How Good Was Kurt Angle Actually?

Promos

Kurt Angle was superb on the microphone. He could sell a fight with his famed intensity, and is probably underrated in that regard - but only because he was unforgettably great at making the crowd piss themselves laughing during his promos.

In one of his most famous promos, one that does the rounds on socials every other month, he tried to prove his physical dominance over Rey Mysterio in 2002. You see, Rey was small - just a boy, really, in a man’s world. Kurt Angle meanwhile was a man who could toy with him.

“And I’m a man who loves to play with boys.”

The line was exquisite, Angle’s instant, regretful reaction even better. He gave himself a look as if to say “Was I just stupid enough to compare myself to a child molester?!” before lashing out at the crowd who gave him hell for it. He then repeated the bit and smashed his fist against his own head in fury. A hoarse Tazz, who had evidently just lost it on commentary, implored Angle to put the mic down. He could barely get his words out.

Angle baiting the crowds to mock him was priceless, but he was also great at lording his superiority over them. He was arrogant, but he was also oblivious as to how much of a prick he was, and how much he was offending them, which was a great tweak on heel heat. He wasn’t abrasive, just casually detestable, which is the type of annoying person you’re more likely to encounter in the real world.