The Think Tank: My Olympic Hero

By Pete Ellis

Every now and again, someone ends up leaving WWE for one reason or another. For ages, WCW made itself competitive by overbuying old WWF athletes' contracts for more than they were worth (something like what the New York Yankees do every year).

Since WCW's demise, we haven't seen quite so much of it. The Dudley Boys heading over to TNA was a bit of a blow, but the real pain came when Kurt Angle decided he'd had enough of being less then front page material.

Even in his parting, Jim Ross mentioned how he wanted to see Kurt back in the WWE, "where he belongs," as soon as possible. Each week I read rumors about Kurt's possible return, but until I see it for myself I will mourn his departure to what I believe is an inferior company.

I know TNA has accomplished a lot, and I give them credit for certain bits of innovation. Guys like Christian, Samoa Joe and such can really put on a show, but I still get more bang for my cable buck, week in and week out, from World Wrestling Entertainment.

The reason the loss of Angle sticks out so much in my mind is that he embodies so many traits that make a sports entertainer truly great. He's beyond gifted physically. He's hard working, with a sense of timing in the ring that makes every moment he wrestles a main-event moment. Plus, he seems to try something new every time we see him, with either company.

Every time someone on WWE prepares for a "big surprise" or an "important announcement," I find myself uncontrollably hoping to see that ugly bald head and hear that stupid trumpet music one more time.

I don't think people truly appreciate how difficult it must have been to make the transition from Olympic wrestler to professional. Name the top 10 wrestlers of all time; how about the top 50, or the top 100. How many were successful amateur wrestlers? Or Olympians? One: Kurt Angle.

Sylvester Turkey didn't make it, Brock Lesnar couldn't handle it, and most others never get a chance. Almost none of the things that make an amateur wrestler great are the same things you look for in a pro.

Think about it. Kurt Angle didn't become a WWE star because of his amateur background. He did it despite it. Come back soon Kurt, we miss you.