On the latest edition of the Insight podcast, WWE/TNA Hall of Famer Kurt Angle recently opened up about his battles with addiction, his road to recovery, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. After joining WWE in 1999, Angle quickly became one of the promotion’s top stars, though painkiller addiction later in his career plagued the Olympic Gold Medalist for years.
The Destructive Grip of Addiction
At the height of his addiction, Angle’s reliance on painkillers became overwhelming. Like many wrestlers, Angle began using painkillers to manage injuries sustained from years in the ring. However, the pressures of maintaining a high-performance career in the ring quickly led to Angle abusing painkillers.
“I was taking 65 painkillers a day, about 2,200 pills a month. My addiction overtook my life.”
His addiction not only jeopardized his career but also strained his personal life. Angle revealed that the turning point came in 2012 when his wife, Giovanna, issued an ultimatum that saved his life: “Go to rehab, or I’m taking the kids and leaving.”
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A Life-Altering Decision
Confronted with the possibility of losing his family, Angle knew he had to change. With his wife’s ultimatum, Angle entered rehab, marking the beginning of his journey toward sobriety. Reflecting on the experience, Angle shared credit to his family for making him change. “It wasn’t just about me anymore. I had to fight for them.” Since completing rehab, Angle has achieved an inspiring milestone: 14 years of sobriety. He considers this achievement to be the pinnacle of his life.
“I’ve been clean and sober for 14 years now. That’s my greatest accomplishment,” he said.
Rebuilding and Redefining His Legacy
Angle’s sobriety not only allowed him to repair his personal relationships but also to rebuild his professional reputation. In the years following his recovery, the Hall of Famer has become an advocate for addiction awareness. He has used his platform to share his story, hoping to inspire others facing similar struggles to seek help.
In 2016, Angle launched the Angle Strong brand to help those battle with addiction to substances. Looking back, Angle is grateful for the second chance given to him. For the Olympian, his true legacy lies not in his wrestling accolades but in his resilience and ability to overcome adversity.
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A Grateful Outlook on the Future
Clean and sober with a reputation as a true great in the ring, Angle hopes that his story serves as a beacon of hope for those grappling with addiction. “It’s never too late to change,” he said. For Kurt Angle, his greatest victory is not found in the wrestling ring but in his triumph over addiction and his ability to reclaim his life.
Check out the full interview: