WWE Hall of Famer and Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle recently opened up about his underappreciated second tenure with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). The revelation, which he made during a conversation on the Notsam Wrestling podcast, has shocked fans and reignited debates about how WWE handles its returning legends. Angle, who enjoyed a highly decorated first run from 1998 to 2006, left the promotion abruptly for TNA Wrestling—a move that he now believes might have led to his undervalued treatment during his WWE return in 2017.
Kurt Angle’s First WWE Run: A Champion’s Ascent
Kurt Angle’s first stint in WWE was nothing short of legendary. After capturing the hearts of wrestling fans with his Olympic heroism in 1996, he transitioned seamlessly into professional wrestling. By 2006, Angle had already amassed four WWE World Championships, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in the business.
However, the grueling demands of life on the road, coupled with WWE’s hectic schedule, led to his shocking request for a release. Citing the toll that continuous competition had taken on his body, Angle walked away from the company, a decision that would forever alter his wrestling journey.
“I was supposed to take six months off and come back,” Angle revealed. “But when I left [Vince McMahon’s] office, I didn’t wait for a second. I knew what I wanted to do.”
Instead of returning to WWE, Angle immediately signed with TNA Wrestling, where he became a six-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion. This unexpected pivot left WWE stunned, and Angle suspects the company wasn’t quick to forget his swift departure.
A Hall of Fame Return—and Lingering Bitterness
In 2017, Angle was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by none other than John Cena, one of the biggest stars the company had produced during his absence. Shortly after, Vince McMahon appointed him as the General Manager of RAW, and fans were excited to see their Olympic hero back in WWE.
Despite his Hall of Fame induction and prominent role as GM, Angle felt something was missing during his second stint with the company.
“I just felt that my second time in WWE, I wasn’t so much appreciated,” Angle admitted. “I think it has a lot to do with me leaving the company high and dry in 2006 and going straight to TNA.”
Angle went on to suggest that his hasty exit might have led to WWE “punishing” him upon his return. In his view, the company wanted to “teach him a little lesson.”
A Retirement Loss and a Chance for Redemption?
Kurt Angle’s in-ring career officially came to an end at WrestleMania 35 in 2019, where he faced Baron Corbin in a match that many fans deemed underwhelming. The defeat marked the end of a storied career, but some have speculated that WWE’s choice of opponent may have been part of the subtle “punishment” Angle alluded to.
Though his physical capacity to compete has waned, Angle remains one of the most respected figures in wrestling. Even now, at 55, the desire for a proper sendoff lingers in the minds of fans—and perhaps in Angle’s mind, too.
Kurt Angle Open to John Cena Showdown During WWE Farewell Tour
In the same podcast appearance, Angle made another revelation that sent waves through the wrestling world. John Cena, who made his WWE debut against Angle on an episode of SmackDown in 2002, is set to retire from in-ring competition in 2025. As part of a year-long Farewell Tour, fans are speculating about potential dream matches—and Angle admitted that he would love to step into the ring with Cena one last time.
“Listen, I’m sure if I made a call, I could make it happen,” Angle said when asked about the possibility of a match with Cena during the latter’s Farewell Tour. “But there’s no way I can do it. But I would love to, you know, be one of John Cena’s retirement matches.”
For wrestling purists, a Cena vs. Angle match during Cena’s Retirement Tour would be a full-circle moment. The Franchise Player’s debut against Angle in 2002 remains one of WWE’s most iconic moments. Seeing these two legends face off one more time, even with Angle’s physical limitations, would be an emotional and fitting chapter in both of their careers.
What’s Next for Kurt Angle?
While Kurt Angle has expressed that he’s no longer physically capable of enduring the impact of wrestling, his influence in the business continues to be felt. Angle has been involved in various WWE programming, podcasts, and other media appearances, proving that his legacy remains as strong as ever.
As for the potential showdown with Cena, fans will undoubtedly keep their fingers crossed. Though a match between the two may seem unlikely due to Angle’s limitations, stranger things have happened in the world of wrestling.
Regardless of what’s next, Angle’s honesty about feeling underappreciated during his second WWE stint offers a rare glimpse into the complex relationship between returning legends and the companies they helped build. And if his revelation sparks a renewed appreciation for his career, that could be the “lesson” WWE and its fans ultimately take away.
This article highlights the ongoing journey of Kurt Angle, a WWE legend whose influence transcends the squared circle. From his incredible debut to his emotional revelations about feeling unappreciated, Angle’s legacy continues to evolve, proving that in professional wrestling, the story is never truly over.
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