Kurt Angle has had a successful career in amateur and
professional wrestling. Before going to the WWE, Kurt was a very successful
amateur wrestler. Kurt's biggest achievement came at the 1996 Olympics, where he
would win gold his weight class. After the Olympics, Kurt decided retire for
amateur wrestling.
In 1999, WWE offered him a developmental contract. Kurt was hesitant about going into pro wrestling. However, the money
was too good to turn down. He would sign the contract and go to their wrestling
school. Kurt was sent to Ohio Valley Wrestling. Kurt began training and was quick
learner. Within a year, He was called up to the WWE main roster. The WWE decided
to use his past Olympic achievement as part of his gimmick. Kurt would wear his
gold medal to the ring and mention his Gold Medal in promos.
Within just one
year, Kurt Angle won his first WWE world title. He would go
onto headline many pay per views for the WWE. The highlight of his WWE career
came at WWE Wrestlemania 19, where he wrestled and lost to Brock Lesner in front of
54,097 people.
In 2006, Kurt Angle relationship with WWE soured. He was
suspended for failing their wellness policy and rumors about Kurt’s health begin
to circulate. Within a few days of being suspended, the WWE and Kurt agreed to
part ways.
Kurt Angle would become the hottest free agent in professional
wrestling and MMA. He received numerous offers from MMA organization in the
United States and Japan. However, Kurt Angle decided to stay in professional
wrestling. He signed with TNA in September of 2006. By signing with TNA, Kurt
Angle gave the TNA instant credibility with fans. Kurt Angle’s first feud in the
promotion was with rising star Samoa Joe. In the fall of 2006, they would
headline three consecutive pay per views and put on 4 star matches.
At TNA’s Sacrifice 2007, Kurt would win his first
TNA World Title by beating Christian Cage and Sting. This would not be his last
World title reign, as he would win the World Title on several
occasions.
