https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGez2RgY5fM Kurt Angle was a huge hit when he made his debut at Survivor Series in 1999, but it was his entrance theme 'Medal', his American colored attire and his can-do attitude that immediately helped distinguish him from the pack with his uniqueness and accolades. Before he made his debut, Angle took part in many dark matches in order to give him some experience in front of a proper live crowd. In 1999, Angle faced off against Shawn Stasiak in a dark match, with Stasiak in his repugnant Meat gimmick which he held for most of his first WWF run. One thing you immediately realize is that without his entrance theme, without his gimmick or his entrance attire, Kurt Angle doesn't immediately catch your eye as a great, distinct competitor. The black trunks and boots make him blend in as if he it was anyone in that ring, his move-set also appeared to be somewhat limited and not that technical, compared to later matches. If WWF creative hadn't come up with the snobby American hero gimmick and ring attire to properly utilize his position as a former Olympic gold medalist, they could have possibly dropped the ball with Kurt Angle, if he first appeared like the Angle we see in this dark match. Thankfully, that wasn't the case and he went on to have a widely celebrated and acclaimed career.
Sam is an experienced Film, Gaming and Wrestling writer, critic and journalist who was written for a vast number of different entertainment websites. Follow him on twitter at @Sams_Reel_Views.