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What If? – Kurt Angle Stayed In WWE

TheChairshot.com asks the question…What If? Greg DeMarco discusses what if Kurt Angle never left the WWE to go to TNA!

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TheChairshot.com asks the question…What If? Greg DeMarco discusses what if Kurt Angle never left the WWE to go to TNA!

 

Kurt Angle leaving WWE in 2006 wasn’t just a roster move. It shifted the balance of power between two companies at a time when both needed him for very different reasons. WWE lost one of its most complete performers, while TNA gained instant credibility by adding a recent main eventer who could anchor the product.

 

If Angle stays in WWE, the late-2000s main event scene stabilizes immediately. This was a transitional period built around John Cena, Batista, and a developing Randy Orton, with Edge rising into a consistent top role. Angle fits directly into that mix as a reliable, high-level performer who can work with anyone and elevate every program. Instead of relying on part-time attractions or accelerating new talent into top spots, WWE has a built-in solution who can carry long programs and deliver in-ring at a level few could match. Extended feuds with Cena, a deeper run against Orton, or even a WrestleMania program with Shawn Michaels during that 2007 to 2010 window all become realistic outcomes rather than missed opportunities.

 

The more interesting shift happens outside of WWE. TNA without Kurt Angle is a very different company. His arrival validated the promotion in a way that few others could. He wasn’t just another former WWE name; he was still in his prime and still viewed as a top-tier talent. That mattered for television, for perception, and for attracting other wrestlers. Without Angle, TNA likely leans harder into its X-Division identity or accelerates pushing homegrown talent like AJ Styles and Samoa Joe into top positions. While that sounds appealing creatively, it removes a level of mainstream credibility that helped TNA position itself as more than just an alternative.

 

There is also the personal reality. Angle’s departure was tied to legitimate health concerns and the demands of WWE’s schedule. Staying in WWE only works if those issues are managed differently. If they are, his career likely extends at a high level within the company. If not, the same problems surface under a different structure. Either way, the industry shifts. WWE gains consistency at the top of the card, TNA loses its most important acquisition, and Kurt Angle’s legacy becomes far more centered within WWE than across multiple companies.

 

Personally, I am glad this What If isn’t the actual reality.

Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - 4 Corners Podcast (sports)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY - Nefarious Means

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - 30 Mindless Minutes

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast: The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history) Unidentified History (Ufology) & Game Gone Wrong (Game of Thrones Universe)


Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

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What If? – Triple H Wasn’t Punished For The Curtain Call

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TheChairshot.com asks the question…What If? Kinny Killa discusses what if Triple H was never punished for the infamous Curtain Call!

 

“Talk about your psalms, talk about John 3:16. Austin 3:16 just says I whooped your ass!!”

 

Famous words spoken into folklore as Stone Cold Steve Austin wins the 1996 King Of The Ring and goes onto be one of the most influential wrestlers of the Attitude Era. Little did we know that “The Texas Rattlesnake” wasn’t meant to win that year’s tournament. This title was meant to be bestowed upon Hunter Hearst Helmsley, later known as Triple H. Hunter’s destiny was ripped away from his grasp due to his part in the historical “Curtain Call,” where Hunter – along with Shawn Michaels, Scott Hall, and Kevin Nash – broke “kayfabe” and hugged each other at Madison Square Garden. But what if Hunter wasn’t involved in the Curtain Call and the plan for him to win the King Of The Ring was executed?

 

Let’s analyze what actually took place for Hunter by not winning in 1996. Despite not winning, Hunter ate humble pie for a year and went on to win the 1997 King Of The Ring tournament, win the Intercontinental Title, helped create DX, and went on to establish himself in a feud with The Rock. Hunter went on to enjoy enormous success despite the brief setback. The real question in this story is if the “Curtain Call” didn’t happen, would Stone Cold have the opportunity to become King Of The Ring and go on his meteoric rise?

 

In 1996, WWF made the switch from The Ringmaster character to a more vibrant and realistic Stone Cold who was slowly finding himself in the role. The trajectory he was on doesn’t give off a clear indication that Austin was destined to become the biggest draw in the Attitude Era. Austin was already onto his second character in under a year. Did we see enough before the “Curtain Call” to give us the confidence to say Austin would develop his persona? The King Of The Ring tournament unintentionally helped shape Austin’s brash persona. Austin came away from his semifinal match against Marc Mero with a busted lip and had to receive14 stitches before coming out for the final. This gave Austin a “badass” aura who would battle through anything to win the tournament. The winning speech heard around the world added to this and set him up for a gradual ascendance.

 

I would like to believe that the cream always rises to the top, but it was clear to see that Hunter would’ve continued his planned trajectory. But Austin still had so much more to do. It’s a hot take, but I believe that if Hunter wins the 1996 King Of The Ring, Austin doesn’t become the Stone Cold we all know and love. What do you think?

 

The sirens are calling! Kinny Killa is your hook up so holla if ya hear me!

Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - 4 Corners Podcast (sports)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY - Nefarious Means

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - 30 Mindless Minutes

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast: The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history) Unidentified History (Ufology) & Game Gone Wrong (Game of Thrones Universe)


Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand


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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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What If? – Sting faced The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXVII

TheChairshot.com asks the question…What If? PC Tunney discusses what if Sting came to WWE and faced The Undertaker at WrestleMania 27!

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TheChairshot.com asks the question…What If? PC Tunney discusses what if Sting came to WWE and faced The Undertaker at WrestleMania 27!

 

One of if not THEE most iconic matchups wrestling fans never got was Sting vs Undertaker. These were two greats who evolved their personas over multiple decades. Sting would go from the bleached blond hair and loud ring attire to his iconic “crow” look perched at the top of the building carefully plotting his next move. While Undertaker evolved from Phenom to Deadman to American Badass and back to Deadman again, while leaving a path of destruction in his wake.

Let’s start by talking about what we would not have gotten, which is Undertaker vs HHH. This was a really good match, but I am partial to their second match at Mania 28 where HBK is the guest referee. In my scenario, we still get that match and the legendary moment of those three at the top of the ramp the next year. As for Sting, this all lines up with his infamous match with Jeff Hardy which took place at Victory Road just three weeks before Mania 27. Sting, having defeated Hardy at the end of February, would have a nine month title reign as TNA Heavyweight Champion. He successfully defended that title six times during that reign against the likes of Jeff Hardy, Mr. Anderson and RVD, Matt Hardy, Bully Ray and Mr. Anderson, RVD, and Mr. Anderson one more time before dropping the title to Mr. Anderson in December of 2011 at Slammiversary IX.

Now, it’s time to see what we would have gotten with Sting if he had made the jump to WWE in April of 2011. Obviously, we would have gotten Sting vs Undertaker at Mania 27. That’s the whole premise of this article, lol! I would have liked to have seen the build to this dream match with “Crow” Sting stalking The Undertaker, driving Undertaker to some of the deepest and darkest places he had not been since his boiler room matches with Mrs. Foley’s baby boy. I would not have broken The Streak here, but I would have made sure this match happened again at SummerSlam with a number one contender spot for the World Title on the line, with Sting going over. To finish this spectacular trilogy, I can’t think of a better match than a Hell In A Cell. Who wins the final match?… You pick! I say we all win as fans if we would have gotten this iconic feud.

Finally, what else could we have seen from Sting in that 2011-2015 era of WWE? The Rock was still around facing John Cena. Either of these two greats would have been perfect for a program with Sting. Chris Jericho, Randy Orton, CM Punk, Sheamus, Daniel Bryan, Mark Henry, The Miz, and The Shield all get the creative juices flowing. For me, there is one other name I would have loved to have seen Sting in the ring with, and that is BRRRRRROCK LESNAR!!! This is another situation where Sting’s Crow character can make a persona like Brock Lesnar feel uncomfortable. Guys like the Undertaker and Brock Lesnar are supposed to be the ones making THEIR opponents feel uneasy. The possibilities are quite vast as they should be with a roster like WWE had at this time, and of course the undeniable talent and presence of the man they call Sting.

Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - 4 Corners Podcast (sports)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY - Nefarious Means

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - 30 Mindless Minutes

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast: The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history) Unidentified History (Ufology) & Game Gone Wrong (Game of Thrones Universe)


Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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