Kurt Angle Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / September 7, 2024
Kurt Angle Then
Kurt Angle was born on December 9, 1968, in Mt. Lebanon Township, Pennsylvania, to parents Jackie and David Angle.
He grew up in a large family with four older brothers and one sister, who tragically passed away in 2003.
Angle’s heritage is a blend of Irish, English, Lithuanian, German, and Italian descent.
His athletic journey began early, as he started wrestling at the age of seven, showing a natural talent for the sport.
Angle attended Mt. Lebanon High School, where he was a standout in both varsity wrestling and football.
Later, he transferred to Canon-McMillan High School, where his wrestling success soared.
He went undefeated on the freshman wrestling team and capped off his high school career by winning the Pennsylvania State Wrestling Championship in 1987.
After graduation, Angle enrolled at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, where he cemented his legacy as a two-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion and a three-time NCAA Division I All-American.
Related Article: Chris Jericho Then and Now
Kurt Angle Wrestling Career
Kurt Angle’s wrestling career reached an incredible peak when he won a gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 1995 FILA World Wrestling Championships.
His defining moment came in 1996 when he won the freestyle wrestling gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics, despite suffering from a broken neck.
This victory made Angle one of only four athletes to achieve the amateur wrestling Grand Slam, which includes wins at the Junior Nationals, NCAA, World Championships, and the Olympics.
Related Article: Shawn Michaels Then and Now
Although initially skeptical of professional wrestling, Angle’s view changed after watching WWF’s “Monday Night Raw” in 1998, leading him to sign a five-year contract with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).
His professional wrestling debut at Survivor Series marked the beginning of a legendary career in which he quickly rose to stardom, winning the European Championship, Intercontinental Championship, and WWF Championship within his first year.
Over the next two decades, Angle solidified his place as one of wrestling’s greatest, earning numerous titles and Hall of Fame honors in both WWE and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).
Related Article: Triple H Then and Now
Kurt Angle Wrestling Competition
- Amateur Wrestling
- Junior Nationals
- NCAA Division I Championships (2-time champion)
- FILA World Wrestling Championships (1995, Gold Medal)
- Olympic Games (1996, Gold Medal)
- Professional Wrestling
- World Wrestling Federation (WWF)/WWE
- European Championship
- Intercontinental Championship
- King of the Ring (1999)
- WWF Championship (4-time champion)
- World Heavyweight Championship
- WCW Championship
- WWE Hall of Fame (2017)
- Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA)
- TNA World Heavyweight Championship (inaugural champion)
- TNA Triple Crown Championship
- King of the Mountain (2-time winner)
- TNA Hall of Fame (2013)
- New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW)
- IWGP Heavyweight Championship (2007)
- Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA)
- Triplemania XX
- Independent Circuit
- URFight
- Revolution Pro Wrestling (RevPro)
- Insane Championship Wrestling (ICW)
- Northeast Wrestling (NEW)
Kurt Angle’s Wife and Children
In 1998, Kurt Angle married Karen Smedley, a professional wrestling valet.
The couple welcomed two children during their marriage but eventually divorced in 2008.
Following this, Angle found new companionship with actress Giovanna Yannotti.
Related Article: The Undertaker Then and Now
The pair married and expanded their family, having four children together.
Notably, their fourth child, a son, was adopted from Bulgaria, adding to the family’s diverse and growing household.
Kurt Angle Now
Kurt Angle, currently 55 years old, is a retired professional wrestler and former amateur wrestler renowned for his accomplishments in both fields.
He achieved worldwide recognition when he won the gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 1996 Olympic Games, showcasing his exceptional athletic prowess.
Angle is best known for his impactful tenures in WWE and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where he garnered numerous championships and accolades that cemented his legacy in the wrestling world.
Related Article: Dave Bautista Then and Now
Though officially retired from active competition, Angle’s presence in the wrestling community remains significant.
He continues to engage with fans and share insights from his illustrious career through his podcast, The Kurt Angle Show.
This weekly series offers listeners a chance to hear Angle’s candid reflections and behind-the-scenes stories from his time in the ring.
Related Article: Randy Orton Then and Now
Angle maintains an active presence on social media, where he connects with his audience daily.
With 1.9 million followers on Instagram, he regularly updates fans with personal posts and professional news.
Additionally, his YouTube channel features uploaded videos that keep his followers engaged with new content and highlights from his career.
Related Article: John Cena Then and Now
Kurt Angle’s Net Worth
Kurt Angle, a former professional heavyweight wrestler, has accumulated a net worth of $5 million.
Related Article: Ultimate Warrior Then and Now
FAQs
Kurt Angle won a gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, competing with a severe neck injury.
Kurt Angle retired from active wrestling due to a combination of injuries, health issues, and the natural progression of his career.
Kurt Angle’s tenure in WWE lasted from 1999 to 2006, and he had another stint from 2017 to 2019.
Kurt Angle is popular for his impressive wrestling skills, charismatic personality, and achievements in both amateur and professional wrestling, including his Olympic gold medal and multiple championships in WWE and TNA.
Currently, Kurt Angle hosts The Kurt Angle Show podcast, stays active on social media, and makes occasional appearances in the wrestling world.
Yes, Kurt Angle has publicly addressed and worked on his sobriety, focusing on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Kurt Angle is 55 years old.
Kurt Angle retired from professional wrestling, transitioned into podcasting and social media, and has dealt with various health issues related to his wrestling career.