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After nearly 20 years of entertaining the Professional Wrestling fans, Kurt Angle is ready to hang up his boots and walk into the sunset. The Olympic Gold Medalist is all set to participate in his final match at WrestleMania 35. He announced year-long rival Baron Corbin as his final opponent.
The announcement did not sit well with members of the WWE Universe though. There was immense backlash all over the Social Media this past week. Word has been going around that WWE is reconsidering Angle's final opponent (most likely John Cena). No matter who ends up facing Angle at WrestleMania, it is guaranteed to be a classic as the Wrestling Machine is more than capable of carrying a match by himself.
In addition to announcing his retirement match, Angle also declared that he would be competing against various Superstars on the Road to WrestleMania. Until now, he has defeated Apollo Crews and Chad Gable. He is all set to face AJ Styles, this week on Smackdown Live. This leaves the room for only two more matches before Wrestlemania 35, one of which will most likely take place tonight on Raw.
So, here are 3 possible opponents for Kurt Angle to square against, as his Farewell Tour enters its penultimate week.
#3 Elias
Elias has been a part of Raw since 2017, around the same time Angle was appointed as the General Manager. The two have been a part of various segments on Raw together. It's a well-known fact that Elias' ability to control the crowd is second to none in the modern era. Despite strong mic skills, a charismatic personality, and decent in-ring skills, the Drifter has not been able to indulge in a decent story-line yet.
This year at WrestleMania 35, Elias is scheduled to headline the musical act during the show, a segment that will most likely end with him getting interrupted by a household name. As Angle's Farewell tour has already brought out incredible matches out of Chad Gable and Apollo Crews, it is time Elias gets a chance to shine too. A solid outing with the Olympic Gold Medalist might be what's needed for Elias to finally unlock the door of opportunity.
#2 Finn Balor:
Finn Balor has been an integral part of WWE's flagship show since 2016's brand split. Not only that, but he has also teamed up with Angle on various occasions. With a Styles/Angle clash confirmed for tomorrow night, it will only be fair if the founder of Bullet Club gets his hands on Angle too. Balor vs. Angle has "Dream Match" written all over it.
When Angle returned to WWE in 2017, a lot of dream opponents for him were pitched by the WWE Universe. With less than 2 weeks remaining until his retirement, it is impossible to have him face off against all of them. However, a match against Balor is not passable at all and if it doesn't happen, it will definitely bother everyone that a match between the two icons never took place despite them being in the same place at the same time.
The ball's in your court, WWE! Make the right call.
#1 Shelton Benjamin
Student vs. Teacher matches never disappoint. Shelton Benjamin made his main roster debut in 2002, as a part of Team Angle. The team lasted halfway through 2003. Since then, Angle and Benjamin have squared off a number of times in both singles and multi-man matches. It would be an understatement to say that they have managed to put on a wrestling clinic, every time they have shared the ring.
Benjamin's prime years are behind him and he is now mainly used as an enhancement talent. However, a final match between the Mentor and Protégé would be a trip down the memory lane. Benjamin recently jumped ship from Smackdown Live to Raw and took out Seth Rollins for Paul Heyman (and Brock Lesnar). As Benjamin is already reliving his Ruthless Aggression era days, it would be fitting to see him go out and steal the show with Kurt Angle one last time!
