Ranking 10 Most Successful Wrestling Defections
6. Kurt Angle To TNA
Christian
was the first WWE guy to willingly jump to TNA, an indication that performers
frustrated with WWE’s glass ceiling could go elsewhere to realize their
potential. But when Kurt Angle jumped ship a year later, it meant McMahon had competition
once again.
As
drug addiction deteriorated his relationship with WWE officials, Angle declined
rehab in favor of a release. McMahon granted his wish, and a month later, TNA
President Dixie Carter announced that Angle had joined the company. Signing one
of WWE’s biggest stars lent TNA newfound credibility, and provided a known name
for the company to build around. Angle would spend the rest of his active career
having great matches with a slew of up and coming talent like AJ Styles, Desmond
Wolfe, Christopher Daniels, Bobby Roode, and EC3. His battles with Samoa Joe
drew TNA’s highest-purchased pay-per-views, fueling momentum that the troubled
company struggled to capitalize on.