Every WWE Wrestler Of The Year For The 2000s

Key matches: Vs. Edge (Backlash & Judgement Day), The Rock & The Undertaker (Vengeance), Rey Mysterio (SummerSlam), Chris Benoit (Unforgiven), w/Benoit Vs. Edge & Mysterio (No Mercy) & Vs. Los Guerreros (Rebellion)

Whenever you marvel at the speed in which a rookie wrestler 'gets' the business and progresses up the ladder, just remember that Kurt Angle probably did it quicker and definitely did it better. No wrestler in the history of the business has adapted to the pro graps game quite like Angle, which is all the more incredible when you consider his amateur credentials and instincts.

Angle went from a bland rookie to world-class performer in record time, capable of playing everything from super-serious ass-kicker to comedy foil with aplomb, carrying wrestlers of all shapes and ability levels along the way. The Olympic Hero had superlative matches in 2000 and '01, but he really established himself with a series of awesome performances in '02.

The start of the year was a bit rocky, with Angle stuck in a retread feud against Triple H before moving onto Kane. His ring work was still typically great, but the programmes were uninspiring. Then came his feud with the up-and-coming Edge, which resulted in two hot matches at Backlash and Judgement Day, which did much to elevate the Canadian in the eyes of the masses.

From there, Angle made Hulk Hogan tap clean and was in the WWE Title mix before going on an excellent run of matches against the rest of the so-called 'Smackdown Six'. Kurt's clashes with Mysterio, Benoit and Eddie Guerrero in a combination of singles, multi-man and tag matches were always must-watch and Angle was often the best thing in them.

It was no surprise when WWE decided to award him the WWE Title at Armageddon in December, setting up a showdown with Brock Lesnar and another year in which he excelled...