Kurt Angle
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{{Infobox Wrestler
|name=Kurt Angle
|names='''Kurt Angle'''
|image=Pe082305a1 hr.jpg <!---:This image is free use. Do not replace it with a fair use image.--->
|image_caption=
|real_height={{height|ft=5|in=10}}<ref name="Washington Post">{{cite news|title=Kurt Angle Bio at Washington Post.com|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/olympics/longterm/wrestlng/freebios/angle.htm|publisher=WashingtonPost.comaccessdate=2007-10-11}}</ref>
|height={{height|ft=6|in=0}}<!-- Please don't change the height or weight. These are the measures as officially stated and they should not be changed. --><ref name="TNA-Bio">{{cite news|title=TNA Profile|url=http://www.tnawrestling.com/content/view/249/37/|publisher=TNA Wrestling|accessdate=2007-10-11}}</ref>|weight={{convert|250|lb|kg|abbr=on}} <!-- Please don't change the height or weight. These are the measures as officially stated and they should not be changed. --><ref name="TNA-Bio"/>
|birth_date={{birth date and age|1968|12|9}}|birth_place=[[Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania]]
|death_place=
|death_date=
|resides=[[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]]
|billed=Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania<ref name="TNA-Bio"/>
|trainer=[[Dave Schultz (amateur wrestler)|Dave Schultz]]<br />[[Dory Funk, Jr.]]<br />[[Tom Prichard]]
|debut=1995
|retired=
}}
'''Kurt Steven Angle''' (born [[December 9]] [[1968]]) is an [[United States|American]] [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] and former [[Olympic Games|Olympic]] [[amateur wrestling|amateur wrestler]]. He currently works for [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]].
Angle was involved in amateur wrestling during both high school and college. In college, he won numerous accolades, including being a two-time [[National Collegiate Athletic Association]] Division I champion.<ref name=ka4/><ref name=ecw173/> After graduating, he won the 1995 World Championship tournament.<ref name=ka4/> Angle then competed in the [[1996 Summer Olympics]] in [[Atlanta, Georgia]], where he won a [[gold medal]] in heavyweight [[freestyle wrestling]].<ref name=ecw173/><ref name="King"/>
Initially turning down an offer to join the [[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF),<ref name=ecw173/> Angle signed a multi-year contract with the company in 1998. His first big [[List of professional wrestling slang#P|push]] in the company was in February 2000 when he held both the [[WWE European Championship|European Championship]] and [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]].<ref name=pwi105/> Not long after, Angle began pursuing the [[WWE Championship|WWF Championship]]. He continued to be a part of main event matches until August 2006, when Angle was granted a release from his contract.<ref name="Clevett"/> Throughout his tenure in the company, he was a [[WWE United States Championship|WCW United States Champion]],<ref name=US>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/unitedstates/|title=US Title History|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-08-28}}</ref> [[WCW World Heavyweight Championship|WCW World Heavyweight Champion]],<ref name=WCW>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/|title=WCW Championship History|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-08-28}}</ref> [[WWE Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Champion]],<ref name=Tag>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwetag/|title=WWE Tag Team Championship History|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-08-28}}</ref> four-time [[WWE Championship|WWF/E Champion]],<ref name=WWEbelt>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/|title=WWE Championship History|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-08-28}}</ref> WWF European Champion,<ref name= Euro>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/euro/|title=European Championship History|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-08-28}}</ref> [[WWE Hardcore Championship|WWF Hardcore Champion]],<ref name =Core>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/hard/|title=Hardcore Championship History|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-08-28}}</ref> WWF Intercontinental Champion,<ref name=IC>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/|title=Intercontinental Championship History|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-08-28}}</ref> and [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Champion]].<ref name =WHC>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/|title=World Heavyweight Championship History|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-08-28}}</ref> In addition, he was the winner of the [[King of the Ring#2000|King of the Ring]] tournament in 2000,<ref name=pwi106/> the tenth [[Triple Crown Championship#WWF/E Triple Crown|Triple Crown Champion]], and the fourth [[Grand Slam Championship#World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment|Grand Slam Champion]].
After leaving WWE, Angle joined Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where he became the second wrestler in TNA to win [[Triple Crown Championship#TNA Triple Crown|that company's Triple Crown]]; and the first man to hold all three TNA [[Championship (professional wrestling)|championships]] simultaneously.<ref name=TNAtitles>{{citeweb|url=http://www.tnawrestling.com/content/view/218/84/|accessdate=2008-06-24|title=Total Nonstop ACtion Wresting official title history|publisher=TNA Wrestling}}</ref> While in TNA, his real-life wife [[Karen Angle|Karen]] began accompanying him to the ring and playing a part in his on-screen storylines. Angle has also made appearances for [[New Japan Pro Wrestling]] and [[Inoki Genome Federation]], where he is the former [[Inoki Genome Federation#IWGP Third Belt Championship|IWGP Third Belt Champion]].<ref name=Inoki>{{citeweb|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/newjapan/iwgp-h.html|accessdate=2008-06-24|title=INTERNATIONAL WRESTLING GRAND PRIX HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE|publisher=Wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>He is also the only person to win the [[WWE Championship]], the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Championship]], the [[WCW World Heavyweight Championship]], and the [[TNA World Heavyweight Championship]].
==Amateur career==
{{MedalTableTop}}
{{MedalSport|[[Freestyle wrestling|Men's Freestyle Wrestling]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|Olympics}}
{{MedalGold|[[1996 Summer Olympics|1996 Atlanta]]|[[Wrestling at the 1996 Summer Olympics|100 kg]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|World Championships}}
{{MedalGold|1995 [[Atlanta, Georgia|Atlanta]], [[United States|U.S.]]|[[Heavyweight|100 kg]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|World Cup}}
{{MedalBronze|1992 [[Moscow]], [[Russia]]|[[Heavyweight|100 kg]]}}
{{MedalSilver|1995 [[Chattanooga, Tennessee|Chattanooga]], [[United States|U.S.]]|[[Heavyweight|100 kg]]}}
{{MedalBottom}}
Kurt started amateur wrestling at the age of six.<ref>{{cite book|last=Angle|first=Kurt|title=It’s true, it’s true|origdate=2001-09-18|edition=Hardcover|publisher=HarperEntertainment|isbn=0060393270|pages=13}}</ref> Angle attended [[Mt. Lebanon School District#Mt. Lebanon High School|Mt. Lebanon High School]],<ref name=ka53/> where he won [[varsity letter]]s in [[American football|football]] and [[Scholastic wrestling|wrestling]] and was an All-State [[linebacker]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Angle|first=Kurt|title=It’s true, it’s true|origdate=2001-09-18|edition=Hardcover|publisher=HarperEntertainment|isbn=0060393270|pages=27}}</ref><ref name=ka53>{{cite book|last=Angle|first=Kurt|title=It’s true, it’s true|origdate=2001-09-18|edition=Hardcover|publisher=HarperEntertainment|isbn=0060393270|pages=53}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Angle|first=Kurt|title=It’s true, it’s true|origdate=2001-09-18|edition=Hardcover|publisher=HarperEntertainment|isbn=0060393270|pages=62}}</ref> He went undefeated on the freshman wrestling team at Mt. Lebanon High and qualified for the state wrestling tournament his sophomore year.<ref name=ka53/> Angle also placed third in the state wrestling tournament as a junior and was the 1987 Pennsylvania State Wrestling Champion as a senior.
Upon graduating from high school, Angle attended the [[Clarion University of Pennsylvania]], where he continued to [[Collegiate wrestling|wrestle]] at an amateur level.<ref>{{cite book|last=Angle|first=Kurt|title=It’s true, it’s true|origdate=2001-09-18|edition=Hardcover|publisher=HarperEntertainment|isbn=0060393270|pages=48}}</ref> He was a two-time [[National Collegiate Athletic Association]] Division I champion,<ref name=ka4>{{cite book|last=Angle|first=Kurt|title=It’s true, it’s true|origdate=2001-09-18|edition=Hardcover|publisher=HarperEntertainment|isbn=0060393270|pages=4}}</ref> national runner-up in 1991, and a 3-time NCAA Division I [[All-America]]n. In addition, Angle was the 1987 USA Junior Freestyle champion, a 2-time USA Senior Freestyle champion, and the 1988 USA [[International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles]] Junior World Freestyle champion.<ref name=ecw173/>
After graduating from college, Angle continued to wrestle. In 1995, he won a gold medal at the World Championships in [[Atlanta, Georgia]].<ref name=ka4/> Following this victory, Angle began preparing for the [[1996 Summer Olympics]] under [[Dave Schultz (amateur wrestler)|Dave Schultz]] at the Pennsylvanian Foxcatcher Club,<ref>{{cite book|last=Angle|first=Kurt|title=It’s true, it’s true|origdate=2001-09-18|edition=Hardcover|publisher=HarperEntertainment|isbn=0060393270|pages=123}}</ref> training between eight and ten hours a day.<ref name="Martinez">{{cite web|url=http://www.insidebayarea.com/trivalleyherald/localnews/ci_6506271|author=Martinez, M.|title=Professional wrestler talks shop at West Valley Mall|publisher=[[ANG Newspapers|Tri-Valley Herald]]|accessdate=2007-07-31|date=2007-07-31}}</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>{{cite book|last=Angle|first=Kurt|title=It’s true, it’s true|origdate=2001-09-18|edition=Hardcover|publisher=HarperEntertainment|isbn=0060393270|pages=5}}</ref><ref name=murder>{{cite web|url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9F00E6DB1F39F937A25756C0A961958260&n=Top%2fReference%2fTimes%20Topics%2fPeople%2fD%2fDu%20Pont%2c%20John%20E%2e|title=Heir Sentenced Up to 30 Years For Killing of Olympic Wrestler|publisher=The New York Times|accessdate=2007-08-29|date=[[May 14]], [[1997]]}}</ref> As a result, Angle quit John Eleuthère du Pont's team, searched for new sponsors, and joined the Dave Schultz Wrestling Club in Schultz's memory.<ref>{{cite book|last=Angle|first=Kurt|title=It’s true, it’s true|origdate=2001-09-18|edition=Hardcover|publisher=HarperEntertainment|isbn=0060393270|pages=139}}</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>{{cite book|last=Angle|first=Kurt|title=It’s true, it’s true|origdate=2001-09-18|edition=Hardcover|publisher=HarperEntertainment|isbn=0060393270|pages=2}}</ref> [[hernia]]ting two [[intervertebral disc|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/> The injury led to Angle's future claim of having won his Olympic gold medal "with a broken freakin' neck." In the fall of 2006, Angle stated that he temporarily became addicted to the [[analgesic]] [[Vicodin]] after breaking his neck.<ref>{{cite web|title=Grappling with addiction|url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/olympics/s_479415.html|publisher=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review|accessdate=2008-01-15|last=Rossi|first=Rob}}</ref>
He won his gold medal in the heavyweight (90-100 kg; 198-220 lb) weight class,<ref name=ecw173/> defeating the [[Iran]]ian [[Abbas Jadidi]] by officials' decision after the competitors wrestled to an eight minute, one-one draw. The bout saw Jadidi earn a point after two minutes and 46 seconds by turning Angle, and Angle earning a point of his own with a [[Takedown (grappling)|takedown]] after three minutes and eleven seconds. The officials' decision was protested by Jadidi.<ref name="King">{{cite news|first=Peter|last=King|title=Gripping Finish|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/events/1996/olympics/daily/aug1/wrest.html|publisher=SI.com|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref>
Shortly after his victory, Angle turned down a contract with the [[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF).<ref name=ecw173/><ref name=ka200>{{cite book|last=Angle|first=Kurt|title=It’s true, it’s true|origdate=2001-09-18|edition=Hardcover|publisher=HarperEntertainment|isbn=0060393270|pages=200}}</ref> In the same year, he became a marketing representative for Protos Foods, the manufacturers of OSTRIM, an [[ostrich]] meat based foodstuff.<ref name="Business Wire">{{cite news|title=Kurt Angle, 1996 Olympic Gold Medal Wrestler Signs Multi-Year Deal With World Wrestling Federation|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_1998_Oct_17/ai_53092508|publisher=Business Wire|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref><ref name=ka200/>
==Professional wrestling career==
===Extreme Championship Wrestling (1996)===
On [[October 26]] [[1996]], Angle was convinced by [[Shane Douglas]] to attend the taping of an [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] (ECW) event named ''High Incident''.<ref name=ecw173>Loverro, Thom. The Rise & Fall of ECW: Extreme Championship Wrestling (p.173)</ref> He provided guest commentary during a match between [[Tazz|Taz]] and [[James Maritato|Little Guido]], but left the building after [[Scott Levy|Raven]] "[[Crucifixion|crucified]]" [[Jim Fullington|The Sandman]] by attaching him to a [[Christian cross|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 would be damaged if he was associated with the incident, threatened to [[lawsuit|sue]] ECW owner [[Paul Heyman]] if he was shown on television in the same broadcast as the stunt.<ref name=ecw173/>
In 1997, following the incident, Angle worked for a year as a [[sportscaster]] on Pittsburgh's local [[Fox Broadcasting Company|FOX]] affiliate [[WPGH-TV]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_5_2/ai_68951388/pg_2|title=It's True: He's a Real American Hero|author=Thomas Chamberlin|publisher=Wrestling Digest|accessdate=2007-09-02|date=February 2001}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/200511angle1|title=A grateful Angle comments on hometown reception|author=David Agostino|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-09-02|date=2005-08-12}}</ref> He also shot a commercial for local [[pizzeria|pizza]] chain [[Vocelli Pizza|Pizza Outlet]].
===World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment===
====1998–2000====
In October 1998, Kurt Angle signed an eight-year contract with the World Wrestling Federation. He was assigned to the Power Pro Wrestling developmental territory in [[Memphis, Tennessee]], where he began training. Angle's first appearance on WWF television was on the [[March 7]] [[1999]] episode of ''[[WWE Heat|Sunday Night Heat]]'', where he took part in an [[List of professional wrestling slang#A|angle]] with [[Gurjit Singh|Tiger Ali Singh]].<ref name="1999 WWF event results">{{cite web|title=1999 WWF event results|url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/99.htm|publisher=Angel Fire.com - Cawthon 777|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref>. This angle involved Singh paying him money to blow his nose on the American flag. Angle refused to do so and fought Singh off instead. His first official WWF match was a [[List of professional wrestling slang#D|dark match]] victory over [[Brian Lawler|Brian Christopher]] on [[April 11]] [[1999]]. In the following months, he wrestled in [[house show]]s and other dark matches in preparation for his televised debut.<ref name="1999 WWF event results"/>
After several weeks of [[List of professional wrestling slang#V|vignettes]], Angle made his in-ring debut on [[November 14]] [[1999]] at the [[Survivor Series (1999)|Survivor Series]], defeating [[Shawn Stasiak]].<ref>PWI Staff. Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p. 104-105)</ref> In his initial [[List of professional wrestling slang#P|push]], he remained undefeated for several weeks, eventually losing to the debuting [[Tazz]] at the [[Royal Rumble (2000)|Royal Rumble]].<ref name=pwi105>PWI Staff. Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p. 105)</ref> Angle was [[List of professional wrestling slang#B|booked]] to win both the [[WWE European Championship|WWF European Championship]] and [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|WWF Intercontinental Championship]] in February 2000,<ref name=pwi105/> billing himself as the "Eurocontinental Champion". He [[List of professional wrestling slang#D|dropped]] both of his titles without ever conceding a [[List of professional wrestling slang#F|fall]] in a two falls [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|Triple Threat match]] with [[Chris Benoit]] and [[Chris Jericho]] at [[WrestleMania 2000]]; the match had been agreed to on Angle's behalf by his mentor, [[Bob Backlund]].<ref name=pwi105/>
Throughout mid-2000, Angle and [[Edge and Christian]] ("[[Team ECK]]") [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feuded]] with [[Too Cool]] and [[Solofa Fatu|Rikishi]], with Angle defeating Rikishi in the finals of the [[King of the Ring#2000|King of the Ring]] tournament, which he was booked to win.<ref name=pwi106>PWI Staff. Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p. 106)</ref> He went on to feud with [[Triple H]] after a [[love triangle]] between Angle, Triple H, and Triple H's wife [[Stephanie McMahon|Stephanie]] developed. As part of the storyline, he lost to Triple H at [[WWE Unforgiven#2000|Unforgiven]].<ref name=pwi106/> Following his feud with Triple H, Angle received another push and began pursuing the [[WWE Championship|WWF Championship]], defeating [[The Rock (entertainer)|The Rock]] at [[WWE No Mercy#2000|No Mercy]].<ref name=pwi106/> Angle retained the WWF Championship for the rest of the year in matches with [[The Undertaker]] at [[Survivor Series (2000)|Survivor Series]] and in a six way [[Hell in a Cell]] match at [[WWE Armageddon#2000|Armageddon]].<ref name=pwi107>PWI Staff. Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p. 107)</ref>
====2001–2002====
Angle held the WWF Championship for almost four months, losing it to The Rock at [[WWE No Way Out#2001|No Way Out]] in February 2001. He then feuded with [[Chris Benoit]], whom he defeated at [[WrestleMania X-Seven]] but lost to at [[WWE Backlash#2001|Backlash]] in an [[Iron Man match|Ultimate Submission Match]]; Benoit defeated Angle four falls to three in sudden-death overtime. Continuing the feud, Angle again defeated Benoit in a [[Two out of three falls match]] at [[WWE Judgment Day#2001|Judgment Day]]. Benoit pinned Angle after an [[Professional wrestling throws#Olympic slam|Angle Slam]] in a "Pinfalls Only" fall, and then Angle made Benoit submit with the [[Professional wrestling holds#Ankle lock|Ankle Lock]] in the "Submissions Only" fall. Angle won the third fall, a [[Ladder match]], with the help of [[Edge and Christian]].
When [[World Championship Wrestling|WCW]] (purchased by the WWF in early 2001) and ECW formed [[The Alliance (wrestling)|The Alliance]] and [[The Invasion (professional wrestling)|invaded]] the WWF in mid-2001, Kurt turned face and began an [[List of professional wrestling slang#A|angle]] where he joined forces with WWF Champion [[Stone Cold Steve Austin|Steve Austin]] to repel them. At [[WWF Invasion|Invasion]], Angle and Austin captained a team of five WWF superstars against five handpicked members of the Alliance. As part of the angle, Team WWF lost to Team Alliance when Austin turned on his team to join the Alliance. At the close of the match, Austin nailed Angle with a [[Stunner (professional wrestling)|Stone Cold Stunner]], causing him to get pinned by the other team.<ref>Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p. 108)</ref> After winning and losing the [[WCW World Heavyweight Championship]],<ref>{{cite web|title=SmackDown - July 26, 2001 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/010726.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=RAW - July 30, 2001 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/010730.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref> [[WWE United States Championship|WCW United States Championship]],<ref>{{cite web|title=RAW - October 22, 2001 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/011022.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=RAW - November 12, 2001 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/011112.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref> and [[WWE Hardcore Championship|WWF Hardcore Championship]] in matches with Alliance members,<ref>{{cite web|title=RAW - September 10, 2001 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/010910.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref> Angle was [[List of professional wrestling slang#B|booked]] to defeat Austin in a [[SummerSlam 2001|SummerSlam]] rematch for his second WWF Championship at [[WWE Unforgiven#2001|Unforgiven]].<ref name=pwi109>2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p. 109)</ref> He [[List of professional wrestling slang#D|dropped]] the title back to Austin on the [[October 8]] [[2001]] episode of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' when WWF Commissioner [[Darren Matthews|William Regal]] joined the Alliance and cost Angle the match.<ref>{{cite web|title=RAW - October 8, 2001 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/011008.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref> As part of the storyline, Angle subsequently joined the Alliance himself,<ref>{{cite web|title=RAW - October 29, 2001 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/011029.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref> but ultimately returned to the WWF by enabling The Rock to defeat Austin in a "winner takes all" bout between the WWF and The Alliance at [[Survivor Series (2001)|Survivor Series]].<ref name=pwi109/>
After dropping the [[WWE United States Championship|US Championship]] to [[Adam Copeland|Edge]], the duo were booked into a lengthy feud. During this feud, Edge started the "you suck" chants every time Kurt Angle entered a WWE ring, usually in tune with Angle's entrance music. This proved significant because the chants followed Angle throughout the rest of his WWE career. In the course of the feud, Angle lost a "hair versus hair" match to Edge at [[WWE Judgment Day#2002|Judgment Day]], and his head was shaved bald.<ref>{{cite news|author=Michael McAvennie|title=WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition|publisher=Pocket Books|date=2003|pages=127}}</ref> Following the [[legit (professional wrestling)|legitimate]] loss of his hair, Angle's storyline called for him to wear a [[wig (hair)|wig]] and insult bald people,<ref>{{cite web|title=SmackDown - May 23, 2002 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/020523.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14 }}</ref> leading to a feud with [[Hulk Hogan]], who stripped Angle of his wig.<ref>{{cite news|author=Michael McAvennie|title=WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition|publisher=Pocket Books|date=2003|pages=145}}</ref> Angle later scored a submission victory over Hogan at [[King of the Ring#2002|King of the Ring]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Michael McAvennie|title=WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition|publisher=Pocket Books|date=2003|pages=152-153}}</ref>
In October 2002, Angle became the fourth WWE [[Grand Slam Championship|Grand Slam Champion]] when he was booked to win the [[WWE Tag Team Championship]] with Chris Benoit.<ref>{{cite news|author=Michael McAvennie|title=WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition|publisher=Pocket Books|date=2003|pages=278-279}}</ref> After dropping the titles to Edge and [[Rey Mysterio, Jr.|Rey Mysterio]] on an edition of ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown|SmackDown!]]'',<ref>{{cite news|author=Michael McAvennie|title=WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition|publisher=Pocket Books|date=2003|pages=294}}</ref> Angle won his third WWE Championship at [[Armageddon (2002)|Armageddon]], defeating [[Paul Wight|The Big Show]], with the help of [[Brock Lesnar]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Michael McAvennie|title=WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition|publisher=Pocket Books|date=2003|pages=329-330}}</ref> While still in his third reign, Angle began a new storyline when he gained the services of [[Manager (professional wrestling)|manager]] [[Paul Heyman]] and "[[The World's Greatest Tag Team|Team Angle]]" ([[Charlie Haas]] and [[Shelton Benjamin]]).<ref>{{cite web|title=SmackDown - December 26, 2002 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/021226.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref>
====2003–2004====
[[Image:Lesnarangle.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Angle and [[Brock Lesnar]] after their [[WWE Championship]] title match at [[WrestleMania XIX]].]]
He then began feuding with [[Brock Lesnar]], who had won the most recent Royal Rumble match,<ref>PWI Staff. 2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p. 112)</ref> after Lesnar claimed to be the new top superstar on ''SmackDown!''. The match between Lesnar and Angle going into [[WrestleMania XIX]] marked the first time in WWE history that two accomplished amateur wrestlers met in a ring. Angle [[List of professional wrestling slang#D|dropped]] the WWE Championship in the main event of WrestleMania XIX to Lesnar, who was receiving a major [[List of professional wrestling slang#P|push]] at the time.<ref>2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p. 112-113)</ref>
On [[April 11]] [[2003]], Angle underwent neck surgery performed by Dr. Hai-Dong Jho to repair nerve and spinal damage, [[calcium]] buildup, [[bone spur]]s, and [[intervertebral disc]] problems. Rather than have Dr. Jho remove the afflicted discs and fuse his [[vertebra]]e together, Angle opted for a less conventional surgery where Jho removed only the spurs and selected portions of the discs. The alternative surgery reduced Angle's rehabilitation time from one year to three months.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE.Com statement concerning Kurt Angle's injury...|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/columns/wwe/wwecom-angle.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref>
Angle returned as a face in June. Shortly after returning, Angle defeated Brock Lesnar and Big Show in a Triple Threat match at [[Vengeance (2003)|Vengeance]] to regain the WWE Championship.<ref>2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p. 113)</ref> After retaining the title in a singles bout with Lesnar at [[SummerSlam (2003)|SummerSlam]], he dropped the title to Lesnar in an [[Iron Man match]] on an episode of ''SmackDown!''.<ref>2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Dacts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p. 113-114)</ref><ref>{{cite web||title=SmackDown - September 18, 2003 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030918.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref> Angle then formed a five-man team to rival Lesnar's team at the [[Survivor Series (2003)|Survivor Series 2003]], with Angle's team coming out victorious at the pay-per-view.<ref name=pwi114>PWI Staff. 2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p. 114)</ref>
In January 2004, Angle would become involved in a storyline with [[Eddie Guerrero]]. In the beginning the two were allies; however, they were set on a course for [[Wrestlemania XX]] after Guerrero became WWE Champion and Angle won a match to become number one contender, both matches occurring at [[No Way Out (2004)|No Way Out]]. Angle turned heel shortly afterwards by attacking Guerrero, but the reigning champion would regain the upper hand, defeating Angle at Wrestlemania XX to retain. Following the event, Angle began to once again suffer from legitimate neck problems.<ref>{{cite web|first=Richard|last=Gray|title=Further details on Kurt Angle's injury; Condition very serious|url=http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/2004/articles/1079458633.php|publisher=Lords of Pain|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref> As a response, he was made the on-screen [[List of authority figures in professional wrestling#SmackDown! brand authorities|General Manager of ''SmackDown!'']],<ref>{{cite web|title=SmackDown - March 25, 2004 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/040325.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref> with his absence from the ring attributed to injuries suffered after Big Show [[chokeslam]]med him off a ledge.<ref>{{cite web|title=SmackDown - April 15, 2004 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/040415.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref> Angle continued his feud with Guerrero throughout 2004. He cost Guerrero the WWE championship against [[John Layfield|John "Bradshaw" Layfield]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Strap match|Texas Bull Rope match]] at [[WWE The Great American Bash#2004|The Great American Bash]] by participating in the worked finish; Angle came down to the ring and showed a replay where JBL's shoulder hit the corner pad before Guerrero's hand.<ref>2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p. 115-116)</ref> Angle was later kayfabe fired by [[Vince McMahon]] as General Manager in July 2004.<ref>{{cite web|title=SmackDown - July 22, 2004 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/040722.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref>
In November 2004, Angle initiated the ''Kurt Angle Invitational'', a [[List of professional wrestling slang#W|worked]] weekly segment where "hometown heroes" (known as [[List of professional wrestling slang#P|plants]]) challenged him to a match, with Angle promising to give his Olympic gold medal to the first person to last more than three minutes in the ring with him.<ref>{{cite web|title=SmackDown-November 18, 2004 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/041118.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref> The Invitational was won by [[Nick Dinsmore|Eugene]] in July 2005 starting a new [[List of professional wrestling slang#A|angle]] for both men.<ref>{{cite web|title=RAW - July 25, 2005 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/050725.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref> As a result, Angle faced Eugene at [[SummerSlam (2005)|SummerSlam]], defeating him by making him tap out to the ankle lock. The crowd, however, did not react well to this victory, as Angle had pretended to offer a microphone to the challenger, but then brutally slammed it into the young man's face, stunning him, and allowing Kurt to finish him off with practically no challenge.
On the [[November 4]], [[2004]], episode of [[WWE Friday Night SmackDown|SmackDown!]], at the [[Scottrade Center|Savvis Center]] in [[St. Louis, Missouri]], during [[WWE Tough Enough#$1,000,000 Tough Enough|Tough Enough]], Angle challenged the finalists through a [[Squat thrust|Squat thrust competition]]. The winner was [[WWE Tough Enough#$1,000,000 Tough Enough|Chris Nawrocki]], and as part of the ''Kurt Angle Invitational'', the prize Nawrocki won was a match against Angle. After Angle defeated Nawrocki, Angle asked if anyone else wanted to try. [[Daniel Puder]], an [[United States|American]] [[mixed martial artist]], raised his hand and challenged Angle. During the match, Angle and Puder wrestled for position before Angle took Puder down, in the process, Puder locked Angle in a [[Shoot (professional wrestling)|real]] [[Grappling_hold#Submission_hold|submission hold]], a [[Armlock#Kimura_.28Gyaku_ude-garami.29|Kimura]]. With Puder on his back, one of two [[Referee (professional wrestling)|referees]] in the ring, Jimmy Corderas, quickly counted three to end the bout, but some fans observed that during the pin, Puder's shoulders were not on the mat. Puder has claimed he would have snapped Angle's arm on national television, if Corderas had not ended the match.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kurt Angle, Owned by Shootfighter?|url=http://www.bullshido.net/modules.php?name=News&file=showarticle&threadid=18352}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=SmackDown - November 4, 2004 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/041104.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Reality show contestant schools Angle|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/DonCallis/2004/11/14/714531.html}}</ref> Following the incident, [[Dave Meltzer]] gave this comment;
{{cquote|The Kurt Angle-Daniel Puder deal from last night's Smackdown is really interesting. On MMA message boards, this has turned into the biggest story in a long time, and the funny part is, many MMA board people don't get the big picture at all and hate pro wrestling. I've seen some talk on pro wrestling boards, but while I've gotten tons of phone calls about it, I've gotten almost no e-mails about it, so I don't think many fans watching saw what really happened. Just to answer a few questions on it. It was real. If you don't follow fighting, Puder had Angle locked in the Kimura, or keylock as Tazz called it, although Tazz didn't let on the move was fully executed. Not only was Angle not getting out of the move, but most MMA fighters would have tapped already. Angle couldn't tap for obvious reasons. The ref counted a three even though Puder's shoulders weren't fully down, trying to end the thing, because the reality was Angle would have been in surgery had it gone a few seconds longer or had Puder not given up the hold. My impression is, since this was a taped show, that nobody in enough power in the company actually understood what happened and let it air, and figured most would see it as a pinfall in 40 seconds. And they were 98% correct, between the commentary and the pinfall, that is how most saw it. It was only when it was all over MMA boards last night that "unknown shootfighter really beats Kurt Angle" and was the hottest topic all night, that they took the footage of it off their web site, and replaced it with copy that said, "Angle mauled Nawrocki, before taking volunteers, next pinning Daniel Puder in a slightly tougher, but still relatively easy match." This is when you know a company is doomed. When God hands them an angle that would get people talking like nothing they've been able to create on their own, given them the potential for legit water cooler talk had they played it right, and they are so blind they go in the opposite direction. Tazz called it like, "well, so much for the UFC." Yeah, and so much for The Invasion angle as well.}}
====2005–2006====
[[Image:KurtAngleSs05.jpg|left|thumb|175px|Kurt Angle in the ring during [[SummerSlam (2005)|SummerSlam]] in 2005.]]
In January 2005, Angle took part in the [[Royal Rumble (2005)|Royal Rumble]], but was eliminated by [[Shawn Michaels]], who he returned to the ring to eliminate in retaliation.<ref name=pwi117>2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p. 117)</ref> After mocking Michaels by defeating his former tag team partner, [[Marty Jannetty]],<ref>{{cite web|title=SmackDown - March 17, 2005 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050317.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref> and attacking former manager, [[Sherri Martel]],<ref>{{cite web|title=SmackDown - March 24, 2005 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050324.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14 }}</ref> Angle defeated Michaels in an interpromotional match, which won [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]] (PWI) [[PWI Match of the Year|Match of the Year]] at [[WrestleMania 21]].<ref name=pwi117/> He continued to storyline feud with Michaels upon being [[WWE Brand Extension#June 2005 (Draft Lottery)|drafted]] from ''SmackDown!'' to ''Raw'' in June 2005,<ref>{{cite web|title=RAW - June 13, 2005 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/050613.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref> losing to Michaels at [[Vengeance (2005)|Vengeance]].<ref name=pwi118>2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p. 118)</ref>
Angle returned to the ''SmackDown!'' brand in January 2006, where he was [[List of professional wrestling slang#P|pushed]] to gain the vacant [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Championship]] in a twenty man [[battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]], turning face in the process.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated, May 2006|work=Arena Reports|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2006|month=May|page=130}}</ref><ref name="Almanac">{{cite news|first=Hicks|last=Brady|title=2006: The year in wrestling|work=2007 Wrestling Almanac and Book of Facts|publisher=Kappa Publications|id=2007 Edition|page=16}}</ref> He retained the title against [[Mark Henry]] at the [[Royal Rumble (2006)|Royal Rumble]]. Shortly after the match, [[The Undertaker]] made his return and challenged Angle for the title. Angle retained the title in a match with Undertaker at [[No Way Out (2006)|No Way Out]] <ref name=pwi119>2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p. 119)</ref> before [[List of professional wrestling slang#D|dropping]] it to Rey Mysterio in a Triple Threat match, which also included [[Randy Orton]], at [[WrestleMania 22]].<ref>2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p. 119-120)</ref>
On [[May 29]] [[2006]], Angle was drafted to the newly created [[Extreme Championship Wrestling (WWE)|Extreme Championship Wrestling]] brand.<ref>{{cite web|title=RAW - May 29, 2006 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/060529.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref> Upon coming to ECW, he issued an open challenge for [[One Night Stand (2006)|One Night Stand]], which was accepted by Orton.<ref>{{cite web|title=RAW - June 5, 2006 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/060605.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref> Angle defeated Orton at One Night Stand,<ref name=pwi121>PWI Staff. 2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p. 121)</ref> later losing to him in a rematch at [[Vengeance (2006)|Vengeance]]. Angle appeared sporadically on WWE television throughout mid-2006. On [[August 25]] [[2006]], he was granted an early release from his WWE contract due to "personal issues."<ref name="Clevett">{{cite news|author=Clevett, Jason|title=WWE releases Kurt Angle|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/08/25/1776375.html|publisher=SLAM Wrestling!|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/3232350|title=Angle talks about his release|accessdate=2007-12-23|publisher=WWE}}</ref>
===Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2006–Current)===
[[Image:Kurt TNA.jpg|thumb|right|175px|Kurt and Karen Angle watching at ringside during ''iMPACT!''.]]
A few weeks after his WWE tenure had ended, Angle signed a contract with [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA). Angle was let go from his WWE contract out of fear for his health. The new signing was viewed as a promotion not having concern for the health of a wrestler.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wrestling Observer Dan Wahler|url=http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=17479|publisher=Wrestling Observer|accessdate=2008-01-07}}</ref> On [[September 24]] [[2006]] during the closing segment of the [[TNA No Surrender#2006|No Surrender]] pay-per-view, TNA President [[Dixie Carter (professional wrestling)|Dixie Carter]] announced that TNA Wrestling had signed Angle to a contract, with [[Jim Cornette]] introducing video footage of Angle training in a six-sided TNA ring.<ref>2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p. 126-127)</ref>
Angle made his TNA debut on October 19, confronting [[Samoa Joe]] after Joe refused to relinquish the [[NWA World Heavyweight Championship]] belt that, according to the storyline, he had stolen from [[Jeff Jarrett]].<ref name=tnaoct19>{{cite web|title=Impact - October 19, 2006 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/tnaimpact/061019.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref> The two men ended up fighting while Jarrett took the title back.<ref name=tnaoct19/> Angle was then the [[Professional wrestling match types#Special referee|special enforcer]] for the [[Professional wrestling match types#Retirement match|Title vs. Career match]] between Jarrett and [[Sting (wrestler)|Sting]] at [[Bound for Glory (2006)|Bound for Glory]], but, as part of the [[List of professional wrestling slang#W|worked]] finish, he took out referee [[Rudy Charles]] and assumed the referee's role for the rest of the match-up.<ref name=pwi127>PWI Staff. 2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p. 127)</ref> Angle's first match in TNA took place on the November 16 airing of ''[[TNA Impact!]]'', where he was [[List of professional wrestling slang#B|booked]] to defeat [[Chris Parks|Abyss]] with the [[Professional wrestling holds#Ankle lock|Ankle lock]] and be attacked after the match by Samoa Joe.<ref>{{cite web|title=Impact - November 16, 2006 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/tnaimpact/061116.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref> At [[TNA Genesis#2006|Genesis]], Angle defeated Samoa Joe, ending Joe's [[List of professional wrestling slang#P|push]] as undefeated.<ref name=pwi127/>
At [[TNA Final Resolution#2007|Final Resolution]], Angle was booked to defeat Samoa Joe in a thirty minute [[Iron Man match]] 3-2 to earn a shot at the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at [[TNA Against All Odds#2007|Against All Odds]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Final Resolution 2007 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/tnappv/finalresolution07.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref> which he lost to [[Jason Reso|Christian Cage]] after interference from [[Travis Tomko|Tomko]] and [[Scott Steiner]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Against All Odds 2007 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/tnappv/againstallodds07.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref> This led into a feud between Angle and Steiner, with Angle pinning Steiner at [[TNA Destination X#2007|Destination X]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Destination X 2007 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/tnappv/destinationx07.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref> After Angle defeated Steiner, he was picked to lead a team of four other wrestlers against a team of Christian Cage's choice in a Lethal Lockdown match at April's [[Lockdown (2007)|Lockdown]]. Angle chose Samoa Joe, [[Terry Gerin|Rhino]], Sting, and Jeff Jarrett for Team Angle, while Cage chose [[A.J. Styles]], Scott Steiner, Tomko, and Abyss. The man who gained the winning pinfall would become the number one contender to Christian Cage's NWA World Heavyweight Title. Team Angle was victorious after Jeff Jarrett hit Abyss with a [[List of professional wrestling slang#G|gimmicked]] guitar full of thumbtacks and allowed Sting to score the pin.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lockdown 2007 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/tnappv/lockdown07.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref> At [[TNA Sacrifice#2007|Sacrifice]], Angle was booked to defeat Cage and Sting in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|Triple Threat match]] to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sacrifice 2007 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/tnappv/sacrifice07.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref> The [[National Wrestling Alliance]] (NWA) does not recognize this reign, however, because they had stripped Christian Cage of the NWA Title earlier in the day, prior to the Sacrifice event, after severing their business partnership with TNA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/whtnwa.html|title=Title History:NWA Heavyweight Championship|publisher=Gordon Solie|accessdate=2007-09-03|quote=NWA Executive Director, Robert K. Trokich announced that the National Wrestling Alliance has ended its 5 year relationship with TNA Entertainment, LLC. Trobich also stripped Christian Cage and Team 3-D of the NWA branded Championships.}}</ref>
On the following episode of ''Impact!'', after hearing complaints from Cage and Sting about the controversial finish to the match, Jim Cornette stripped Angle of the title.<ref>{{cite web|title=Impact - May 17, 2007 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/tnaimpact/070517.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref> One month later at [[Slammiversary (2007)|Slammiversary]] in a [[King of the Mountain match]], Kurt Angle became the first [[TNA World Heavyweight Championship|TNA World Heavyweight Champion]] by defeating Christian Cage, Samoa Joe, A.J. Styles, and [[Chris Harris (wrestler)|Chris Harris]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Slammiversary 2007 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/tnappv/slammiversary07.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref> He then attacked Joe after denying a request for a handshake, reigniting their feud.
At [[TNA Victory Road#2007|Victory Road]], newly-crowned [[TNA X Division Championship|X Division Champion]] Samoa Joe teamed with Kurt Angle to face [[TNA World Tag Team Championship|TNA Tag Team Champions]] [[Dudley Boyz|Team 3D]], with the stipulation that if a wrestler pinned the other opponent, he won his championship.<ref name=vr>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/tnappv/victoryroad07.html|title=Victory Road 2007 Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref> As part of the planned outcome of the match, Joe pinned [[Mark LoMonaco|Brother Ray]] of Team 3D to win both tag team belts, which he held by himself.<ref name=vr/> On the following episode of ''Impact!'', Joe (now holding the X Division and Tag Team Championships, with Kurt holding the TNA and [[Inoki Genome Federation#IWGP Third Belt Championship|IWGP championship]]s) challenged Kurt to a match at [[TNA Hard Justice#2007|Hard Justice]] for all the championships.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/tnaimpact/070719.html|title=Impact 07-19-07 Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref> While illustrating how he would take away everything important in Kurt's life, Joe brought Kurt's wife [[Karen Angle|Karen]] into the fray, as she demanded a divorce.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/tnaimpact/070802.html|title=Impact 08-02-07 Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref> During the match, however, Karen [[turn (professional wrestling)|betrayed]] Joe and aided her husband.<ref name=hj>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/tnappv/hardjustice07.html|title=Hard Justice 2007 Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref> As part of his newest push, Kurt won, gaining all the championships and becoming the second [[Triple Crown Championship#TNA Triple Crown|Triple Crown]] champion in TNA and the first to hold all three titles at the same time.<ref name=hj/> Angle, however, dropped both the X Division Title and the TNA World Tag Team Titles to [[Jay Lethal]] and [[Team Pacman]], respectively, at [[TNA No Surrender#2007|No Surrender]]. At [[Bound for Glory (2007)|Bound for Glory]], Angle lost the World Title to Sting, but won it back on the October 25 edition of ''Impact!''.
Angle then joined forces with A.J. Styles and Tomko as the [[Angle Alliance]] at [[TNA Turning Point#2007|Turning Point]] against Samoa Joe, Kevin Nash and [[Scott Hall]]. Styles had planned that [[Christian's Coalition]] and Angle Alliance could team up together, but Christian Cage demanded to be the leader of Angle Alliance after Cage denied Angle's request of being his "lackey". At [[TNA Final Resolution#2008|Final Resolution]], Angle successfully defended the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Christian Cage due to interference from Styles and again at [[TNA Against All Odds#2008|Against All Odds]] with help from Tomko. At [[Lockdown (2008)|Lockdown]], Angle lost the TNA World Heavyweight Championship to [[Samoa Joe]] after being pinned following a [[Professional wrestling throws#Muscle Buster|Muscle Buster]]. After suffering a recent neck injury, Kurt is currently out of action. He recently returned to ''Impact!'' to ask his (kayfabe) estranged wife Karen to reunite with him. She declined his offer. Later that night after A.J. Styles suffered a beating at the hands of Team 3D, Booker T, and Tomko. Kurt added to the mugging by hitting Styles with a steel chair. At [[Slammiversary (2008)|Slammiversery]], Angle lost to Styles, being pinned after a [[Facebuster#Belly-to-back inverted mat slam|Styles Clash]] after interference from Karen. <!--PLEASE DO NOT ADD WEEK BY WEEK EVENTS, RUMORS OR SPECULATION. THIS INCLUDES ANNOUNCED MATCHES THAT HAVE NOT YET OCCURRED. WIKIPEDIA IS NOT A NEWS SITE BUT AN ONLINE ENCYCLOPEDIA. Please see the articles "Wikipedia:What Wikipedia is not" and "Wikipedia:Guide to writing better articles" for more information. Just copy and paste everything within those quotes to see the article. Thank you for your cooperation.-->
===New Japan Pro Wrestling / Inoki Genome Federation (2007–2008)===
On [[February 18]] [[2007]], Angle made his debut in [[New Japan Pro Wrestling]], teaming with former [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship|IWGP Heavyweight Champion]] [[Yuji Nagata]] to defeat fellow [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling|TNA]] wrestler [[Travis Tomko]] and fellow [[World Wrestling Entertainment|WWE]] alumnus [[Matt Bloom|Giant Bernard]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/k/kurt-angle.html|title=Kurt Angle's Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref>
Angle was booked to face [[Brock Lesnar]] in a champion versus champion match for the [[Inoki Genome Federation]] on [[June 29]] [[2007]], defeating him by submission for the [[Inoki Genome Federation#IWGP Third Belt Championship|IWGP Third Belt Championship]]<ref name=Inoki/> and challenged him to an [[Mixed martial arts|MMA]] fight.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kurt Angle beats Brock Lesnar in Japan|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/56486/Kurt-Angle-Beats-Brock-Lesnar-In-Japan.htm|publisher=411mania.com|accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref> On [[December 19]] [[2007]], Angle defended the IWGP World Title successfully against [[Kendo Kashin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.igf.jp/fightermuch1220.html|title=IGF|publisher=IGF|accessdate=2007-12-22|date=2007-12-22}}</ref>
On [[January 4]] [[2008]], Angle made his third successful IWGP Third Belt Championship defense when he defeated Yuji Nagata at the New Japan Pro Wrestling supershow ''[[January 4 Dome Show#Wrestle Kingdom II in Tokyo Dome|Wrestle Kingdom II in Tokyo Dome]]'' by forcing Nagata to tap out to the ankle lock.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results08.php|title=Strong Style Spirit|publisher=Strong Style Spirit|accessdate=2008-01-04|date=2008-01-04}}</ref> On [[February 17]] [[2008]] Kurt lost the IWGP title to [[Shinsuke Nakamura]] in a unification match thus ending his year long run in Japan. Kurt Angle is not recognized as an IWGP Heavyweight Champion by New Japan.
==Personal life==
[[Image:Emmure - The Respect Issue.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Angle on the cover of [[Emmure|Emmure's]] "[[The Respect Issue]]."]]
Kurt Angle attended [[Clarion University of Pennsylvania]], graduating with a [[academic degree|degree]] in [[education]] in 1993.<ref name="Washington Post"/> In his later life, Angle got a Clarion University Golden Eagle [[tattoo]]ed on his upper back.
Angle has four older brothers (one of whom, [[Eric Angle|Eric]], is also a wrestler) and a sister, Le'Anne, who died of a drug overdose.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/article172594.ece|title=Wrestling with tragedy|author=Simno 'LILSBOY' Rothstein|publisher=The Sun Online|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> His father was killed in a construction accident when Angle was sixteen, and Angle dedicated both his career and his [[autobiography]] ''It's True, It's True'' to him as a result. Angle claimed in an interview that, following the death of his father, he regarded his wrestling coach, [[Dave Schultz (amateur wrestler)|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=murder/><ref name=ka5>{{cite book|last=Angle|first=Kurt|title=It’s true, it’s true|origdate=2001-09-18|edition=Hardcover|publisher=HarperEntertainment|isbn=0060393270|pages=5}}</ref>
He married wife [[Karen Angle|Karen Smedley]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2757878/bio|title=Karen Angle biography|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref> on [[December 19]] [[1998]],<ref>{{cite book|last=Angle|first=Kurt|title=It’s true, It's True|origdate=2001-09-18|edition=Hardcover|publisher=HarperEntertainment|isbn=0060393270|pages=187}}</ref> and the couple has a daughter, Kyra, who was born on [[December 2]] [[2002]]. They also have a son, Kody, who was born on [[October 26]] [[2006]]. In August 2007, Karen debuted in TNA as Angle's regular [[Manager (professional wrestling)|valet]].
In regards to his future, Angle has expressed interest on several occasions in pursuing an [[acting]] career after retirement from professional wrestling.<ref name="King"/>
Angle was featured on the cover artwork of [[Emmure|Emmure's]] "[[The Respect Issue]]," a metalcore album released May 13, 2008 by [[Victory Records]].
==Substance abuse allegations==
===Wellness Policy violation===
On [[March 6]] [[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>{{cite news|first=Luis Fernando|last=Llosa|coauthors=L. Jon Wertheim|title=Inside the Steroid Sting|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/more/03/06/rx.trouble0312/1.html|publisher=SI.com|date=2007-03-06|accessdate=2007-03-06}}</ref> The magazine alleged Angle had received prescriptions for [[trenbolone]] (which is not approved for human use by the [[Food and Drug Administration|FDA]]) and [[nandrolone]], both [[anabolic steroid]]s. Angle responded on his official website: "I did not improperly receive prescriptions. It is well documented that in my career I have broken vertebrae in my neck on five occasions and each time the course of treatment was under the care and supervision of my doctors. Any attempt to link me to the athletes in the current news accounts who may have improperly sought performance-enhancing drugs is without foundation."<ref name="Angle Responds">{{cite news|first=Kurt|last=Angle|title=Angle responds|url=http://www.kurtangletna.net/letter.htm|publisher=Kurt Angle's Official Website|date=2007-03-08|accessdate=2007-03-08}}</ref>
Approximately two weeks later on [[March 19]] [[2007]], ''Sports Illustrated'' posted on its website another article in its continuing series investigating a steroid and [[Growth hormone treatment|HGH]] ring used by a number of professional athletes in several sports. That article mentioned that 10 other professional wrestlers were implicated to have received performance-enhancing drugs from the same drug ring including four current WWE wrestlers and [[Eddie Guerrero]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Luis Fernando|last=Llosa|coauthors=L. Jon Wertheim|title=Wrestlers allegedly tied to drug
ring|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/more/03/19/wrestlers/index.html|publisher=SI.com|date=2007-03-19|accessdate=2007-03-19}}</ref> Kurt Angle never failed a drug test for pain pills. He did, however, fail a steroid test under [[World Wrestling Entertainment#Wellness Program|WWE's Wellness Policy]] because his prescription for [[Nandrolone|Deca-Durabolin]] had expired.<ref>{{cite news|title=Did Kurt Angle Ever Fail A WWE Drug Test For Pain Killers?|url=http://www.tnawrestlingnews.com/headlines/187761305.shtml|publisher=TNAWrestlingNews.com|date=2007-07-29|accessdate=2007-07-29}}</ref>
===Driving under the influence charges===
Kurt Angle was arrested at his home by [[Moon Township, Pennsylvania]] [[police]] on [[September 28]] [[2007]] on a charge of [[driving under the influence]] after being reported by a woman who claimed that he almost hit her while leaving a local restaurant. Officials said Angle failed a field sobriety test but refused a blood test. Angle is charged with driving under the influence and careless driving,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wpxi.com/sports/14263911/detail.html|title=Kurt Angle Wrestles DUI, Careless Driving Charges|publisher=WPXI.com|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> but he denies the charges.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/article307665.ece|title=Kurt caught with 'pills in mouth'|publisher=The Sun|accessdate=2007-10-06|date=2007-10-06}}</ref>
==In wrestling==
{{Image stack
|align=right
|image_size=200
|image1=Kurt Angle - Anklelock.jpg
|image1_cap=Angle applies an [[Professional wrestling holds#Ankle lock|ankle lock]] to [[Shawn Michaels]].
|image2=Kurt Angle.png
|image2_cap=Angle appearing at a [[house show]] with [[Shawn Daivari|Daivari]] (right).
}}
*'''Finishing and signature moves'''
<!--Do NOT change the order of the moves, as they comply with Wikipedia's Manual of Style-->
**'''[[Professional wrestling holds#Ankle lock|Ankle lock]], sometimes followed into a grapevine for additional pressure'''
**'''[[Professional wrestling holds#Crossface chickenwing|Crossface chickenwing]]''' - 2000
**'''[[Moonsault]]'''
**[[Professional wrestling throws#Olympic slam|'''Olympic slam''' - TNA / '''''Angle Slam''''' - WWE]]''', sometimes [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Super|executed from the top rope]]'''
<!--Do NOT change the order of the moves, as they comply with Wikipedia's Manual of Style-->
**[[Professional wrestling holds#Body scissors|Body scissors]]
**[[Professional wrestling throws#Double leg takedown|Double leg takedown]]
**[[Professional wrestling attacks#European uppercut|European uppercut]]
**[[Professional wrestling attacks#Headbutt|Headbutt]]
**Multiple [[suplex]] variations
***[[Suplex#Belly to back suplex|Bridging / Release belly to back]]
***[[Suplex#German suplex|Bridging / Release / Rolling German]]
***[[Suplex#Belly to belly suplex|Overhead belly to belly]], sometimes from the [[Suplex#Super belly to belly suplex|top rope]]
**[[Professional wrestling holds#Rear naked choke|Rear naked choke]]
*'''[[Manager (professional wrestling)|Managers]]'''
**[[Karen Angle]]
**[[Bob Backlund]]
**[[Shawn Daivari|Daivari]]
**[[Paul Heyman]]
**[[Shane McMahon]]
**[[Stephanie McMahon]]
**[[Trish Stratus]]
**[[Travis Tomko|Tomko]]
*'''[[Nickname]]s'''
**The American Hero - [[World Wrestling Entertainment|WWF]] / [[New Japan Pro Wrestling|NJPW]]
**'''The Olympic Gold Medalist''' - WWF/E / [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling|TNA]]
**The Olympic Hero - WWF
**'''The Only Olympic Gold Medalist in Professional Wrestling History''' - WWF / TNA
**The Wrestling Machine - WWE
*'''[[Music in professional wrestling|Entrance music]]'''
**'''"Gold Metal"''' ([[Dale Oliver]] and [[Tha Trademarc]]; [[Meltdown: The Music of TNA Wrestling Vol. 2]]) - TNA
**"Break Stuff" ([[Limp Bizkit]]) - [[New Japan Pro Wrestling|NJPW]]
**"I Don't Suck" ([[Jim Johnston (composer)|Jim Johnston]]; [[WWE Anthology]]) - WWE
**"Medal" (Jim Johnston; [[WWF The Music, Vol. 5]]) - WWF
**"Medal (Remix)" (Jim Johnston) - WWE
**"My Quest" (Dale Oliver) - TNA
==Championships and accomplishments==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
===Amateur wrestling===
*'''Canadian Cup Championship'''
**Winner (1990)
*'''Collegiate / High School'''
**Pennsylvania State Wrestling Champion (1987)
**Clarion University Freshman of the Year (1988)
*'''Espoir World Cup'''
**Runner-up (1989)
*'''[[International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles]]'''
**FILA Junior World Freestyle Champion (1988)
**FILA World Freestyle Champion (1995)
*'''National Amateur Wrestling'''
**National Amateur Wrestling Hall of Fame (Class of 2001)
*'''[[National Collegiate Athletic Association]]'''
**NCAA Division I All-American (1990)
**NCAA Division I Champion (1990)
**NCAA Division I All-American (1991)
**NCAA Division I runner-up (1991)
**NCAA Division I All-American (1992)
**NCAA Division I Champion (1992)
*'''[[Olympic Games]]'''
**[[1996 Summer Olympics|Summer Olympics]] [[gold medal]] in [[freestyle wrestling]] (heavyweight) (1996)
*'''[[USA Wrestling]]'''
**USA Junior Freestyle Champion (1987)
**USA Senior Freestyle Champion (1995)
**USA Senior Freestyle Champion (1996)
**USA Wrestling Hall of Fame (Class of 2001)
*'''World Championships'''
**Gold medal in freestyle wrestling (heavyweight) (1995)
*'''Yasar Dogu Tournament'''
**Runner-up (1989)
[[Image:Kurt Angle TNA.jpg|thumb|left|175px|Angle holding the [[Inoki Genome Federation#IWGP Third Belt Championship|IWGP Third Belt Championship]] and the [[TNA World Heavyweight Championship]].]]
{{col-2}}
===Professional wrestling===
*'''[[Inoki Genome Federation]]'''
**[[Inoki Genome Federation#IWGP Third Belt Championship|IWGP Third Belt Championship]] (1 time)<ref name=Inoki/>
*'''Power Pro Wrestling'''
**PPW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/memphis/ppw/ppw-h.html|title=Power Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Title|publisher=Wrestling Titles|accessdate=2008-06-01}}</ref>
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''
**[[PWI Feud of the Year]] (2000)<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwifoty.htm|accessdate=2008-06-24|title =Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners Feud of the Year|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive}}</ref><small>vs. [[Triple H]]</small>
**PWI Feud of the Year (2003)<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwifoty.htm|accessdate=2008-06-24|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners Feud of the Year |publisher=Wrestling Information Archive}}</ref> <small>vs. [[Brock Lesnar]]</small>
**[[PWI Match of the Year]] (2003)<ref>http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwimoty.htm|accessdate=2008-06-24|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners Match of the Year|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive}}</ref> <small>vs. Brock Lesnar</small>
**PWI Match of the Year (2005)<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwimoty.htm|accessdate=2008-06-24|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners Match of the Year|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive}}</ref> <small>vs. [[Shawn Michaels]]</small>
**[[PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year]] (2000)<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwimhoty.htm|accessdate=2008-06-24|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners Most Hated Wrestler of the Year|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive}}</ref>
**[[PWI Rookie of the Year]] (2000)<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwiroty.htm|accessdate=2008-06-24|titlePro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners Rookie of the Year|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive}}</ref>
**[[PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year]] (2001)<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwiinsp.htm|accessdate=2008-06-24|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners Inspirational Wrestler of the Year|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive}}</ref>
**[[PWI Comeback of the Year]] (2003)<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwicome.htm|accessdate=2008-06-24|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award WinnersComeback of the Year |publisher=Wrestling Information Archive}}</ref>
**[[PWI Most Popular Wrestler of the Year]] (2003)<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwimpoty.htm|accessdate=2008-06-24|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners Most Popular Wrestler of the Year|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive}}</ref>
**[[PWI Wrestler of the Year]] (2003)<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwiwoty.htm|accessdate=2008-06-24|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners Wrestler of the Year|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive}}</ref>
**PWI ranked him #'''1''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2000<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50001.htm|accessdate=2008-07-04|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 - 2001|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive}}</ref>
**PWI ranked him #'''4''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2007<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50007.htm|accessdate=2008-07-08|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 - 2008|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive}}<ref>
*'''[[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]]'''
**[[TNA World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of TNA World Heavyweight Champions|2 times]])<ref name=TNAtitles/>'''(First)'''
**[[TNA World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of TNA World Tag Team Champions|1 time]]) with [[Sting (wrestler)|Sting]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tna/tna-t.html|title=TNA World Tag Team Title|publisher=Wrestling Titles|accessdate=2008-01-15}}</ref>
**[[TNA X Division Championship]] ([[List of TNA X Division Champions|1 time]]) <ref name=TNAtitles/>
**[[King of the Mountain match|King of the Mountain]] (2007)
**[[Triple Crown Championship#TNA Triple Crown|Second Triple Crown Champion]] ([[Triple Crown Championship#List of TNA Triple Crown winners|1 time]])
*'''[[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation | World Wrestling Entertainment]]'''
**[[WWE United States Championship|WCW United States Championship]] ([[List of WWE United States Champions|1 time]])<ref name=US/>
**[[WCW World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of WCW World Heavyweight Champions|1 time]])<ref name=WCW/>
**[[WWE Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of WWE Tag Team Champions|1 time]])<ref name=Tag/> - with [[Chris Benoit]] '''(First)'''
**[[WWE Championship|WWF/E Championship]] ([[List of WWE Champions|4 times]])<ref name=WWEbelt/>
**[[WWE European Championship|WWF European Championship]] ([[List of WWE European Champions|1 time]])<ref name=Euro/>
**[[WWE Hardcore Championship|WWF Hardcore Championship]] ([[List of WWE Hardcore Champions|1 time]])<ref name=Core/>
**[[WWE Intercontinental Championship|WWF Intercontinental Championship]] ([[List of WWE Intercontinental Champions|1 time]])<ref name=IC/>
**[[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of WWE World Heavyweight Champions|1 time]])<ref name=WHC/>
**[[Grand Slam Championship|4th Grand Slam Champion]]
**[[King of the Ring]] ([[King of the Ring#2000|2000]])
**[[Triple Crown Championship|10th Triple Crown Champion]]
*'''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards]]
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Lou Thesz/Ric Flair award (Wrestler of the Year)|Wrestler of the Year]] (2002)
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Outstanding Wrestler|Most Outstanding Wrestler]] (2001-2003)
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Feud of the Year|Feud of the Year]] (2003) <small>vs. Brock Lesnar</small>
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Improved|Most Improved]] (2000)
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best on Interviews|Best on Interviews]] (2002)
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Technical Wrestler|Best Technical Wrestler]] (2002)
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Match of the Year|Match of the Year]] <small>with Chris Benoit vs. [[Adam Copeland|Edge]] and [[Rey Mysterio, Jr.|Rey Mysterio]], [[WWE No Mercy#2002|No Mercy 2002]]</small>
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Gimmick|Best Gimmick]] (2002)
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Readers' Favorite Wrestler|Readers' Favorite Wrestler]] (2002, 2003)
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame]] ([[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame#2004 inductees|Class of 2004]])
{{col-end}}
==Notes==
{{Reflist|2}}
==References==
*{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|date=2007}}
*{{cite news|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated, May 2006|work=Arena Reports|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2006|month=May}}
*{{cite book|author=Kurt Angle|title=It's True! It's True!|publisher=HarperEntertainment|date=2002|isbn=0061098930}}
*{{cite book|author=Thom Loverro|title=The Rise & Fall of ECW: Extreme Championship Wrestling|publisher=WWE Books|date=2006|isbn=1416510583}}
==External links==
{{Portal|Professional wrestling|break=yes}}
{{wikiquote}}
{{Commons}}
*[http://www.kurtangletna.net Official website]
*[http://www.tnawrestling.com/content/view/249/37/ TNA profile]
*{{imdb name|id=0029875|name=Kurt Angle}}
{{TNA roster}}
<!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]] -->
{{Persondata
|NAME=Angle, Kurt
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=
|SHORT DESCRIPTION=
|DATE OF BIRTH=1968-12-9
|PLACE OF BIRTH=[[Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania]]
|DATE OF DEATH=
|PLACE OF DEATH=
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Angle, Kurt}}
[[Category:1968 births]]
[[Category:American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:American sport wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Olympic athletes who wrestled professionally]]
[[Category:Olympic gold medalists for the United States]]
[[Category:Olympic wrestlers of the United States]]
[[Category:People from Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling executives]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Pittsburgh]]
[[Category:Wrestlers at the 1996 Summer Olympics]]
[[ar:كرت آنغل]]
[[bar:Kurt Angle]]
[[bg:Кърт Енгъл]]
[[da:Kurt Angle]]
[[de:Kurt Angle]]
[[es:Kurt Angle]]
[[fr:Kurt Angle]]
[[it:Kurt Angle]]
[[he:קורט אנגל]]
[[la:Conradus Anglus]]
[[ms:Kurt Angle]]
[[nl:Kurt Angle]]
[[ja:カート・アングル]]
[[no:Kurt Angle]]
[[pl:Kurt Angle]]
[[pt:Kurt Angle]]
[[ro:Kurt Angle]]
[[ru:Энгл, Курт Стивен]]
[[fi:Kurt Angle]]
[[sv:Kurt Angle]]
[[tl:Kurt Angle]]
[[vi:Kurt Angle]]
[[tr:Kurt Angle]]