BREAKING: Kurt Angle to be inducted into the 2017 WWE Hall of Fame

Well, I did not see that coming.

Just a few days after I announced the rumored names for this years WWE Hall of Fame, a HUGE name has been announced to lead the 2017 class. 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle will be headlining the ceremony, which will be held on Friday, March 31^st at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. ESPN broke the news.

httpss://twitter.com/WWE/status/821117398493364225

After winning gold in the 1996 Winter Games in Atlanta (WITH A BROKEN FREAKIN’ NECK BTW), Angle wrestled in WWE from 1998-2006. Angle was one of the most significant signings in the company’s history. Over time, he became a six-time World Champion, Intercontinental Champion, Tag Team Champion, King of the Ring winner and collected a few other prestigious awards/titles. Fans had a lot of fun at his expense with his entrance music, chanting “you suck” in tune with his theme.

While with WWE, the Olympic Gold Medalist had an intensity about him that couldn’t and still can’t be rivaled, resulting in phenomenal matches.

He left the company in 2006 due to health reasons and matters regarding substance abuse. From there, he wrestled for New Japan Pro Wrestling and TNA Wrestling, the latter of which he spent 10 years winning title after title. Over time his neck hurt more and he clearly wasn’t the same, but he continued to go the extra mile to put on a great match. He recently had a few classic bouts against Cody Rhodes, Zach Sabre Jr. and Will Ospreay.

Speaking to ESPN, Angle discussed whether there would be a chance he would wrestle one last time in WWE as a result of this honor. He was just happy to be recognized. He stated,

“I figured they either decided they didn’t want to do anything with me or they forgot. Hunter said they never forgot and he called and told me this is the first thing they want to do. And whether I wrestle or not after this — which is irrelevant right now — I’m just really proud to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. I gave a lot of energy and time to WWE those first seven years, and I’m grateful that they recognized it.”

First of all: Thank you Triple H, who personally called Angle today to give him the news. Second of all, this is a great way to rebuild the relationship between WWE and one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.

With this news, there may be a huge chance we see Angle back inside a WWE ring. There were rumors of him appearing at this year’s Royal Rumble. If that’s not the case, maybe there’s a WrestleMania match in his future. He can adapt against any opponent, and could do very well against these new stars.

Angle will bring his famous “Three I’s” – Intensity, Integrity and Intelligence, back to the WWE for the ceremony. This is a great moment to go along with a phenomenal career. If there was ever anyone that deserved the honor, it would definitely be Angle.

Oh, It’s true. It’s damn true!

httpss://twitter.com/RealKurtAngle/status/821118545669029888