How Wrestling Has Changed Since 9/11

1. Kurt Angle: World Champion

The Rock Vince McMahon 9/11 SmackDown
WWE.com

Though the 9/11 tragedies went down between Kurt Angle starting his feud with WWE Champion Steve Austin and him actually winning the belt, it's probably safe to assume that the disaster played a role in the 'Olympic Hero' actually winning the belt.

Austin and Angle had previously wrestled at SummerSlam, with 'Stone Cold' deliberately getting himself disqualified to retain the belt. It continued thereafter, with the 'Rattlesnake' agreeing to a rematch only after Kurt had threatened to throw him in a river (as Austin had done to Angle's medals), leading to a huge coronation at Unforgiven 2001 - WWE's first pay-per-view since 9/11.

That the show was taking place in Angle's Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania hometown further set the stage for a perfect moment. The 'Olympic Hero' - the American Hero - brought home the gold, and though his reign was shortlived, it felt like WWE's way to give their audience a huge, celebratory event to cheer during a difficult, distressing time, with Unforgiven going down just 12 days after 9/11.

It showed that on occasion, Vince McMahon could absolutely still do the right thing.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.