My latest piece on upgruv.com, a site for trending stories, is a digital look at the career of Kurt Angle and why he belongs in the Hall of Fame more than anyone. Here’s an excerpt:
When he goes into its Hall of Fame on Friday night, Kurt Angle will rightfully join the WWE’s all-time greats.
Of course, as noted in a recent column, there is often debate about a Hall of Famer’s “worthiness.”
Not when it comes to Kurt.
So, go ahead and ask the questions: Is it professional wrestling or sports entertainment? It it about in-ring skill or creating a memorable character?
In Orlando, the headliner of the 2017 Hall of Fame class will have provided an answer: all of the above. A proud Pittsburgh native, Kurt encompassed all the elements that make a great wrestler an icon, and he did it it with intensity, integrity and intelligence.
Those “3 Is” weren’t only a catchphrase. Watch any highlight of Kurt and it’s obvious he was bringing those elements to every match, any promo, and everything.
I almost cannot believe 18 years have passed since his stunning transition to professional wrestling after one of the greatest amateur careers. Maybe that is partly because Kurt’s rise in the WWE happened in a flash. Within a span of less than two full years, Kurt signed with, debuted in and won the heavyweight title for the planet’s dominant wrestling promotion.
And then he really showed what he could do.
Kurt was over as a heel or a face. He developed chemistry with veterans or young talents, regulars or part timers, mat masters or aerial artists, big boys or little men. He was as go-to as a go-to guy could be for WWE.
He also looked legitimate. Don’t discount how important that was to his character.
Before Brock Lesnar returned from UFC and made fans believe he might break a professional wrestler in half, Kurt had people thinking he could take down anybody any time he damn well pleased.
As an athlete, Kurt was arguably the most gifted performer Vince McMahon ever employed. He also might have been amongst the most natural when it came to the art of being a WWE superstar.
His ring psychology had depth. He had a bottomless set of moves. His interviews ranged from unnerving to unquestionably hilarious.
CLICK HERE for more on Kurt deserving and a look at his career even before professional wrestling.
