WWE Raw Grades: Drew McIntyre Is The Last Man Standing

2. Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe

The pro wrestling career of Kurt Angle has been nothing short of spectacular over the past 20 years or so.  But at WrestleMania in just under two weeks, it will come to an end when Angle competes in his final match against Baron Corbin, who has been a thorn in his side for months.

Angle’s farewell tour has been going well in recent weeks with matches, and wins, against the likes of Apollo Crews and Chad Gable.  Last night saw Angle get the toughest challenge in his farewell tour to date when SmackDown’s United States Champion Samoa Joe battled it out.  These two have a lot of history together dating back to their TNA days, but this was the first time they have ever faced in the WWE.

Much like when Angle debuted in TNA back in 2006, this match started with a headbutt, this time courtesy of The Samoan Submission Machine.  The match got going a bit slow at first, but things picked up moderately as the match progressed and Angle fought his way back into it.  Joe controlled the pace throughout, but you can’t count out an Olympic gold medalist on his farewell tour.

After Angle countered Joe into a roll-up, that proved to be enough for Angle to get the surprising upset win over Joe.  This was a pretty good match from top to bottom and it was cool to see these two old rivals square off in the WWE.  Angle’s farewell tour continues on this week’s SmackDown when he competes in his final match on the blue brand against former TNA rival AJ Styles.

It was total nonstop action, so to speak, between Angle and Joe last night when the savvy veteran on his last ride managed to escape with the win.

Final Grade: B