Kurt Angle, a legendary figure in professional wrestling, held a remarkable array of championships across multiple major promotions, establishing himself as one of the most decorated athletes in the sport's history. His impressive collection includes top-tier titles from WWE, WCW, TNA, and IWGP, alongside a significant amateur wrestling championship.
Major Professional Wrestling Championships
Kurt Angle's championship pedigree is distinguished by his victories in the premier wrestling organizations worldwide. He is notably the only wrestler to have won the WWE Championship, World Heavyweight Championship, WCW Championship, TNA World Heavyweight Championship, and IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
Here is a breakdown of the primary professional wrestling belts he held:
| Championship Belt | Promotion | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| WWE Championship | WWE | One of the most prestigious titles in professional wrestling, Angle held this championship multiple times during his tenure with World Wrestling Entertainment. |
| World Heavyweight Championship | WWE | After the brand extension, this championship became a top prize on WWE's SmackDown brand, which Angle also captured, further solidifying his main event status. |
| WCW Championship | WCW/WWE | Angle's reign as WCW Champion occurred during the infamous "Invasion" storyline in WWE, where he represented the WCW brand after its acquisition by WWE. |
| TNA World Heavyweight Championship | TNA (Impact Wrestling) | As a cornerstone of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (now Impact Wrestling), Angle held their top championship numerous times, often having highly acclaimed matches and feuds. |
| IWGP Heavyweight Championship | NJPW | Angle also ventured into New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he captured the coveted IWGP Heavyweight Championship, a testament to his global impact and versatility. |
Amateur Wrestling Accomplishments
Beyond the realm of professional wrestling, Kurt Angle boasts an unparalleled background in amateur wrestling. He won an NCAA Wrestling Championship, specifically the NCAA Division I Heavyweight Championship, while at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. This achievement, culminating in an Olympic Gold Medal in freestyle wrestling at the 1996 Atlanta Games, laid the groundwork for his incredible success in the squared circle and differentiates him from nearly all other professional wrestlers.
Unique Achievements and Triple Crowns
Kurt Angle's career is marked by several unique milestones that highlight his exceptional talent and championship success:
- He is the only wrestler to have won the WWE Championship, World Heavyweight Championship, WCW Championship, TNA World Heavyweight Championship, IWGP Heavyweight Championship, and an NCAA Wrestling Championship. This combination of collegiate and professional wrestling top-tier titles is unmatched.
- He is the first person to hold both the WWE Triple Crown and the TNA Triple Crown. A Triple Crown winner is a wrestler who has held three specific championships within a promotion (usually a world title, a secondary title, and a tag team title). Angle achieved this rare feat in both WWE and TNA, demonstrating his comprehensive dominance across singles and tag team divisions in both companies.
Kurt Angle's extensive list of championships and groundbreaking achievements firmly cement his legacy as one of the most accomplished and celebrated competitors in professional wrestling history, truly living up to his "It's true, it's damn true!" mantra.
