Wrestlers Who Have Issues with Kurt Angle
Kurt Angle, an Olympic gold medalist and WWE Hall of Famer, is a significant figure in professional wrestling history. Since his WWE debut in 1998, he has earned various championships, including the World Heavyweight and Tag Team titles, and is one of only five wrestlers to achieve a grand slam in WWE, which also includes the Intercontinental and European Championships.
Angle also made his mark during his ten-year stint in TNA, where he claimed multiple TNA World Heavyweight Championships and the X-Division title. Despite his accomplishments both in wrestling and the Olympics, Angle has openly battled addiction, dealing with issues related to prescription painkillers and alcohol as a consequence of injuries throughout his career. He entered rehab in 2013 and achieved sobriety, culminating in his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2017.
In his wrestling career, Angle faced off against top stars like Brock Lesnar, Eddie Guerrero, AJ Styles, and Samoa Joe, but his relationships with some colleagues haven’t been friendly. Personal and professional tensions have arisen, resulting in prominent wrestlers—such as Shawn Michaels, Jeff Jarrett, and even Sandman—expressing disdain for him.
Daniel Puder: In 2004, during WWE’s "Tough Enough," Puder became notable for a controversial encounter with Angle on “WWE Smackdown.” After a match that was designed for Angle to dominate, Puder managed to get a submission hold on him, leading to a fast count from the referee and sparking backlash from veterans, including Angle.
CM Punk: Known for his behind-the-scenes skirmishes, Punk clashed with Angle over differing lifestyles and accusations of stealing moves. Their conflict escalated during 2011 on Twitter, and again in 2018 when Punk dismissed TNA as an indie promotion.
Jeff Jarrett: Angle’s ex-wife, Karen, became involved with Jarrett, leading to real-life issues spilling into wrestling storylines. Following their divorce, rumors circulated about Jarrett dating Karen, causing tension in the locker room.
Shawn Michaels: While they had a professional rivalry, the relationship became strained due to misunderstandings, especially during Angle’s “Kurt Angle Invitational” storyline. Their eventual matches, however, showed a strong competitive spirit.
Triple H: The tension between Angle and Triple H stemmed from a storyline involving Stephanie McMahon, with underlying jealousy regarding Angle’s rapid rise. Concerns regarding Angle’s amateur background compared to Triple H’s pro experience fueled minor issues.
Eddie Guerrero: Though part of the "Smackdown Six," Guerrero and Angle had a mixed relationship. They often had backstage squabbles, attributed to their intense chemistry both in and out of the ring.
Sandman: Angle’s introduction to ECW and his reaction to extreme segments led to discontent with Sandman. Angle expressed concern over maintaining his reputation, which Sandman found unnecessary.
Brock Lesnar: Despite a successful history in the ring together, Angle faced severe injuries due to Lesnar’s reckless moves. Their amateur wrestling match showcased mutual respect, despite past incidents.
Fan Take
This exploration of Kurt Angle’s relationships with various wrestlers emphasizes the complex dynamics of the wrestling world, reminding fans that personal tensions can often spill into professional rivalries. Understanding these conflicts adds depth to the stories behind the matches and highlights how the sport continues to evolve, with both personal struggles and athletic prowess shaping its narrative.
