10 Things We Learned From Kurt Angle: Homecoming
4. It Was Vince Who Made Him Heel
Kurt was under the impression that as a genuine American hero and Olympic gold medallist he was a shoe-in to be the company's top babyface. Vince McMahon wasn't so sure. The WWE boss isn't the most important man in wrestling without reason. He convinced Kurt to play a patronising, know-it-all heel. The results were staggering. The fans loved to boo Angle, even in his hometown of Pittsburgh where he was certain he'd be cheered regardless of what he did.
Kurt celebrated every victory like it was a world title win, lecturing fans on why they weren't as successful as he was while whining and protesting about any decision that went against him. Working closely with Vince McMahon he became one of the most original and refreshing heels in the business. They grew extremely close and both endorse onscreen that they had a tight-knit father/son relationship.