WWE TLC 2017: Realistic Expectations for Kurt Angle

What should fans really be expecting from the former Olympic gold medalist come Sunday at WWE TLC 2017?

Kurt Angle competes in his first WWE match since 2006 Sunday at WWE’S TLC pay-per-view, according to ESPN’s Tim Fiorvanti.

The development comes by way of the company pulling Roman Reigns out of the scheduled Shield vs. The Miz, The Bar, Braun Strowman and Kane tag-team TLC match.

Reigns — along with Bray Wyatt, who was replaced with SmackDown Live’s AJ Styles — was pulled because of a recent viral infection.

The decision to add Angle to the fray is shocking to say the least. The Olympic Hero’s in-ring return is worthy of a WrestleMania moment, which makes the impact feel diluted being featured on a B-level show.

Furthermore, this makes little sense from a storyline perspective. Also, it’s kind of insane that this is what it takes for Angle to get back in the ring.

Before Reigns’ removal, The Shield were already at a disadvantage. Angle impacts the believability of the match, too.

Alas, Angle will be back, and it’s fair to wonder what kind of performance the 48-year-old athlete can produce.

Angle’s last match was in 2017, which is very recent. The match, despite not being for a major corporation, saw Angle square off against Alberto El Patron. But it’s worth noting the proverbial “WWE style” has certain nuances, so it’s possible Angle may be rusty.

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People shouldn’t expect a clinic from Angle. But while ring rust may be evident, fans should expect an entertaining performance from him.

Additionally, Angle is one of the most gifted true athletes sports entertainment has ever seen, which would lead one to believe he can still go between the ropes. Angle also benefits from being in a match with six of the company’s best workers, and perhaps two of the safest in The Miz and Kane.

The spot-heavy structure of the TLC match will also help mask any conditioning deficiencies Angle may have. Expect the focal point of this match to be Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose battling with Cesaro, Sheamus and Strowman, who are Team Miz’s heavy hitters.

Angle working mostly against Miz and Kane, the latter of whom he’s had a lot of familiarity with over the years, would be the best bet. Many considered The Shield’s chances were minimal, and that was with Reigns.

And remember, this isn’t an NFL quarterback returning to the field after dislocating his shoulder. Angle will be protected, and I’m sure they’ll keep his risks to a minimum. Angle still possesses the ability to perform a missed moonsault spot, though.

The most interesting thing about Angle’s return will be the aftermath. If things go smoothly, and Angle can prove to the higher-ups he’s still got it, this TLC match could serve as a launching pad to future matches.

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Jason Jordan’s involvement in this match makes a lot of sense, by the way. It makes too much sense. Angle is Jordan’s kayfabe father, after all.