WWE booked Kurt Angle and Edge into a feud that showcased the versatility of each performer. The Attitude Era transitioning into the Ruthless Aggression Era led to new talents getting more opportunities. Vince McMahon viewed Edge and Angle as two key pieces to WWE’s future, and that was proven to be correct when looking at their legendary careers.
Edge specifically was getting the chance to take the next step when working against a top heel like Angle. McMahon believed in Edge from day one, but it took some time to show his singles potential. Angle did his best to help get Edge over more in a bigger role. The feud between the two deserves another look back when looking at how it benefited Edge.
The Feud Was Perfect Timing
The 2002 feud between Kurt Angle and Edge actually came almost a year after their first huge match against each other. WWE booked Edge to win the 2001 King of the Ring tournament by defeating Angle in the finals. The semi-finals featured the final four of Edge, Angle, Christian, and Rhyno playing off their previous time together in the Team RECK faction.
Edge beating Angle in the finals that night started his first real singles push turning face. WWE decided to give them their first true feud against each other in 2002 when things grew more personal. Edge was coming off his partnership with Christian ending and having a strong Intercontinental Championship reign. Angle spent many months of the previous two years in main event programs, but both needed a new story badly.
WWE knew they had chemistry and felt that this was the perfect timing to put them against each other. Edge would benefit from having a program with the biggest name so far in his singles career. Angle received a compelling program to help elevate Edge while getting the chance to have great matches and remain a top heel.
Edge Impressed In Every Area
Everyone knew that Kurt Angle and Edge would have great matches together due to their in-ring skills. However, it was the ability to shine in every area of professional wrestling that made it work. Edge was able to deliver some of the most memorable moments of his career, but he also got to experiment with greater impact. The hilarious backstage segment of Edge showing old photos to Angle with insulting messages written on the back for the camera view still holds up today.
WWE wanted Edge to showcase more of his persona with the comedic style coming out as a face after he and Christian implemented it as heels. Edge even played a role in the infamous "you suck" chants starting during Kurt's entrance. Angle was always a great heel character at creating comedic moments for his opponent when desired. Their work together strung from comedy segments to tremendous in-ring work to intense storytelling.
Every rising star wrestler needs a program that forces them outside of the mid-card box to get to that next level. Edge had that moment coming with Angle by proving he could keep up with an established main eventer and former world champion. WWE always viewed Edge as a future main event act, but this was the first massive step in jumping from a top-tier mid-carder into a credible main eventer.
Angle Put Over A New Star
WWE started to show the greatness of Edge as a singles star by having him tell a story with Kurt Angle. The new stars getting bigger pushes will see wins and opportunities coming their way, but it is impossible to predict if a planned-out story will connect. Edge and Angle feuded throughout the entire spring of 2002 to tell their storyline in proper fashion.
Backlash 2002 featured them stealing the show in an instant classic with Angle getting the victory. Edge looked impressive in the ring, but the chase of defeating his former friend was still there. The program got progressively more personal with attacks and insults exchanged on the Smackdown brand in between their next PPV encounter.
Things got heated enough for a rare hair vs hair match at Judgment Day 2002 to culminate the feud. Edge not only was finally able to get past Angle, but he forced his enemy to shave his head as a result. Angle selling his displeasure of the bald look for months just added to the importance of Edge’s win. Injuries and other variables added a few more years before Edge was able to become a constant main eventer, but this program with Angle was the first step in making fans believe in him.