The match between Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit on WWE SmackDown (November 14, 2002) was a hard-hitting, technically intense battle between two of the best pure wrestlers of their era. From the opening bell, both men focused on a grounded, physical style, trading suplexes, strikes, and submissions as they tried to outwrestle one another. Angle relied on his Olympic-level amateur wrestling, using takedowns and relentless pressure, while Benoit countered with his trademark intensity, stiff offense, and precise technical execution. The match was built around momentum shifts, with each competitor repeatedly escaping the other’s signature holds, including Benoit fighting out of the ankle lock and Angle avoiding the Crippler Crossface. As the contest wore on, the physical toll became evident, with neither man willing to back down. The finish came in dramatic fashion when Angle managed to gain the upper hand through superior positioning and wrestling instincts, securing the victory after a grueling exchange. The match reinforced Angle’s status as one of SmackDown’s top competitors while also showcasing Benoit’s toughness and elite in-ring ability, making it one of the most critically praised television matches of that period.
