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 in 1996. At the Olympics, he
would win gold in Atlanta. After winning the gold medal, Kurt had achieved his
goal and needed a new adventure.
In 1999, WWE offered him a developmental contract with the
company. 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 and promotion (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 achievements as part of his gimmick. Kurt would wear his
gold medal to the ring and mention his achievements in promos.
In 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. 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.
At TNA’s Sacrifice 2007, Kurt would win his first
TNA World Title by beating Christian Cage and Sting. However, the title reign
did not last long. A week later, he was striped of the title. Kurt would regain
TNA’s world title at the following pay per view in a king of the mountain match.
