Kurt Angle Opens Up About His Biggest WWE Regret and What Could Have Been

After capturing gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Kurt Angle faced uncertainty about his future. A decision to transition into professional wrestling proved serendipitous, as his athletic prowess and charisma quickly caught the attention of WWE. Signing with the company in 1998, Angle’s rise to the top was meteoric—winning the WWE Championship within just 10 months of his debut.

Angle’s career spanned several iconic years before his initial departure in 2006. He later returned in 2017, delivering a final chapter that included his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. Yet amidst his glittering accolades, there remains one regret that lingers in his memory.

The Gold Medal Opportunity That Never Was

In a recent interview on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Angle revealed a surprising oversight from his WWE tenure: he regretted not capitalizing on his Olympic gold medal as a piece of merchandise. According to Angle, the medal could have been a unique and meaningful product, especially for younger fans striving for greatness.

“It definitely would have been huge, especially all those little kids that won gold medals that strive to be the best. It would have been a great moneymaker for me,” said Angle. [12:06 to 12:17]

The wrestling legend expressed disappointment over the missed chance to inspire and connect with fans through such a symbolic item.

Unauthorized Reproductions and Legal Complexities

Angle also revealed that a fan, unauthorized by the Olympic committee, reproduced the gold medals and sold them online. This revelation surprised him, as reproducing an Olympic medal without proper permissions is a serious infringement.

Kurt Angle’s Wrestling Legacy and Retirement

While the wrestling world is often characterized by its “never say never” mantra, Kurt Angle seems resolute about his retirement from in-ring competition. Reflecting on a potential dream match with John Cena, Angle acknowledged his physical limitations while expressing deep respect for the 16-time world champion.

“I can’t wrestle anymore… but I would love to wrestle John Cena. There’s nobody that wants to wrestle John more than I do for his retirement match, especially with the respect I have for him. I just can’t do it,” Angle explained.

Angle’s last match took place at WrestleMania 35 in 2019, where he faced Baron Corbin in a heartfelt farewell. Despite stepping away from the ring, his influence continues to be felt throughout the industry, inspiring the next generation of wrestling stars.

Kurt Angle: A Superstar Beyond the Ring

From his Olympic triumph to his WWE legacy, Kurt Angle’s career is a testament to excellence and perseverance. While he laments the missed opportunity to immortalize his gold medal in WWE merchandise, his contributions to the industry remain unparalleled. For fans, Angle’s stories serve as a reminder of the human side of even the most larger-than-life figures in sports entertainment.

Whether inside the squared circle or reflecting on his journey, Kurt Angle continues to embody the phrase that defined his career: “It’s true, it’s true.”