he regarded his wrestling coach David Schultz as a paternal figure. While training Angle, Schultz was murdered in January 1996 by John Eleuthère du Pont, the sponsor of Schultz's team of Olympic prospectives.<ref name="Business Wire" /><ref name="ka53" /><ref name="murder">Template:Cite news</ref> Angle's mother died of cancer in 2015.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Amateur wrestling career
Kurt Angle started amateur wrestling at the age of seven.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> He attended Mt. Lebanon High School,<ref name="ka53"/> where he won varsity letters in football, as an All-State linebacker, and wrestling.<ref name="ka53">Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> He was undefeated on the freshman wrestling team and qualified for the state wrestling tournament his sophomore year.<ref name="ka53"/> Angle placed third at the state wrestling tournament as a junior and was the 1987 Pennsylvania class AAA wrestling state champion as a senior.<ref>Kurt Angle - Mount Lebanon Blue Devils Wrestling. PA-Wrestling.com. Retrieved August 2, 2025.</ref>
Upon graduating from high school, Angle attended Clarion University of Pennsylvania, where he continued to wrestle at the amateur level.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> He was a two-time National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I champion,<ref name="ka4">Template:Cite book</ref> national runner-up in 1991, and a three-time NCAA Division I All-American. In addition, Angle was the 1987 USA Junior Freestyle champion, a two-time USA Senior Freestyle champion, and the 1988 USA International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles Junior World Freestyle champion.<ref name="ecw173">Loverro, Thom. The Rise & Fall of ECW: Extreme Championship Wrestling (p.173)</ref>
After graduating from college, Angle continued to wrestle, though he did have an unsuccessful tryout with the Pittsburgh Steelers at running back, despite not playing football in college.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 1995, he won a gold medal at the FILA Wrestling World Championships in Atlanta, Georgia.<ref name="ka4"/> Following this victory, Angle began preparing for the 1996 Summer Olympics (also in Atlanta) under Dave Schultz at the Pennsylvanian Foxcatcher Club,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> training between eight and ten hours a day.<ref name="Martinez">Template:Cite web</ref> In January 1996, not long after Angle began training at the club, Schultz was murdered by John Eleuthère du Pont, the sponsor of Schultz's team of Olympic prospectives.<ref name="Business Wire"/><ref name="ka5">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="murder"/> As a result, Angle quit du Pont's team, searched for new sponsors, and joined the Dave Schultz Wrestling Club in Schultz's memory.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Angle faced further hardships while taking part in the 1996 Olympic Trials, when he suffered a severe neck injury, fracturing two of his cervical vertebrae,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> herniating two discs, and pulling four muscles. Nonetheless, Angle won the trials and then spent the subsequent five months resting and rehabilitating. By the Olympics, Angle was able to compete, albeit with several pain-reducing injections in his neck.<ref name="ka4"/> In the fall of 1996, Angle stated that he temporarily became addicted to the analgesic Vicodin after injuring his neck.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He won his gold medal in the heavyweight (90–100 kg; 198–220 lb) weight class despite his injury,<ref name="ecw173"/> defeating several competitors including Mongolian Dolgorsürengiin Sumyaabazar, Cuban Wilfredo Morales, Ukrainian Sagid Murtazaliev, and others.<ref name="SR">Template:Cite web</ref> Angle won four close matches to earn his spot in the gold-medal finals.<ref name="SR2">Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2006, Angle was named the greatest shoot wrestler of all time by USA Wrestling,<ref name="usawrestling"/> as well as one of the top 15 college wrestlers.<ref name="usawrestling">Template:Cite web</ref> In April 2011, Angle revealed that he was planning a comeback to amateur wrestling for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He later announced he was unable to make the trials for the national team due to a knee injury, though he held an honorary title as team manager.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2016, Angle was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame for his amateur wrestling accomplishments.<ref name = "ISHOF">Template:Cite web</ref>
Professional wrestling career
Extreme Championship Wrestling (1996)
Template:Professional wrestling sidebarOn October 26, 1996, Angle was convinced by fellow Pittsburgh native Shane Douglas to attend the Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) event High Incident.<ref name="ecw173"/> He gave an in-ring interview and provided guest commentary during a match between Taz and Little Guido, but left the building after Raven attached Sandman to a cross using barbed wire.<ref>Loverro, Thom. The Rise & Fall of ECW: Extreme Championship Wrestling (p. 172).</ref> Angle, shocked by the controversial imagery and afraid that his career prospects were going to be damaged if he was associated with the incident, threatened to sue ECW owner Paul Heyman if he was shown on television in the same broadcast as the stunt.<ref name="ecw173"/>
World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (1998–2006)
Training and developmental (1998–1999)
Despite achieving success in amateur wrestling, Angle initially held professional wrestling in low regard.<ref name="OTR">Template:Cite episode</ref> He rejected a decade-long contract with the WWF due to his unwillingness to accept scripted losses.<ref name="homecoming">Template:Cite episode</ref><ref name="Barnett">Template:Cite web</ref> His opinion of professional wrestling changed when he began watching WWF Raw is War in 1998 and developed an admiration for Stone Cold Steve Austin's talents as an entertainer.<ref name="homecoming"/> He later conceded that his negative attitude toward the industry was misguided and "stupid".<ref name="OTR"/>
In 1998, Angle had a tryout with the WWF after the rescindment of the WWF's original 1996 offer.<ref name="Barnett" /> He was subsequently signed to a five-year deal in August 1998,<ref>Template:Cite episode</ref> just three days after his tryout.<ref name="Barnett" /> Angle trained under Dory Funk Jr. at the Funkin' Dojo training camp in Stamford, Connecticut. Within a week, he started wrestling in front of a live audience.<ref name="OTR" /> His debut match occurred in the WWF's then-developmental territory WWA on August 20, where he faced his trainer Tom Prichard.<ref name="Kreikenbohm">Template:Cite web</ref>
Angle continued to wrestle for the WWA in August and September. Additionally, he sought bookings outside of the WWF, participating in a battle royal won by Steve Williams at the National Wrestling Alliance's (NWA) 50th Anniversary Show on October 24. Angle also performed for Pennsylvania Championship Wrestling (PCW) defeating Steve Bradley and the East Coast Wrestling Association (ECWA) in February 1999 defeating Cyborg.<ref name="Kreikenbohm" />
In March, Angle began wrestling regularly for the WWF's Power Pro Wrestling (PPW) developmental league in Memphis, Tennessee.<ref name="Kreikenbohm"/> He appeared on WWF television on Sunday Night Heat, where he took part in an angle with Tiger Ali Singh. He won over Brian Christopher on April 11. In the following months, Angle wrestled on house shows and in other dark matches, in preparation for his televised debut. He faced against Owen Hart in a dark match on Shotgun Saturday Night just two weeks before Owen died.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He also continued to wrestle for PPW through October and on July 24 won the PPW Championship. Angle then lost the championship to Steve Bradley on August 7. He is noted for learning the art of pro wrestling quicker than almost anyone else;<ref name="Barnett"/> WWE executive and former opponent Triple H described Angle as "probably the fastest guy I've ever seen pick this business up", owing to "phenomenal" athleticism and an "aptitude" for the industry.<ref>Template:Cite episode</ref>
Historic rookie year (1999–2000)
Angle made his televised WWF debut on November 14, 1999, at Survivor Series, where he defeated Shawn Stasiak.<ref>PWI Staff. Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p. 104–105).</ref> He remained undefeated in singles competition until losing to the debuting Tazz at the Royal Rumble on January 23, 2000.<ref name="pwi105">PWI Staff. Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p. 105)</ref>
In the months that followed, Angle captured both the European Championship (on the February 10 episode of SmackDown!) and the Intercontinental Championship (at No Way Out on February 27), holding both titles simultaneously.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He lost both championships in a triple threat match at WrestleMania 2000 without being pinned.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Throughout mid-2000, Angle aligned himself with Edge & Christian and feuded with Too Cool and Rikishi, with Angle defeating Rikishi in the finals of the King of the Ring tournament on June 25.<ref name="pwi106">PWI Staff. Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p. 106)</ref> Later he feuded with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="pwi106"/> which culminated in a triple threat main event at SummerSlam for the WWF Championship also involving The Rock, who retained his championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On October 22, 2000, Angle defeated The Rock at No Mercy to win the WWF Championship for the first time.<ref name="pwi106" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Angle's first year on the main roster is widely regarded as the most impressive rookie year in professional wrestling history. In under 12 months, he won multiple championships, headlined pay-per-view events, and quickly established himself as a main-event-level talent. Wrestling publications and analysts have often cited his 1999–2000 run as one of the most accomplished debut years ever seen in the industry.
WWF Champion (2000–2002)
Angle retained the WWF Championship for the rest of the year in matches with The Undertaker at Survivor Series on November 19 and in a six-man Hell in a Cell match against The Undertaker, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, Triple H, and Rikishi at Armageddon on December 10.<ref name="pwi107">Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p. 107).</ref> After beating Triple H at the Royal Rumble on January 21, 2001,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Angle eventually lost the title to The Rock at No Way Out on February 25.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Angle then feuded with Chris Benoit, whom he defeated at WrestleMania X-Seven on April 1, but lost to him at Backlash on April 29 in an Ultimate Submission match. Continuing the feud, Angle again defeated Benoit in a two-out-of-three-falls match at Judgment Day on May 20.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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When World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and ECW were purchased by the WWF in 2001, wrestlers from WCW and ECW formed The Alliance. Angle and WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin joined forces to repel them, turning Angle face in the process. At the Invasion event on July 22, Angle and Austin captained a team of five WWF superstars against members of the Alliance. Team WWF lost to Team Alliance when Austin turned on Team WWF to join the Alliance.<ref>Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p. 108)</ref> Angle then began feuding with Austin over the WWF Championship and challenged him for the title at SummerSlam on August 19, and defeated Austin by disqualification.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After winning and losing the WCW Championship, WCW United States Championship, and the WWF Hardcore Championship in matches with Alliance members, Angle defeated Austin to win his second WWF Championship at Unforgiven on September 23.<ref name="pwi109">2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p. 109)</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Angle lost the title to Austin on the October 8 episode of Raw.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Angle later turned heel again and joined the Alliance himself. Angle ultimately returned to the WWF side by enabling The Rock to defeat Austin in a "Winner Takes All" match between the WWF and The Alliance at the Survivor Series on November 18.<ref name="pwi109" />
In his first Royal Rumble match at the Royal Rumble on January 20, 2002, Angle lasted until the final two before being eliminated by eventual winner Triple H. Angle briefly feuded with Kane, defeating him at WrestleMania X8 on March 17.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Angle was drafted to the SmackDown! brand and then reignited his feud with Edge, defeating him at Backlash on April 21. The naturally balding Angle lost a "hair versus hair" match to Edge at Judgment Day on May 19, having his head shaved bald, which he would retain for the rest of his career.<ref name="Yearbook2003">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> During mid-2002, John Cena made his WWE televised debut, losing to Angle after a roll-up pin on the June 27 episode of SmackDown!.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In September 2002, Angle started to feud with Chris Benoit, losing to him at Unforgiven on September 22. Angle and Benoit were teamed together to participate in a tournament to crown the first WWE Tag Team Champions. They won the tournament finals at No Mercy on October 20 making Angle the fifth WWE Grand Slam Champion.Template:Citation needed The match at No Mercy was named the 2002 Match of the Year by Wrestling Observer Newsletter.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> They made their first successful title defense by defeating Los Guerreros (Eddie Guerrero and Chavo Guerrero) at Rebellion on October 26.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Their reign ended after they lost the title to Edge and Mysterio on the November 7 episode of SmackDown! in a two-out-of-three-falls match. Angle and Benoit would receive another shot at the WWE Tag Team Championship in a triple threat elimination match against Edge and Mysterio and Los Guerreros at Survivor Series on November 17, but failed after they were the first team eliminated; Los Guerreros eventually won.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
WWE Champion, Team Angle (2002–2004)
Angle won his third WWE Championship at Armageddon on December 15 by defeating Big Show.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> During this reign, he aligned with manager Paul Heyman and recently-formed "Team Angle" (Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin). He began a rivalry with Brock Lesnar, who had won the 2003 Royal Rumble.<ref>PWI Staff. 2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p. 112)</ref> Angle lost the title to Lesnar at WrestleMania XIX,<ref>2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p. 112–113)</ref> needing time off for neck surgery. Rather than a traditional spinal fusion, he underwent a less invasive procedure where only the spurs and selected portions of the discs were removed, reducing his recovery time from one year to three months.Template:Citation needed
Angle returned on the June 5 episode of SmackDown! and a month later won his fourth WWE Championship at Vengeance in a triple threat match against Lesnar and Big Show.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He successfully defended the title at SummerSlam but lost it back to Lesnar in a 60-Minute Iron Man match on the September 18 episode ofSmackDown!.<ref>2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Dacts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (pp. 113–114)</ref> At Survivor Series, Angle led a five-man team against Lesnar’s, winning the match despite being eliminated.<ref name="pwi114">PWI Staff. 2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p. 114)</ref>
In early 2004, Angle began feuding with Eddie Guerrero. After becoming number one contender at No Way Out by defeating John Cena and Big Show, he turned heel by attacking Guerrero during a title defense on SmackDown!.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Angle lost to Guerrero at WrestleMania XX and later took time off for another neck surgery.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He returned as SmackDown's on-screen General Manager on March 25,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> continuing his feud with Guerrero. At The Great American Bash, Angle helped JBL defeat Guerrero for the WWE Championship. He was later fired as GM by Vince McMahon after faking an injury, leading to a rematch with Guerrero at SummerSlam, which Angle won.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Angle's feud with Guerrero continued into the fall, culminating in a match at No Mercy, where Angle lost to Big Show.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the November 4 episode of SmackDown!, during a segment of Tough Enough, Angle challenged contestants to physical competitions, where Chris Nawrocki won an opportunity to have a match against Angle.<ref name="realityshowcontestantschoolsangle">Template:Cite web</ref> During this match, Angle would legitimately break Nawrocki's ribs whilst performing a double leg takedown.<ref name="realityshowcontestantschoolsangle" /> Angle then faced Daniel Puder, a professional MMA fighter. Puder locked in a kimura lock during their unscripted exchange, but referee Jim Korderas quickly counted a pinfall on Puder despite his shoulders not being down to protect Angle from injury and having to submit.<ref name="2004theyearinreview">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="realityshowcontestantschoolsangle" /> Puder later claimed he would have broken Angle's arm had the match continued,<ref name="realityshowcontestantschoolsangle" /> whilst Angle was reported to have been "less than happy backstage"<ref name=2004theyearinreview/> over the whole incident.
Final years in WWE, first run (2005–2006)
At the 2005 Royal Rumble, Angle failed to win the WWE Championship in a triple threat match against JBL and Big Show. He later entered the Royal Rumble match but was quickly eliminated by Shawn Michaels. In retaliation, Angle returned to eliminate Michaels,<ref name="pwi117">2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p. 117)</ref> beginning a heated rivalry. After mocking Michaels by defeating Michaels' former tag team partner Marty Jannetty, and attacking Michaels' former manager Sherri Martel, Angle defeated Michaels at WrestleMania 21 in a match which won Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Match of the Year award.<ref name="pwi117" />
Later in mid-April Angle entered a tournament to determine the number-one contender for the WWE Championship, defeating Eddie Guerrero and starting a feud with fellow tournament entrant Booker T. Over the following weeks, in a controversial storyline Angle began sexually harassing Booker’s wife, Sharmell.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Booker defeated Angle at Judgment Day, but Angle won a mixed handicap against Booker and Sharmell match on SmackDown!<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> before losing the feud in a final singles match on June 9.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A few days later, Angle also appeared at ECW One Night Stand on June 12 as an anti-ECW “crusader” and was involved in a brawl with ECW alumni led by Stone Cold Steve Austin.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Following the 2005 WWE draft in June, Angle was moved to the Raw brand and resumed his feud with Michaels, losing to him at Vengeance.<ref name="pwi118">2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p. 118)</ref> In July he began a brief rivalry with Eugene, who won Angle’s Olympic gold medal after Angle was unable to make him submit in a match within three minutes.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Angle regained the medal at SummerSlam.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Angle then entered a feud with WWE Champion John Cena, facing him at Unforgiven, Taboo Tuesday, and Survivor Series, each time failing to win the title.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He continued the rivalry into 2006, defeating Cena in a non-title first blood match on Raw,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> but again failed to capture the championship at New Year’s Revolution in the annual Elimination Chamber match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Angle returned to the SmackDown! brand on January 13, 2006, winning a 20-man battle royal as a surprise entrant to claim the vacant World Heavyweight Championship, becoming a face in the process.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Almanac">Template:Cite news</ref> He retained the title against Mark Henry at the Royal Rumble, after which The Undertaker challenged him.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At No Way Out Angle defeated The Undertaker in a critically acclaimed title match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A rematch on the March 3 episode of SmackDown! ended in disqualification, allowing Angle to retain the title heading into WrestleMania 22.<ref name="pwi119">2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p. 119).</ref> However, at WrestleMania Angle lost the title to Rey Mysterio in a triple threat match, which also involved Randy Orton.<ref>2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (pp. 119–120).</ref> In the 2006 brand draft Angle was moved to the new ECW brand,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> adopting the nickname "The Wrestling Machine," wearing a mouth guard and quickly squashing opponents.
Angle made sporadic appearances through mid-2006, inlucluding unsuccessfully challenging Rob Van Dam for the ECW World Heavyweight Championship on June 27.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On August 25, WWE granted his release due to health concerns.<ref name="Clevett">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the Kurt Angle: Champion documentary DVD, Angle stated he had been working through serious injuries and needed time off. His final WWE match was at an ECW house show on August 14, where he defeated Danny Doring.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2006–2016)
The Angle Alliance (2006–2008)
Angle debuted in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) on October 19, 2006, shortly after signing with the company, making an immediate impact by confronting Samoa Joe, who had refused to return the NWA World Heavyweight Championship belt he had stolen from Jeff Jarrett. The confrontation sparked a heated feud between Angle and Joe, culminating in Angle defeating Joe at Genesis in November 19, ending Joe's undefeated streak in the company.<ref name="pwi127">PWI Staff. 2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p. 127).</ref> Angle then lost to Joe in a rematch on December 10 at Turning Point.
Angle and Joe fought again at Final Resolution on January 14, 2007, with Angle winning once more and earning a shot at the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. He faced the champion, Christian Cage, at Against All Odds, but lost due to interference from Tomko and Scott Steiner. This led to a brief feud with Steiner, whom Angle defeated at Destination X. Angle then captained a team against Cage's in a Lethal Lockdown match at Lockdown, where the man who gained the winning pinfall would earn a title shot for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Angle's team emerged victorious, with Sting being awarded the title shot. However, on the day of the Sacrifice PPV, where Angle, Sting and Cage would face each other for the championship,<ref name="WVImpact!050207">Template:Cite web</ref> the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) severed ties with TNA and stripped its champions of their titles.<ref name="end of NWA-TNA">Template:Cite web</ref> Despite this, the triple threat match between Angle, Sting, and Cage still took place, with Angle declared the unofficial winner of the new "World Heavyweight Champion" after making Sting submit whilst Sting simultaneously pinned Cage.<ref name="SlamSac07">Template:Cite web</ref>
In the aftermath, Angle unveiled the newly created TNA World Heavyweight Championship, though the title was later vacated later that night due to the controversial finish at Sacrifice. A tournament for the championship culminated at Slammiversary 2007, where Angle won the King of the Mountain match match, officially becoming the inaugural TNA World Heavyweight Champion.<ref name="PWTorchImpact0517">Template:Cite web</ref> He soon entered into a heated program with Samoa Joe once again, this time playing the role of heel. At Hard Justice, the two faced off in a tag team match where all championships the two held were on the line at the time; Angle held the TNA World Heavyweight Championship and IWGP Heavyweight Championship, while Joe held the X Division and Tag Team titles. With help from his then-wife Karen Angle, Angle won the bout, becoming TNA’s second Triple Crown champion, as well as the first to hold all eligible titles simultaneously.<ref name="hj">Template:Cite web</ref> A month later Angle dropped both the X Division and Tag Team Championships to Jay Lethal and Team Pacman respectively, at No Surrender on September 9.
Angle was more successful on holding on to the World Championship. While he briefly lost the title to Sting at Bound for Glory in October,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> he won it back on the October 25 episode of Impact!.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He then formed an alliance with A.J. Styles and Tomko, known as The Angle Alliance, and entered another feud with Christian Cage. He successfully defended the title against Cage at Final Resolution and Against All Odds in early 2008 with help from his Alliance. However at Lockdown on April 13, despite interference from the Alliance Angle lost the championship to Samoa Joe.
Main Event Mafia (2008–2009)
Later that year, Angle returned from neck injuryTemplate:Citation needed and attacked A.J. Styles, kicking off another feud which lead to Angle and Jeff Jarrett's paths crossing. After feuding with Styles and Jeff Jarrett throughout the summer, Angle aligned with Jarrett’s enemies (Booker T, Kevin Nash, Sting and Scott Steiner) to form the Main Event Mafia, a stable of established wrestling veterans positioned against younger talent. The stable would dominate TNA for much of late 2008 and early 2009. During this time, Angle had multiple main-event matches with Abyss, Rhino, and continued to feud with Jarrett, culminating in a loss to him at Bound for Glory IV in a match featuring Mick Foley as the enforcer.
In 2009, Angle lost control of the Main Event Mafia to Sting after a match at Sacrifice, but regained leadership after winning the TNA World Heavyweight Championship for a fourth time at Slammiversary via assistance from Samoa Joe. On the following episode of Impact!, Angle and the rest of the Mafia attacked Sting while introducing Joe as their newest member. Angle held the title until No Surrender, losing the belt to A.J. Styles captured the belt in a five-way match. Angle turned face a month later, praising TNA’s younger talent and leaving the Mafia on the October 22 episode of Impact!.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Various feuds (2009–2011)
Following his departure from the Main Event Mafia, Angle began feuding with Desmond Wolfe, trading wins in late 2009<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="TP2009">Template:Cite web</ref> before ultimately defeating him in a "Three Degrees of Pain" match at Final Resolution. In early 2010, he entered a title feud with A.J. Styles, now aligned with Ric Flair, losing multiple championship matches against Styles due to murky finishes and interference. Frustrated, Angle teased leaving the company<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> but ultimately stayed and feuded with Mr. Anderson after losing in the 8 Card Stud Tournament at Against All Odds.<ref name="AAO2010">Template:Cite web</ref> The feud saw both men trading victories through early 2010, ending with a steel cage match at Lockdown, which Angle won.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> which Angle won. Angle then took a brief hiatus but returned in May, vowing to climb the new TNA Top 10 Rankings on merit and earn another title shot.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Over the next few episodes of Impact! and TNA PPVs, Angle defeated several of the other "Top 10" ranked wrestlers, (Kazarian,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Desmond Wolfe,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> D’Angelo Dinero,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hernandez,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and A.J. Styles<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>), boldly claiming that he would retire if he lost during this climb.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Angle would not get the opportunity to rise any higher in the ranks. In August the TNA World Heavyweight Championship was vacated, with an eight-man tournament created to crown anew champion.<ref name="SLAMImpact081910">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="PWTorchImpact081010">Template:Cite web</ref> While Angle was victorious in his first-round match,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> at No Surrender Angle faced Jeff Hardy in the semi-finals. The match first ended in a time-limit draw and later, after the match was restarted, a no-contest due to Angle accidentally blading his forehead too deeply.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Both men were added to the finals at Bound for Glory, where Angle was pinned by Hardy after interference from Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan, who turned heel and formed Immortal with Hardy, Jarrett, and Abyss.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Following the loss, on the next episode of Impact! Angle teased making good on his vow and retiring, but was attacked by Jarett and TNA's security officers Gunner and Murphy,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> with Jarett revealing he was involved with ensuring Angle lost at Bound for Glory. Throughout the spring of 2011 the two would bitterly feud over a series of personal and intense matches, which often featured Jarret's wife (and Angle's ex-wife) Karen, playing upon the real-life tension between the trio.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Eventually, the feud ended with Angle defeating Jarrett in a loser-leaves Parking Lot Brawl on the June 16 episode of Impact Wrestling, forcing Jarett to leave TNA.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The month prior, Angle signed a new three-year contract with TNA, stating he was "here for the long haul."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Immortal (2011–2012)
After ending his feud with Jeff Jarrett, Angle allied with Sting to oppose the Immortal stable, including TNA World Heavyweight Champion Mr. Anderson.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the July 14 episode of Impact Wrestling, Angle helped Sting reclaim the title from Anderson.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Hardcore Justice on August 7, Angle defeated Sting to win the TNA World Heavyweight Championship for a record fifth time, turning heel in the process after hitting him with a chair.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Angle later revealed he opposed Sting’s plan to return control of TNA to Dixie Carter, claiming Carter had lied to him about her knowledge of the Jarretts’ relationship. He aligned with Hulk Hogan and Immortal, vowing to dismantle TNA’s younger talent, starting with attacking Crimson that night.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Angle successfully defended the title against Sting,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mr. Anderson,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Bobby Roode<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> in the following months. However, on October 20, he lost the championship to James Storm.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Angle returned in November, attacking Storm and revealing himself as the person who had cost him a title match the previous week.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Their feud continued through the end of 2011, with both men trading wins and Storm ultimately coming out on top.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In early 2012, Angle returned to begin a rivalry with Jeff Hardy, defeating him at Victory Road but losing a steel cage rematch at Lockdown.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Angle then feuded with A.J. Styles and defeated him at Sacrifice, turning face by saving Styles from an attack by Daniels and Kazarian.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Slammiversary, Angle and Styles defeated the duo to win the TNA World Tag Team Championship,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> although they lost the titles back to them weeks later.<ref name=":0" /> Angle participated in the 2012 Bound for Glory Series but was eliminated by Jeff Hardy. He and Styles unsuccessfully challenged for the tag titles at No Surrender<ref name=":1" /> and Bound for Glory.<ref name=":2" />
On May 13 at Sacrifice, Angle defeated Styles in a rematch, following another interference from Daniels and Kazarian. After the match, Angle made the save for Styles, chasing Daniels and Kazarian out of the ring. This turned Angle face once again.On June 10 at Slammiversary, Angle and Styles defeated Daniels and Kazarian to win the TNA World Tag Team Championship.On the following episode of Impact Wrestling, Angle entered the 2012 Bound for Glory Series, taking part in the opening gauntlet match, from which he was eliminated by Daniels.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Two weeks later, Angle and Styles lost the TNA World Tag Team Championship back to Daniels and Kazarian.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> Angle wrestled his final match in the 2012 Bound for Glory Series on the August 30 episode of Impact Wrestling, losing to Jeff Hardy, which resulted in him being eliminated from the tournament.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On September 9 at No Surrender<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref> and Bound for Glory<ref name=":2">Template:Cite web</ref> On the following episode of Impact Wrestling, Angle defeated Daniels and Styles in a three-way match to become one of four wrestlers in consideration for a shot at the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
New Main Event Mafia (2012–2013)
In late 2012, Angle began feuding with the Aces & Eights stable after being attacked by them on the October 25 episode of Impact Wrestling.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He defeated stable member Devon at Turning Point<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> An and continued battling the group with other wrestlers such as Samoa Joe and Wes Brisco. He later unmasked D'Lo Brown as the group's vice president and continued feuding with Aces & Eights through early 2013.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
By May, Angle had entered a feud with A.J. Styles, who had refused to answer whether was associated with Aces & Eights on the May 9, 2013, episode of Impact Wrestling.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This resulted in a match at Slammiversary XI, where Angle won.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> That same night, he was announced as the second inductee into the TNA Hall of Fame.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Shortly after, Angle began a storyline with the debuting Rampage Jackson and later joined Sting in reforming the Main Event Mafia.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The new faction would soon recruit Samoa Joe, Magnus, and Jackson.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Angle's association with the storyline would be cut short, following when in August he went on hiatus after entering rehab for drug and alcohol use.<ref name="RehabPWT"/>
Director of Wrestling Operations (2013–2014)
Angle returned on the October 10, 2013, episode of Impact Wrestling, attacking EGO and challenging Bobby Roode to a match at Bound For Glory. In the lead-up, Roode mocked Angle’s Hall of Fame induction, provoking a feud. At the pay-per-view, Angle declined to accept the Hall of Fame honor, stating he hadn't earned it and wanted to achieve more in TNA. Later that night, he was defeated by Roode after a rough landing during a suplex.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Their rivalry continued, with Angle suffering (kayfabe) injuries, including concussions,<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref> amnesia<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and issues with his knee.<ref>Archived at GhostarchiveTemplate:Cbignore and the Wayback MachineTemplate:Cbignore: Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref> Despite being cleared later, Angle was attacked again by Roode and lost further matches in the ongoing TNA World Title tournament due to Roode's interference. At Genesis, Angle defeated Roode in a steel cage match to end their feud.
In early 2014, Angle began a feud with Ethan Carter III (EC3), who injured his knee during an attack. Angle officially accepted his Hall of Fame induction on February 27, but the ceremony was interrupted by EC3. At Sacrifice, Angle teamed with Willow to defeat EC3 and Rockstar Spud. In May, Angle underwent ACL surgery and was sidelined.Template:Citation needed
While still not medically cleared to wrestle, on June 20, 2014, Angle was appointed (kayfabe) Executive Director of Wrestling Operations by TNA's board. During this time, he reinstated Bobby Roode, who had been indefinitely suspended by MVP, and officially retired the inactive TNA Television Championship. On October 29 (taped September 18), he served as special referee for the TNA World Championship match between Roode and Lashley.
Around the expiration of his TNA contract in September 2014, Angle reached out to WWE about a return, but was reportedly turned down.Template:Citation needed He later re-signed with TNA on a part-time deal, before being offered and signing a full-time contract.<ref name="pwinsider.com">Template:Cite web</ref>
Final feuds and departure (2015–2016)
Angle returned to in-ring action on January 7, 2015, during TNA’s debut on Destination America. On March 20 (taped January 31), he defeated Lashley to win the TNA World Heavyweight Championship for a record sixth time. He successfully defended the title against Eric Young, Lashley, Rockstar Spud, and Austin Aries, before losing it to EC3 on the July 1 episode (taped June 25) of Impact Wrestling. He failed to regain the title in a rematch on the July 8 of Impact Wrestling.
At Bound for Glory on October 4, Angle defeated Eric Young. The following month, he announced his departure from TNA after the upcoming UK tour in early 2016. Angle’s "Farewell Tour" included matches against TNA 's top stars. He defeated Drew Galloway on January 12, 2016, but lost to Matt Hardy in a title match on February 2 and to Galloway in a rematch on February 9. After defeating Bobby Roode on March 1, Angle wrestled his final TNA match on March 8, 2016, losing to Lashley.
Japanese promotions (2007–2009)
On February 18, 2007, Angle made his debut in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), teaming with former IWGP Heavyweight Champion Yuji Nagata to defeat fellow TNA wrestler Travis Tomko and fellow WWE alumnus Giant Bernard.
Angle was booked to face Brock Lesnar in a champion-versus-champion match for the Inoki Genome Federation (IGF) on June 29, 2007, and defeated him by submission to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.<ref name="Inoki">Template:Cite web</ref> Angle then challenged Lesnar to an MMA fight.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On December 19, 2007, Angle defended the IWGP title successfully against Kendo Kashin.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On January 4, 2008, Angle made his third successful IWGP Heavyweight Championship defense when he defeated Yuji Nagata at the NJPW supershow Wrestle Kingdom II in Tokyo Dome by forcing Nagata to submit to the ankle lock.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On February 17, 2008, Angle lost the IWGP title to the NJPW-recognized champion Shinsuke Nakamura in a unification match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He returned in August during the G1 Climax, in two special tag matches with A.J. Styles as his main opponent. In those matches Shinsuke Nakamura and Masahiro Chono became Angle's partners while Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinjiro Otani became Styles' partners. Angle's team won both matches.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
He returned on January 4, 2009, at Wrestle Kingdom III in Tokyo Dome in a special eight-man tag match, where he, Kevin Nash, Chono, and Riki Choshu faced Great Bash Heel (Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson, Takashi Iizuka, and Tomohiro Ishii), with Angle getting the win for his team.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Angle then went on to defeat Bernard in a singles match at New Japan's ISM tour on February 15.<ref name="Feb152009"/> After Hiroshi Tanahashi retained the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Nakamura in the main event, Angle challenged him for the title, which Tanahashi accepted.<ref name="Feb152009">Template:Cite web</ref> Tanahashi defeated Angle on April 5 at New Japan's Resolution '09 to retain the title.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Mexico (2012)
Angle made his debut for Mexican promotion company AAA on August 5, 2012, at Triplemanía XX, where he teamed up with Jeff Jarrett as Team Dorian Roldán in a hair-vs.-hair match, where they faced Team Joaquín Roldán (Electroshock and L.A. Park), with the Roldáns' hairs on the line. Electroshock won the match for his team by pinning Angle, forcing Dorian to have his head shaved bald. However, after the match, Angle, Jarrett, and Dorian overpowered the winners and shaved Joaquín bald.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Independent circuit (2016–2017)
On March 20, 2016, Angle competed for URFight, going against former rival and fellow WWE alumnus Rey Mysterio in a losing effort in a two-falls match that saw Angle as a heel. Angle wrestled for Revolution Pro Wrestling on June 12, where he defeated Zack Sabre Jr. On August 27, Angle lost to Cody Rhodes at Northeast Wrestling's Wrestling Under the Stars in Wappingers Falls, New York.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Angle defeated Joe Hendry at the October 6 What Culture Pro Wrestling video tapings.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref> On November 20, 2016, Angle lost to Joe Coffey at Insane Championship Wrestling's Fear & Loathing IX. On February 12, 2017, Angle defeated Alberto el Patrón at WCPW True Destiny in his final match in the United Kingdom.
On March 3, 2017, Angle appeared for Northeast Wrestling in Connecticut, where he was defeated by Cody Rhodes in a steel cage match. This was his last match on the independent circuit.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Return to WWE
Hall of Famer and Raw General Manager (2017–2018)
On January 16, 2017, WWE announced that Angle would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On March 16, WWE revealed that his long-time rival John Cena would induct Angle at the Hall of Fame ceremony.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the April 3 episode of Raw after WrestleMania 33, Angle made his first WWE appearance in nearly 11 years, after Mr. McMahon appointed Angle as the new general manager of Raw.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He was included into a storyline where Jason Jordan was his son.<ref name="Raw07172017">Template:Cite web</ref>
At TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs, Angle has his first match with WWE in 11 years when he teamed with The Shield (Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins) to defeat the team of Braun Strowman, Kane, The Miz, Sheamus, and Cesaro in a TLC match.<ref name="TLC2017">Template:Cite web</ref> On the October 30 episode of Raw, while addressing the fans, commissioner Stephanie McMahon confronted Angle, announcing that Angle would be the team captain of Team Raw at Survivor Series, adding that if Team Raw would lose, Angle would be fired. At the event, Angle's teammate Triple H attacked him, leading to his elimination by Shane McMahon; however, Team Raw still went on to win the match. At the Elimination Chamber, Angle, along with Stephanie McMahon and Triple H, was present when Ronda Rousey signed her Raw contract, where Angle brought up the confrontation that Stephanie McMahon and Triple H had with Rousey and The Rock at WrestleMania 31 and that they both want to manipulate her. This caused Rousey to put Triple H through a table and be slapped by Stephanie McMahon before signing her contract. The following night on Raw, Angle claimed the allegations he made were false, to keep his job, before being attacked by Triple H. As a result, the following week, Angle scheduled himself to team with Rousey against Triple H and Stephanie McMahon in a mixed tag team match at WrestleMania 34, which Angle and Rousey won.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Angle participated in the 50-man Royal Rumble match at the Greatest Royal Rumble event later that month. He entered at number 16 and eliminated Bo Dallas, Primo Colón, and Dolph Ziggler before being eliminated by Elias. Following WrestleMania, Angle found himself in a power struggle over control of Raw, when the McMahon family appointed Baron Corbin as the constable of Monday Nights on the June 4 episode of Raw. This continued until the August 20 episode, when Stephanie McMahon sent Angle on "vacation" before announcing that Corbin would be acting general manager in Angle's absence.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Final matches and retirement (2018–2019)
On the October 8, 2018, episode of Raw, Angle made a surprise return, disguised as "The Conquistador", winning a battle royal after last eliminating Baron Corbin to qualify for the WWE World Cup at Crown Jewel.<ref name="conq">Template:Cite web</ref> At the event, Angle was defeated by Dolph Ziggler in the first round of the WWE World Cup Tournament.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On November 5, Angle competed in his first match on Raw since 2006, for a spot in the Survivor Series men's tag team match, losing to Drew McIntyre, with McIntyre using Angle's own ankle lock finishing maneuver to make him submit.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Angle returned at TLC on December 16 to help Braun Strowman, along with Apollo Crews, Finn Bálor, Bobby Roode, Chad Gable, defeat Baron Corbin to strip him of authoritative power.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The next night on Raw, Angle, along with Crews, Roode, and Gable, easily defeated Corbin in a no-disqualification handicap match to prevent him from being the permanent general manager of Raw.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At the 2019 Royal Rumble on January 27, 2019, Angle entered the match at number four but was eliminated by Shinsuke Nakamura.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On the March 11, 2019, episode of Raw, Angle announced he would retire at WrestleMania 35 and chose Baron Corbin as his final opponent at the event.<ref name="Raw03112019">Template:Cite web</ref> Over the following weeks, Angle embarked on a "Farewell Tour", facing several handpicked opponents, including Apollo Crews,<ref name="Raw03112019"/> Chad Gable,<ref name="Raw03182019">Template:Cite web</ref> Samoa Joe,<ref name="Raw03252019">Template:Cite web</ref> and AJ Styles.<ref name="SmackDown03262019">Template:Cite web</ref> At WrestleMania 35, Angle lost to Corbin in his final match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Afterwards, Angle transitioned to a backstage role as a producer.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Despite working with Corbin, Angle asked Vince McMahon to wrestle John Cena in his retirement match, but McMahon declined his petition.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Angle also pointed that he decided to stay retired after he watched his last matches with WWE and saw his decreasing mobility and athleticism.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Sporadic appearances (2019–present)
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Since 2019, Angle has made appearances on WWE programs, like Raw Reunion<ref name="RawReunion2019">Template:Cite web</ref> or the August 5 episode of Raw in his hometown of Pittsburgh, where he was the special guest referee for a match between Drew McIntyre and Cedric Alexander.<ref name="Raw08052019">Template:Cite web</ref> On April 15, 2020, Angle was released from his WWE contract as part of budget cuts stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On the May 27, 2020, episode of NXT, Angle served as the special guest referee in a steel cage match between Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He appeared again two days later on the May 29 episode of SmackDown to announce the arrival of Matt Riddle to the brand.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:YouTube</ref> In an interview with CBR.com, Angle revealed that WWE offered him a new deal to come back under the role of Matt Riddle's manager, but he turned it down in order to focus on his health and his nutrition business.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Angle would appear on the August 29, 2022 episode of Raw, which took place in his hometown of Pittsburgh,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> on the December 9 episode of SmackDown, where he celebrated his 54th birthday,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After the show went off the air, Rey Mysterio led the superstars and audience in singing "Happy Birthday" to Angle.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> or the Raw is XXX on January 23, 2023, in a segment with D-Generation X.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Professional wrestling style and persona
When Angle began to train as a professional wrestler, he was asked to not watch old tapes, since the style had changed during the Attitude Era and the matches were more aggressive. Instead, he learned by watching then-current wrestlers such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H, or The Rock.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Angle said his match against The Rock at No Way Out 2001 was the transition between the "funny, goofy Kurt Angle to a more serious competitor", including more offense.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Angle's Olympic gold medal has frequently been incorporated into his professional wrestling persona. His personality varies depending on his alignment as a face or heel. As a face, Angle usually performs as a role model; but as a heel arrogantly uses his achievements to insult other people. He mixes aspects from his amateur wrestling background with his in-ring work, performing various suplexes, including the belly-to-back, German,<ref name="TP2009"/> and belly-to-belly, as well as submissions, such as the rear naked choke<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> or the triangle choke.<ref name="TP2009"/> He primarily performs two finishing maneuvers to end his matches: an Olympic slam, dubbed "Angle Slam", and an ankle lock.<ref name="WWEAlumni"/>
During Angle's entrances in WWE, it is common for fans to chant "you suck!" to the tune of his entrance music. The chants originated during Angle's feud with The Rock in February 2001, but gained popularity during his feud with Edge in 2002. The chants have become a trademark of Angle's persona, regardless if he is a face or heel.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The theme song was later adopted by UFC fighter Colby Covington.
Video games
Angle appeared in every WWE/F video game from 2000's WWF Royal Rumble up to WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007, released in 2006. After an eleven-year absence, Angle made his return to WWE video games as a playable character in WWE 2K18 (as downloadable content), before subsequently appearing in WWE 2K19, WWE 2K20, and returning in WWE 2K23, WWE 2K24 and WWE 2K25. He also appears in TNA Impact!, TNA Wrestling, and TNA Wrestling Impact!.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Acting career
Angle expressed interest in pursuing an acting career after retiring from professional wrestling. In 2008, he made his film debut as a racist prison deputy in the short film Chains.<ref name="Chains (2009/II short)">Template:Cite web</ref> In 2009, he played serial killer Brad Mayfield in the film End Game. On a third-season episode of Pros vs. Joes, he was teamed up with Jimmy Smith and Kendall Gill against the Joes. Angle appeared in the "Car Wreck Vanish" episode of Criss Angel Mindfreak. He played Russian MMA champion Koba (in a non-speaking role) in the 2011 film Warrior, and starred as town sheriff Will Logan in the film River of Darkness.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On the Right After Wrestling program on Sirius Satellite Radio, Angle revealed he would become a part-time wrestler after his contract expired in 2011 to focus on Angle Foods and his acting career.<ref name="rightafterwrestling">Template:Cite web</ref> In the 2013 film Pro Wrestlers vs Zombies, he plays himself as both a human and a zombie.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Angle also had a small role in the 2014 cult-film Sharknado 2: The Second One and in the 2014 romantic-comedy film Not Cool. He appeared in the film The Last Witch Hunter.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He also made a cameo appearance in the movie Pain and Gain, in which he brawls with Dwayne Johnson's character in a prison fight. Angle appeared on an episode of Duck Dynasty in February 2016.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | End Game | Brad Mayfield | |
| 2009 | Chains | Deputy | Short film |
| 2011 | Dylan Dog: Dead of Night | Wolfgang | |
| 2011 | River of Darkness | Sheriff Will Logan | |
| 2011 | Waking Up | "Crush" Carlisle | Short film |
| 2011 | Warrior | "The Great" Koba | |
| 2012 | Beyond the Mat | Coach Kamen | Still not released |
| 2012 | Death from Above | Thule | |
| 2012 | Drummer for the Mob | FBI Agent | |
| 2012 | Olympic Trials with Kurt Angle | Himself | Funny or Die short |
| 2013 | Pain & Gain | Benjamin Rowe | |
| 2013 | Horse Cops | Eli Paste | |
| 2013 | Pro Wrestlers vs Zombies | Himself | |
| 2014 | Sharknado 2: The Second One | Fire Chief | |
| 2014 | Not Cool | Security Guard | |
| 2015 | The Last Witch Hunter | Bodyguard |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Fox 53 Ten O'Clock News | Himself | Sportscaster: "The Angle on Sports" |
| 2000 | SMTV Live | Himself | |
| 2001 | The Weakest Link | Himself | |
| 2007 | Inside MMA | Himself | Season 1, episodes 10 and 11 |
| 2008 | Pros vs. Joes | Himself | Season 3, episode 1 |
| 2009 | Criss Angel Mindfreak | Himself | Episode: "Car Wreck Vanish" |
| 2011 | Extreme Makeover: Home Edition | Himself | Episode: "The Lampe Family" |
| 2013 | Baal Veer | Himself | <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> |
| 2016 | Duck Dynasty | Himself | Episode: "Van He'llsing" |
| 2016 | Those Who Can't | Coach Joe Donnelly<ref>Template:Citation</ref> | Episode: "A New Dog in the Yard" |
| 2018–2019 | OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes | Chip Damage | Voice; 6 episodes |
| 2021 | Ryan's Mystery Playdate | Himself | Episode: "Ryan's Super Tough Playdate" |
Other endeavors
In 1996, Angle became a marketing representative for Protos Foods, the manufacturers of OSTRIM, an ostrich-meat-based foodstuff.<ref name="Business Wire">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In 1997, he worked for a year as a sportscaster on Pittsburgh's local Fox affiliate WPGH-TV.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He also did a commercial for Pittsburgh-based pizza chain Pizza Outlet. Both Angle's pizza commercial and his time on WPGH-TV would be referenced on WWE television (the latter through the WWE Network show Ride Along), and his time with WPGH-TV would also make him an alumnus of WPGH-TV parent Sinclair Broadcast Group without having ever appeared for Sinclair-owned wrestling promotion Ring of Honor.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref>
Angle is a longtime fan of MMA, and has occasionally talked about his desire to compete. UFC president Dana White stated that Angle was in talks to appear as a heavyweight contestant on the 10th season of The Ultimate Fighter, but did not meet the medical requirements. Angle signed with Bellator MMA on October 28, 2015. He attended a fan convention on November 6, the eve of Bellator 145, then joined the commentary booth the next night, during the Bobby Lashley vs. James Thompson match, where he teased possibly fighting for the promotion himself.<ref>"Kurt Angle, yes that Kurt Angle, has revealed that he could end up taking MMA fight", by Darragh Murphy, SportsJoe.ie.</ref>
Angle's book, It's True It's True, was released on September 18, 2001.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In 2008, Angle was selected to be featured on the cover for metal band Emmure's second album The Respect Issue, where he is depicted on the front and back covers for the record, as well as on the inlay.<ref name="emmurerespect">Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Unreliable source?
From January 2021 to January 2024, Angle co-hosted a podcast called The Kurt Angle Show with Conrad Thompson.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Angle was hired as a sports analyst for Real American Freestyle in July 2025.<ref name="o638">Template:Cite web</ref> Angle owns part of the company.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeViHmQKhEw</ref>
Personal life
Angle married Karen Smedley<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> on December 19, 1998.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> They have two children together.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In September 2008, it was reported that Karen had filed for divorce from Kurt.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2010, it was reported that Angle was engaged to actress Giovanna Yannotti.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Angle and Yannotti were married on July 20, 2012.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> They have three children, one of whom was adopted.Template:Refn
Angle is a Christian.<ref name="twitter.com">Template:Cite tweet</ref><ref name="youtube.com">Template:Cite AV mediaTemplate:Cbignore</ref> He supported Marco Rubio in the 2016 Republican Party presidential primaries.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He is a supporter of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Penguins<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Template:Primary source inline<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He also enjoys playing the drums.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In July 2015, Angle underwent emergency surgery to remove fluid buildup on his spinal cord after all of his extremities had become numb.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A week before this emergency, he had surgery to remove a benign tumor from his neck.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2007, Sports Illustrated reported that Angle's name was found in the client database of a Florida wellness center suspected of being a front for distributing performance enhancing drugs.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> The magazine alleged that Angle had received prescriptions for trenbolone (which is not approved for human use by the Food and Drug Administration) and nandrolone, both anabolic steroids. Angle denied the allegations, commenting that his neck issues were well documented.<ref name="Angle Responds">Template:Cite news</ref> Angle only failed a drugs test under WWE's Wellness Policy because his prescription for nandrolone had expired.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Angle has been open about struggles with addiction to prescription pain medication. He claims that he developed an addiction to pain killers in 2003, and that his addictions got so out of control that at one point he was taking up to 65 extra-strength Vicodin per day. Angle states that after completing rehabilitation following a 2013 DUI arrest, he has been clean and sober.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Charitable work
In 2003 Angle helped fellow US wrestler Teague Moore raise funds for his training and bid for the 2004 Olympics.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2016 Angle launched his own app called the Angle Strong. The app aimed at helping people in recovery of drug addiction, providing check-ins, reminders, care-manager support, and loved-one notifications. The app had a chat room where people could talk to other recovering addicts.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2024 Angle began a fundraiser to help support the U.S. men's and women's freestyle Olympic wrestling team, and the men's Olympic Greco-Roman. He started the campaign in hopes of making sure the athletes would be able to train full time and not have to worry about working during their training. He also worked with USA Wrestling to raise funds to help give female wrestlers more ability’s to compete at all levels.<ref name=":3">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Angle also does work with the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, which helps families of fallen first responders and military serviceman. Angle has stated that it is a personal issue to him as his father who was in the military reserves was killed in a construction accident.<ref name=":3" />
Legal issues
In September 2007, Angle was arrested by the Moon Township Police Department in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, a part of the Greater Pittsburgh area, on a DUI charge, after police received a report of an erratic driver leaving a local bar. Angle was charged with driving under the influence and careless driving after police traced the description of the car to his home. Angle was later found not guilty on those charges when the complaining witness was unable to corroborate her story.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On August 15, 2009, Angle was again arrested by the Moon Township Police Department.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> His girlfriend stated that she had filed a protection from abuse (PFA) order and that he was stalking her in the Robinson area. Angle was charged with "driving while operating privilege is suspended, prohibited acts-possession, harassment and prohibited acts". Hygetropin, a human growth hormone, was found in his car; Angle maintained that he had a prescription for the drug.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On September 15, a District Court judge dropped the harassment, suspended license, and drug charges against Angle. On November 9, the PFA charges were dropped after he and former girlfriend Trenesha Biggers reached an agreement to avoid contact with each other.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On March 25, 2011, Angle was arrested by North Dakota Highway Patrol officers in Thompson, North Dakota, and charged with "being in control of a motor vehicle while intoxicated", after failing a field sobriety test.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Angle later pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced on April 20 to one year of unsupervised probation, a chemical dependency evaluation, a $250 fine, $225 in court fees, and a ten-day suspended sentence.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Angle was arrested in the early morning of September 4, 2011, by Virginia State Troopers for allegedly driving under the influence. Angle was placed in Warren County Jail, before posting $2,000 bail and being released.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> State police revealed that Angle's initial breath test at the scene, where he was stopped by police, showed a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.091 percent, which was above the legal limit of 0.08 percent.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The test was later ruled not admissible; and when a second test, taken at the police station, showed a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.06, the DUI charge was dropped. Angle was still charged with reckless driving.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On November 8, 2011, Angle entered a plea of no contest and was fined $1,500.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On August 2, 2013, Angle was arrested by Texas Highway Patrol officers and charged with driving while intoxicated in Decatur, Texas.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Later that day, Angle announced he was immediately entering a drug rehabilitation center.<ref name="RehabPWT">Template:Cite web</ref>
Championships and accomplishments
Folkstyle/freestyle wrestling
- Canadian Cup Championship
- Winner (1990)
- Collegiate/High School
- Clarion University Freshman of the Year (1988)
- Pennsylvania State Wrestling Champion (1987)
- International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles
- FILA Junior World Freestyle Champion (1988)
- FILA World Championships gold medal in freestyle wrestling (100 kg) (1995)
- International Sports Hall of Fame
- Class of 2016<ref name="ISHOF"/>
- National Amateur Wrestling Hall of Fame
- National Wrestling Hall of Fame Distinguished Member (Class of 2001)
- National Collegiate Athletic Association
- NCAA Division I All-American (1990–1992)
- NCAA Division I Heavyweight Champion (1990, 1992)
- Olympic Games
- Summer Olympics gold medal in freestyle wrestling (heavyweight) (1996)
- USA Wrestling
- USA Junior Freestyle Champion (1987)
- USA Senior Freestyle Champion (1995, 1996)
- USA Wrestling Hall of Fame (Class of 2001)
- Clarion University of Pennsylvania
- Athletics Hall of Fame (Class of 1998)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Professional wrestling
- The Baltimore Sun
- Best Worker of the Decade (2010)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Cauliflower Alley Club
- Future Legend Award (2000)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Lou Thesz/Art Abrams Award (2024)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Inoki Genome Federation
- IWGP Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="Inoki"/>
- George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
- Class of 2012<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Special honoree (2015)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
- Class of 2024<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Memphis Wrestling Hall of Fame
- Class of 2021<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Power Pro Wrestling
- PPW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Comeback of the Year (2003)<ref name="PWI Awards">Template:Cite web</ref>
- Feud of the Year (2000) Template:Small<ref name="PWI Awards"/>
- Feud of the Year (2003) Template:Small<ref name="PWI Awards"/>
- Feud of the Year (2007) Template:Small<ref name="PWI Awards"/>
- Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (2001)<ref name="PWI Awards"/>
- Match of the Year (2003) Template:Small<ref name="PWI Awards"/>
- Match of the Year (2005) Template:Small<ref name="PWI Awards"/>
- Most Hated Wrestler of the Year (2000)<ref name="PWI Awards"/>
- Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (2003)<ref name="PWI Awards"/>
- Rookie of the Year (2000)<ref name="PWI Awards"/>
- Wrestler of the Year (2003)<ref name="PWI Awards"/>
- Ranked No. 1 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2001<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- SoCal Uncensored
- Match of the Year (2000) Template:Small<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Sports Illustrated
- Ranked No. 12 of the 20 Greatest WWE Wrestlers Of All Time <ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
- Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
- TNA World Heavyweight Championship (6 times, inaugural)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- TNA X Division Championship (1 time)<ref name="TNAtitles">Template:Cite web</ref>
- TNA World Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Sting (1)Template:Efn and A.J. Styles (1)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- King of the Mountain (2007, 2009)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Second Triple Crown Champion<ref name="AngleBrand">Template:Cite web</ref>
- TNA Hall of Fame (2013)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- TNA Year End Awards (5 times)
- Feud of the year (2006, 2007) Template:Small
- Match of the Year (2007) Template:Small
- Memorable Moment of the Year (2006) Template:Small
- Who to Watch in 2007 (2006)
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter
- Best Gimmick (2000)<ref name="won">Template:Cite journal</ref>
- Best on Interviews (2002)<ref name="won"/>
- Best Technical Wrestler (2002)<ref name="won"/>
- Feud of the Year (2003) Template:Small<ref name="won"/>
- Match of the Year (2002) Template:Small<ref name="won"/>
- Most Improved (2000)<ref name="won"/>
- Most Outstanding Wrestler (2001–2003)<ref name="won"/>
- Readers' Favorite Wrestler (2002–2003)<ref name="won"/>
- Wrestler of the Year (2002)<ref name="won"/>
- Wrestler of the Decade (2000–2009)<ref name=WONWofD>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 2004)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
- WWF/E Championship (4 times)<ref name="WWEbelt">Template:Cite web</ref>
- WCW Championship (1 time)Template:Efn<ref name="WCW">Template:Cite web</ref>
- World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="WHC">Template:Cite web</ref>
- WWF Intercontinental Championship (1 time)<ref name="IC">Template:Cite news</ref>
- WWF European Championship (1 time)<ref name="Euro">Template:Cite web</ref>
- WWF Hardcore Championship (1 time)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- WCW United States Championship (1 time)Template:Efn<ref name="US">Template:Cite web</ref>
- WWE Tag Team Championship (1 time, inaugural) – with Chris Benoit<ref name="Tag">Template:Cite news</ref>
- King of the Ring (2000)<ref name="pwi106"/>
- 10th Triple Crown Champion<ref name="AngleBrand"/>
- Fifth Grand Slam Champion<ref name="AngleBrand"/>
- WWE Tag Team Championship Tournament (2002) – with Chris Benoit<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2017)<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
World Championships/Olympic Games matches
Template:BLP unreferenced section Template:S-start |- !Res. !Record !Opponent !Score !Date !Event !Location |- ! style=background:white colspan=7 |Template:Small |- |Template:Yes2Win |style="text-align:center;"|9–0 |align=left|Template:Flagicon Abbas Jadidi |style="font-size:88%"|1–1 |style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|July 31, 1996 |style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|1996 Olympic Games |style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=5|Template:Flagicon Atlanta, Georgia |- |Template:Yes2Win |style="text-align:center;"|8–0 |align=left|Template:Flagicon Konstantin Aleksandrov |style="font-size:88%"|4–1 |- |Template:Yes2Win |style="text-align:center;"|7–0 |align=left|Template:Flagicon Sagid Murtazaliev |style="font-size:88%"|4–3 |- |Template:Yes2Win |style="text-align:center;"|6–0 |align=left|Template:Flagicon Wilfredo Morales |style="font-size:88%"|2–0 |style="font-size:88%" rowspan=2|July 30, 1996 |- |Template:Yes2Win |style="text-align:center;"|5–0 |align=left|Template:Flagicon Dolgorsürengiin Sumyaabazar |style="font-size:88%"|4–0 |- ! style=background:white colspan=7 |Template:Small |- |Template:Yes2Win |style="text-align:center;"|4–0 |align=left|Template:Flagicon Arawat Sabejew |style="font-size:88%"|Referee Decision |style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|August 13, 1995 |style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|1995 World Championships |style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=4|Template:Flagicon Atlanta, Georgia |- |Template:Yes2Win |style="text-align:center;"|3–0 |align=left|Template:Flagicon Oleg Ladik |style="font-size:88%"|Referee Decision |- |Template:Yes2Win |style="text-align:center;"|2–0 |align=left|Template:Flagicon Josef Glazer |style="font-size:88%"|3–0 |- |Template:Yes2Win |style="text-align:center;"|1–0 |align=left|Template:Flagicon Kenan Şimşek |style="font-size:88%"|2–0 Template:End
Luchas de Apuestas record
| Winner (wager) | Loser (wager) | Location | Event | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edge (hair) | Kurt Angle (hair) | Nashville, Tennessee | Judgment Day | Template:Dts | <ref name="Adam Copeland on Edge">Template:Cite book</ref> |
Notes
References
Sources
External links
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