10 WWE Matches That Changed Your Mind About Wrestlers You Hated

7. Kurt Angle Vs. The Rock - No Way Out 2001

Nobody ever entered pro wrestling with as strong a pedigree as Kurt Angle - as an Olympic Gold Medalist, Angle made a believable main eventer as soon as he set foot in a ring. He took to the pro wrestling style in no time, and he rose up WWE's ranks in 2000, capturing titles and accolades along the way. Still, Angle's unique charisma lent itself to comedy, and WWE wasn't shy about using him in that way. Unfortunately, that also meant he wasn't booked as a badass, which meant that the Olympic Gold Medalist was often portrayed as a bumbling fool who needed help to win matches. Even when he won the WWE Title, he barely lucked his way into victories over Triple H and The Undertaker. Just before Angle's defense against The Rock at No Way Out, WWE took a more aggressive approach with him. He began using the Ankle Lock as a finisher and injuring opponents, and in his bout with The Rock, he showed a new ruthlessness. The result was a great match that made Angle look like a credible threat. While The Rock won the match and the title, it changed the way the WWE Universe looked at Kurt Angle.