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WWE sent shockwaves through the wrestling world on Friday afternoon after announcing the in-ring return of WWE Hall of Famer and current Raw General Manager Kurt Angle. Angle will be replacing Roman Reigns to team up with Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins for their match against The Miz, Braun Strowman, Kane, Cesaro, and Sheamus.
This means that, after months of speculation, WWE has seemingly cleared Angle for in-ring competition. With his much-anticipated return finally coming to fruition, here are five other Raw superstars the Olympic Gold Medalist could face after TLC.
#1 Samoa Joe
Samoa Joe and Kurt Angle have had their share of battles going back to their days in TNA. However, they haven't faced off in a WWE ring yet.
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Most notably, Angle debuted in TNA against Joe after leaving WWE in 2006. Angle went on to defeat the Samoan Submission Machine, breaking his undefeated streak. Joe and Angle's paths continued to intertwine throughout Angle's TNA stay, be it as enemies or as allies in the New Main Event Mafia.
In TNA, Joe's bruising, but athletic style played nicely off Angle's submission-oriented wrestling. Despite both men putting on a few years since their last battle, I see no reason as to why they shouldn't be able to replicate their classics in the Impact Zone. Even though this isn't a fresh matchup for either man, it's new in the eyes of WWE-only viewers and it's a proven formula for success.
Samoa Joe returning from injury and setting up a feud with Angle for Survivor Series would be one to remember. Perhaps he could return at the TLC main event and take out Ang
#2 Jason Jordan
Jason Jordan has been tied to Kurt Angle ever since being revealed as his long-lost son back in July. Ever since then, Jordan has been on the rise, being featured prominently on Raw and putting on some quality matches against Roman Reigns, John Cena, and The Miz.
However, as is with WWE, things between Angle and Jordan are unlikely to stay rosy for too long. Eventually, there has to be some sort of twist to push this program along. There have been rumours that Jordan's relationship with Angle will lead up to Triple H's return, but why not use the opportunity to showcase a young star instead?
Jordan has improved tremendously since first coming into WWE, both from a wrestling and charisma standpoint. A bout with Angle would be fresh and exciting, as WWE often puts part-timers or icons like Angle in matches against other established talent. Their amateur wrestling styles would mesh well and the story of protege vs. mentor is a timeless one that still works.
#3 Roman Reigns
Love him or hate him, there's no denying that The Big Dog has been one of WWE's most consistent and dependable performers in 2017. Roman Reigns has delivered in big match after big match, but his character is still a point of contention for many. Arguably, he's been at his best when positioned in a more heelish role, as he was against The Undertaker and John Cena.
In the last couple of the years, the rocket has been firmly strapped to Reigns' back. He has defeated many icons of the business, so why not go all the way? The story could be similar to his feuds with Cena and Undertaker, with Reigns not wanting an old-timer like Angle in "his yard."
The former 3-time World Heavyweight Champion is at his in-ring peak, and Angle can still go. A match between the two would be a contender for match of the year.
#4 Finn Bálor
Finn Bálor is another superstar affected by the changes to the TLC card. Instead of his original match against Bray Wyatt which pitted "Sister Abigail" vs. The Demon, the Irish grappler will now be facing fellow Bullet Club alumni AJ Styles.
However, the possibility of Angle vs. Bálor would've been mouthwatering and remains a real option for both men after Bálor's feud with Wyatt concludes. Both men are well-travelled veterans of their craft and tremendous in-ring competitors. Angle's charisma would make up for some of Bálor's deficiencies on the microphone, while Bálor could help an ageing Angle to an absolutely stellar match.
Bálor has been lost in the shuffle since returning from a long injury layoff, but it's evident that WWE still sees him as a big part of the company's future. A feud against Angle would once again make him a big deal and a possible heel turn that could come with it would breathe new life into his somewhat stagnant persona.
#5 The Miz
We got deprived of a Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz match when The Miz was on SmackDown due to Bryan's retirement for medical reasons. Now that Miz is on Raw, his feud with authority figures has continued, but this time with Kurt Angle.
"The A-Lister" has a thorn in Angle's side ever since arriving on Monday nights and, now, Angle will step into the ring against Miz's assembly of heels at TLC. That is the perfect segue into a Miz vs. Angle program. The Miz's character only needs the flimsiest of excuses to properly target the Raw General Manager.
Perhaps the in-ring results wouldn't be as spectacular as some of the other matches mentioned, but the build-up has the potential to be great. Miz is a true master of the mic, while Angle is also an expert on the stick.
After months of tormenting general managers, The Miz would finally get his comeuppance.
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