10 Things We Learned From Kurt Angle: Homecoming
He'll make you laugh. He'll make you cry. But mostly, he'll make your ankle hurt...
WWE's Hall of Fame Class of 2017 was a strong one, including Rick Rude, The Rock N' Roll Express, Beth Phoenix, Teddy Long and even Diamond Dallas Page. The headliner was even more surprising than the 'Master of the Diamond Cutter'. In a move many thought would never happen, everyone's favourite Olympic Gold medallist, Kurt Angle, returned to the fold after an eleven-year absence from the company.
After bursting onto the scene in 1999, Angle went on to have the most impressive rookie year in WWE history, winning all three main singles belts as well as the King Of The Ring tournament within a calendar year of his debut. Angle would then stay a top guy, in main events or near them for the duration of his stay. By 2006, his desire and drive had cost him, forcing him to succumb to his injuries, addictions to pain medication and personal demons. He left under a cloud and would spend the next ten years wrestling for TNA. After finally agreeing to rehab, the Pittsburgh native was soon clean and keen to make amends for previous mistakes.
Earlier this year, WWE welcomed him back and filmed a documentary about his homecoming. Here are ten things we learned from Kurt during an emotional and redemptive ride back to where it all began for him in professional wrestling.
10. He's Still Happiest Being A Goof
In Kurt Angle's later career with WWE he performed under his 'Wrestling Machine' gimmick. This was an intense, aggressive spin on the Olympic Gold medallist and saw him taking on a less bump abundant style. Angle was bald and thick with muscle, sporting a mouthguard and entering arenas with a fervent zeal.
This was a far cry from the goofy, lovable heel he'd arrived as back in 1999. Though wrestlers brought in from the world of sports can be an unpredictable commodity, they're usually relied on to bring athletic ability and a good look. In addition to these attributes, Angle surprised everyone with his natural comic talent and willingness to play against type. His skits with Edge, Christian, Stone Cold Steve Austin and Vince McMahon particularly stand out from his early days in the WWE.
On his return to the company, Kurt was quick to slot back into the persona that so many remember with such fondness, donning a ridiculous cowboy hat, singing his versions of 'Jimmy Cracked Corn" and "Sexy Boy" and dousing himself in milk during his Hall of Fame acceptance speech.