Kurt Angle’s Ankle Lock is one of the most devastating and recognizable submission moves in professional wrestling history. Yet, the story behind how the Olympic Gold Medalist adopted this finisher reveals a thoughtful collaboration between Angle, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, and another legendary combat sports figure, Ken Shamrock. Recently shared during a candid Sports Illustrated interview, this backstory elevates the Ankle Lock beyond a mere move—highlighting strategic creativity, respect among peers, and Angle’s commitment to authenticity in wrestling.
Vince McMahon’s Vision: Legitimacy Through Submission
When Kurt Angle first arrived on WWE’s main roster, Vince McMahon recognized the unique selling point Angle carried—a real Olympic wrestling pedigree. McMahon wanted Angle’s in-ring style and finishing move to reflect genuine combat sports legitimacy, a trait not often emphasized in professional wrestling at the time. According to Angle, McMahon approached him and said, “You’re a shooter. We need to have something more legitimate, something that people can submit to.” This suggestion set the wheels in motion for Angle to find a submission hold befitting his technical background[1].
This demand wasn’t just a creative whim. In WWE’s storytelling, submission moves can enhance a wrestler’s credibility by rooting their offense in believable pain and control, emphasizing skill over brute force. For Angle, this was a golden opportunity to merge his amateur wrestling roots with the theatrical demands of WWE’s entertainment style.
Ken Shamrock’s Blessing: The Move’s Original Source
Angle’s instinctive choice was the Ankle Lock, a finish famously associated with Ken Shamrock, a pioneer in UFC and a respected WWE figure during the Attitude Era. Shamrock popularized the hold in both MMA and pro wrestling, making it a potent symbol of submission mastery. Before using the hold, Angle reached out to Shamrock to get his blessing, showing respect for the move’s lineage.
“I thought, ‘I love Ken Shamrock’s ankle lock,’ so I asked Kenny if I could use it. And he said, ‘Yeah, without a doubt, go ahead,’” Angle recalled. This amicable exchange not only gave Angle permission to adopt the finisher but also added to the legitimacy of his character, demonstrating wrestling’s tight-knit community and traditions[1].
Sources close to WWE backstage confirm this was an important step. A WWE insider shared, “Kurt wanted to make sure he wasn’t just borrowing a move, but honoring it. That mindset helped him build his wrestling identity with authenticity.” The trust and mutual respect between Shamrock and Angle remain a notable moment in wrestling history, reflecting professional courtesy rarely highlighted in the industry.
Evolution of the Ankle Lock: Adding Angle’s Signature Flair
Although Angle borrowed the Ankle Lock from Shamrock, he quickly transformed it into a finishing move distinctly his own. His signature additions—the grapevine that locks down the opponent’s leg and innovative transitions into the hold—heightened both the visual impact and in-ring effectiveness. Angle explained that these modifications helped him “make that move even more pretty cool,” allowing flexibility to counter opponent attempts and keep fans engaged[1].
These creative tweaks elevated the Ankle Lock beyond a simple submission, weaving it into Angle’s storytelling. The move became key in some of his most memorable matches, including moments where he forced WWE legends like Hulk Hogan to submit, underscoring its fear-inducing reputation[3].
Why the Ankle Lock, Not the Olympic Slam?
At one point, Angle’s other finisher, the “Olympic Slam,” faced external pressure due to its branding implications with the Olympic Committee. This situation further made the Ankle Lock an attractive choice as a definitive finisher that connected deeply to Angle’s legitimate wrestling background.
In his own words, Angle clarified that choosing the Ankle Lock wasn’t just about legal hurdles; it was a strategic move to embody his shoot-style wrestling credibility. His focus was on portraying a harder, more dangerous character by incorporating a submission that could logically incapacitate opponents[2].
Behind the scenes, this decision helped WWE market Angle as not just an entertainer, but a legitimate athlete, bridging the gap between professional wrestling and combat sports in the eyes of fans and critics alike.
Legacy of the Ankle Lock Finisher
Over his distinguished career, Kurt Angle wielded the Ankle Lock as a symbol of precision, toughness, and legitimacy. It contributed to his capturing multiple WWE Championships and solidified his place as one of the best technical wrestlers in history. The move’s influence extends beyond Angle; fighters like Ronda Rousey in WWE and countless MMA athletes have showcased variants of the Ankle Lock, testifying to its cross-sport impact[3].
Ken Shamrock, meanwhile, remains respected for introducing the hold’s prominence in wrestling and MMA. Angling for authenticity while paying homage to Shamrock’s legacy, Angle’s adoption of the Ankle Lock became a historic passing of the torch, blending MMA realism with professional wrestling’s storytelling craft.
Backstage Perspectives: Revered and Respected
According to a WWE insider, “Kurt’s use of the Ankle Lock wasn’t just about the move itself. It was about what it represented—his Olympic background, his respect for wrestling tradition, and a desire to bring credibility to a sport that often blurs fact and fiction. That’s why it connected so well with fans and is still talked about today.”
This sentiment reinforces how Angle’s ankle lock transcended being merely a finishing move; it became a defining feature of his persona and an inspirational part of wrestling culture.
Kurt Angle’s story behind the Ankle Lock finisher perfectly encapsulates how a simple wrestling move can have layers of meaning—combining creative collaboration, respect for precedent, and personal identity. It stands as a testament to Angle’s legacy, one forged by integrity, skill, and reverence for the sport’s rich history.
Sources: Sports Illustrated (h/t WrestlingNews.co), Fightful, TheSportster