Clash of The Titans - - Best of The Best: Chris Jericho vs. Kurt Angle

Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho are two of the biggest stars in wrestling today. Angle has starred in the WWE and is currently one of the biggest stars in TNA, while Jericho has starred in WCW, WWE and on the international wrestling scene.

Lately, both wrestlers have staked claim to being the best wrestler in the world today.

Both are extremely talented in-ring performers and are among the best of all-time.

Who's really the best? Let's examine the careers of these two men and you decide.

The Stats

Both Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho are no strangers to title reigns. They have held multiple titles in each organization they have worked for.

Jericho experienced minimal success in WCW though he was among the most popular wrestlers with fans. He was a four-time WCW Cruiserweight Champion and held the Television Title one time.

It was not until Chris Jericho signed with the WWE that his wrestling career began to skyrocket.

Already over with fans prior to his debut, Jericho rode the wave all the way to becoming the first undisputed champion in WWE history, beating Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock in the same night — to this day one of the biggest upsets in WWE history.

In addition to becoming the first undisputed champion, Jericho has four additional world championship reigns, and has more Intercontinental title reigns (nine) than anyone in WWE history. He's the fourth ever Grand Slam winner, having won every major championship in the WWE and won the Slammy Award for "Superstar of the Year" in 2008.

Likewise, Kurt Angle has held multiple titles in his pro wrestling career.

He is a nine-time world champion (technically), a multi-time tag champion, and has won the Triple Crown in both WWE and TNA. He is also a WWE Grand Slam winner, the fifth, behind Chris Jericho.

The distinct advantage Angle has over Jericho is that he is an actual Olympic Gold Medalist. Hey, at least Jericho has Fozzy.

The Skills

Angle and Jericho are considered two of the most technically sound wrestlers in the world today.

Angle obviously has a background as an amateur wrestler and those skills transferred over well to the professional stage.

Chris Jericho has wrestled all over the world against some of the greatest competition and is the more experienced professional wrestler.

Upon Kurt Angle’s debut in WWE he was instantly catapulted stardom. His corny, bubble gum charisma actually brought him a lot of success in the WWE. Now in TNA, Angle takes on a more serious role and, in my opinion, is not as charismatic as he was in WWE.

Initially, I thought Chris Jericho’s character in WCW was kind of weird. He carried some of it over to the WWE and along with his comedic antics, made himself a main event star. Like Angle, Jericho now has a more serious character but unlike Angle he didn’t lose a step. Jericho is arguably better than he’s ever been.

Both men can hold their own on the mic but the advantage has to go to Jericho. No one in pro wrestling today draws as much heat from his promos than Jericho.

The Best

One could make a case for both Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho being the best wrestler in the world today but who’s really the best?

While the answer is debatable, I have to cast my vote for Chris Jericho.

I think Chris Jericho is a better overall “sports entertainer”. He has the total package. Great in-ring work coupled with great mic skills.

Jericho has also shown growth with his new heel character. Kurt Angle has stuck with the fact that he is wrestling’s only Olympic Gold Medalist for his entire career.

While that may be a feat no other pro wrestler ever accomplishes, it doesn’t automatically make him a better wrestler than everyone else.

Jericho is clearly in the prime of his career while Kurt Angle is still at the top of his game but may be winding down. This can be evidenced by Angle sharpening his acting skills for his post-wrestling career.

Jericho also did something that maybe Angle should have done and that is taken some time away from wrestling. Jericho came back fresh and better than ever. Did Angle need a break? Another debatable question but you can’t deny that Angle has had a lot going on in his post-wrestling life.

Either way you look at it, Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho are sure-fire hall of famers. They’ve held championships and have been in the main event at some of the biggest wrestling events ever.