10 Things You Learn Binge Watching Every WWE SmackDown From 2001

6. Kurt Angle Could’ve Been Bigger As Babyface

Stone Cold Steve Austin WCW 2001
WWE Network/Peacock

Some out there might trick themselves into thinking Kurt Angle only got over as a babyface due to the widespread patriotism post-9/11, but that's wide of the mark. The truth is he was over as a baby months before that, but the WWF never really seemed comfortable pushing him as the top good guy on the roster.

Creative could've done more with him, to be honest.

Angle toned down his goofiest character traits to exhibit a serious, badass athlete persona, and people were super-into it. Crowds popped huge for his ankle lock finish, and "Angle! Angle! Angle!" chants were booming when reliving some episodes. Honestly, they were LOUD.

It's fun to imagine what might've been possible had the writers continued exploring 'Kurt Angle: Top Babyface' in 2001. Credit must go to Kurt for slotting right back into a heel role once the WWF got bored of his 'American Hero' act and reverted to type.

He didn't miss a step.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.