10 Best Matches From WWE ECW

2. Kurt Angle Vs. Sabu (8 August 2006)

RVD Kurt Ange
WWE Network

On paper, the pairing of Sabu and Kurt Angle was somewhat of a dream match in 2006, pitting two industry icons against each other. In practice, it was also symbolic of the old ECW meshing with the new, as Sabu's extreme ways surprisingly complimented Angle's rugged mat bullying.

With the Olympic gold from Atlanta around his neck, Angle looked all business. It was clear that Angle wasn't going to be intimidated by the extreme credentials of his suicidal opponent - a fact proven by the immediate double leg takedown and the subsequent slaps to Sabu's face.

Angle's viciousness continued throughout, displayed by his rugged manhandling of Sabu and never more evident than his nonchalant fireman's carry on the outside. Angle simply snatched him up on his shoulders and tossed him over to the thinly padded floor below.

Despite the match being contested without Extreme Rules, Sabu held his own against Angle, and proved that he didn't need chairs and barbed wire to get the job done. The grounded offence of Angle against the high flying assault of Sabu made for an entertaining clash of styles.

The match also marked the final TV appearance of Angle's original WWE tenure; he left the company just days later. Angle made his way to TNA shortly after, and wouldn't return to WWE for 11 years.

Contributor
Contributor

Occasional wrestler, full-time gym rat and lifelong lover of the grapple game. Would probably buy you a shot of Jack at the bar in exchange for witty banter...and preferably more Jack. @MartynGrant88 for more wrestling-related musings and weight room wisecracks!