The Complete History of the WWE Championship - Part 10

Kurt Angle (September 23, 2000 - October 8, 2001)

Kurt Angle won the title for America at Unforgiven 2001

September 11, 2001.

That is a date that will forever live in the memory of those that witnessed it. The terrorist attacks on America's landmarks such as The Pentagon and the World Trade Center shocked the world.

It shook America and seeking a feel good ending for his next pay per view offering, Vince McMahon decided to switch the WWE title belt to the American hero, Olympic Gold Medal winner, Kurt Angle to spread some goodwill amongst fans.

Angle, who had been feuding with Austin ever since Invasion was not originally booked to win the belt, but coming just 12 days after the tragedy, the Olypic Gold Medallist's victory was a memorable event for everyone watching. The card drew 350,000 orders.

The Austin/Angle battle was a stunning match-up and a highlight of the card. However, storylines determined, that The Rattlesnake needed to be champion and WWE switched the belt back to Austin a fortnight later on Raw.

Angle who had earlier in the summer reigned as WCW Champion for a week had his second brief World title run in the space of two months.