Holiday programming has produced its share of strange moments in WWE history, but few are remembered quite like the night Kurt Angle forced Santa Claus to submit.
The brief encounter took place at the Armageddon pay-per-view in December 2004 and stands out as one of the more unusual matches in Kurt Angle’s Hall of Fame career. At the time, Angle was firmly established as one of WWE’s top stars, known for his Olympic credentials, intense in-ring style, and willingness to lean into the absurd when the situation called for it.
During the event, Angle arrived at the ring with his Olympic gold medal and issued an open challenge, directing it specifically at Santa Claus. To the crowd’s amusement, a Santa-suited challenger accepted and made his way to the ring, setting the stage for a festive, if one-sided, confrontation.
Angle immediately mocked Santa before the bell, continuing to berate him once the match officially began. The bout itself lasted just 25 seconds. Angle quickly overwhelmed his opponent, hitting the Angle Slam before locking in the Ankle Lock. With no escape, Santa tapped out almost immediately, allowing Angle to retain his Olympic gold medal and reinforce his arrogant on-screen persona.
The Santa Claus submission was not Angle’s only appearance on the Armageddon card. Later in the night, he competed in a Handicap Match alongside Mark Jindrak and Luther Reigns against The Big Show. Despite their numerical advantage, Angle and his partners were defeated by the seven-foot giant, bringing a more traditional end to an otherwise memorable evening.
When Did Kurt Angle Join TNA?
Kurt Angle made his debut with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling in October 2006, just a few months after his release from WWE. His arrival was treated as a major moment for the promotion, immediately positioning Angle as one of the biggest signings in TNA history.
Angle’s first appearance came on the October 19, 2006 episode of Impact, where he confronted Samoa Joe, signalling his intent to compete at the highest level outside WWE. The move marked a significant new chapter in Angle’s career and helped elevate TNA’s profile during a crucial period of its growth.
