Many wrestlers from the Attitude Era battled with issues like addiction but a lot of them do not like to talk about it. Kurt Angle is different, however, as the Olympic Gold Medallist does not shy away from discussing his past mistakes. He is very open about his pill and alcohol addiction through his early WWE and TNA days.

The WWE Hall of Famer recently had an interview with TribLive to talk about a new movie about his life that is in the works. The film will focus on Angle’s journey from his childhood through his victory in the Olympics.

During the interview, Kurt Angle also talked about his past demons and explained that he always talks about it in hopes that people will learn from his mistakes:

“It is important I use that platform to be able to talk about my life story and hopefully help people out by talking about mistakes I’ve made about my addiction, how I overcame that, and what I had to do to make that happen,”

• Drew McIntyre Provides Update On His Knee Before Elimination Chamber

I’m Happy To Motivate People: Kurt Angle

Kurt Angle explained that he wants people dealing with similar issues to take inspiration from his own journey and know that they can also get their life in order if they try:

“I am a pretty open book about my life. I want to share that with people to hopefully give them motivation to go ahead and get their lives in order if it has turned into a mess.

I tell them my story and how I have been clean and sober for more than 14 years. I get a lot of great responses. I am just happy to be able to motivate people to better their lives.”

The wrestling legend had recently detailed his mindset during those times and opened up about the passing of his sister due to drug overdose. You can check out his comments on the matter here.

• Carmella Breaks Silence After Unceremonious End To WWE Run

The WWE Raw Netflix premiere on January 6, 2025, was a historic night for the company, marking the beginning of its partnership with the streaming giant. However, one of the biggest talking points from the event was the unexpected reaction Hulk Hogan received from the Los Angeles crowd. When the WWE Hall of Famer made his appearance, he was met with a chorus of boos, a stark contrast to the hero’s welcome he typically received in decades past.

Wrestling legend Kurt Angle weighed in on the incident during an interview with legendary wrestling journalist Bill Apter for WrestleBinge. Angle, a former Olympic gold medalist and WWE Champion, acknowledged Hogan’s legacy while addressing the crowd’s reaction.

Kurt Angle’s Perspective

Angle didn’t seem surprised by the reaction but made it clear that Hogan’s status in the industry remains undisputed. He stated:

“Let the fans do what they want to do. I mean, Hulk Hogan is a legend. You can’t take that away from him. He’s probably the most popular pro wrestler of all time. He’s an incredible human being, but sometimes politics gets in the way. That’s what happened.”

Angle’s comments suggest that Hogan’s reception may have been influenced by factors outside of wrestling, possibly referring to past controversies that continue to affect the way fans perceive him.

Wrestlers React to Hogan Getting Booed

Kurt Angle isn’t the only one who has spoken about the incident. Several prominent wrestlers have shared their thoughts on why the Los Angeles crowd reacted the way they did.

Seth Rollins’ Response

Seth Rollins didn’t hold back when discussing the reaction to Hogan’s appearance. He expressed satisfaction with the crowd’s response, stating that people ultimately get the reaction they deserve when facing a live audience. While he acknowledged Hogan’s contributions to wrestling, Rollins emphasized that past actions have consequences and that Hogan has yet to fully take responsibility for some of the controversies surrounding him.

The Undertaker Reacts

Former The Undertaker joked about the backlash against Hogan, stating “things come back” and implying that karmic justice may be at play.

Kevin Nash’s Perspective

Kevin Nash, a long-time friend of Hogan, was surprised by the intensity of the boos. He noted that Hogan’s approach to the event may not have resonated with the Los Angeles audience. Nash also pointed out that Hogan’s physical condition made the appearance more challenging, as he has been dealing with severe back pain in recent years.

Rob Van Dam’s Analysis

Rob Van Dam took a different approach, questioning why the reaction became such a major talking point. He suggested that the situation gained traction because it seemed unplanned and went against WWE’s expectations. Van Dam also noted that Hogan has experienced multiple cycles of popularity and controversy throughout his career, indicating that this is just another phase in his storied legacy.

Final Thoughts

Hulk Hogan’s appearance at the WWE Raw Netflix premiere was meant to be a celebratory moment, but the reaction from the crowd highlighted the complicated relationship he has with today’s wrestling audience.

While legends like Kurt Angle continue to respect his legacy, the strong reaction from fans and the varied responses from fellow wrestlers indicate that Hogan remains a polarizing figure in the industry.

More from Kurt Angle about the Hulkster:

Kurt Angle might be one of the names making a surprise appearance at this weekend’s Royal Rumble event from Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Olympic Gold Medallist is already scheduled to be in the area. He has been announced as part of the WrestleCon convention alongside other legendary guests such as Sting, Ric Flair and Hacksaw Jim Duggan.

Now Fightful Select is reporting that to people close to him, Angle has divulged that he has been contacted by WWE to participate in something for Saturday’s Premium Live event.

It’s unknown what role the company is considering Angle for, but given his physical condition, it’s likely that he’ll be appearing in a non-wrestling role if he is indeed brought in for the PPV.

• 2025 WWE Royal Rumble: First Look at Production Setup at Lucas Oil Stadium

Kurt Angle also recently explained that he is not interested in an extended role with the company so his appearance will be a one-off thing if it happens.

The WWE Hall of Famer is not the only big name expected at the show. The company has already announced that Charlotte Flair will be making her in-ring return at the Premium Live Event after her year-long injury.

Several NXT stars are also expected to be brought in for the show per reports. You can check out a list of the NXT names that might appear at the event here.

• Big E & More Call For AJ Lee’s WWE Royal Rumble Return

Kurt Angle believes John Cena is WWE’s greatest star.

Cena has announced that 2025 will be his last year as an active performer in wrestling. With his retirement tour officially kicking off earlier this month, many believe that he’ll be headlining the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame. There are many names which are thrown around when it comes to the people who can induct John Cena, but very few of them have had the impact on Cena’s career like Kurt Angle.

The Olympic Gold Medallist was asked about the potential during his recent interview with Chris Van Vliet. He mentioned how there are many contenders for the spot, while throwing the name of Stephanie McMahon on the list as well:

“There are a lot of people that deserve to induct John. Randy Orton, who was his biggest competition, or his nemesis. But Stephanie McMahon, don’t forget that she’s the one that discovered his rapping ability, and she was a big fan of his, she really supported him quite often. But no I’d be honored to induct John Cena.”

• Kurt Angle Reflects on Addiction, Recovery, and Leaving a Lasting Legacy

The Greatest WWE Superstar of All Time: Kurt Angle

Kurt Angle faced Cena in the latter’s famous main roster debut match which kickstarted the Ruthless Aggression era of WWE. Angle would go on to face the Cenation Leader in dozens of other encounters in the next few years before his 2006 WWE departure, providing him invaluable in-ring experience and exposure on his way to becoming the face of the company.

This solid foundation allowed Cena to launch what became one of the most successful runs for any pro wrestler in the history of the business. The former TNA Champion believes that John deserves to be called the greatest of all time for it:

“The one thing I want to say about him is he has shown that he is possibly the greatest WWE superstar of all time. Winning 16 World Heavyweight Titles in one company,

Ric Flair won 16, but he won them in NWA and WCW and WWE and you can’t take that away from him, they were all major promotions. But to do it all in one company, that makes you that company’s greatest star. And I really believe that he deserves another title before he retires.”

Opponents have continued to line up for John Cena in his final year of wrestling and names from around the wrestling world have expressed interest in a potential showdown with the wrestling veteran. This list includes a current world champion outside of the company. You can check out more about it here.

• Kurt Angle Reflects on Legendary Rivals Chris Benoit and Brock Lesnar

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.”

Kurt Angle Reflects on Career, Wishes He’d Retired a Decade Earlier

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.

Kurt Angle Reflects on Legendary Rivals Chris Benoit and Brock Lesnar

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:

Rivalries are the heart of professional wrestling, creating unforgettable moments that define careers. During a discussion with Chris Van Vliet for Insight, WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle recently reflected on some of his most iconic opponents, shedding light on the matches and competitors who pushed him to his limits and cemented his legacy.

From his unparalleled chemistry with Chris Benoit to his physically grueling battles with Brock Lesnar, Angle’s reflections offer a deep dive into what made these rivalries legendary.

Chris Benoit: A Rivalry of Intensity and Skill

Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit shared a rivalry marked by unparalleled intensity and technical brilliance. Their match at Royal Rumble 2003 is often regarded as one of the greatest wrestling matches of all time. Angle, too, holds this encounter in high regard, calling it “the greatest wrestling match of all time.”

“Chris Benoit was like wrestling my twin,” Angle shared. “The intensity we brought out of each other was unmatched.”

Despite Benoit’s controversial legacy, Angle emphasizes the respect they shared in the ring. Their chemistry was rooted in their similar styles, with both being technical masters who elevated each other during every clash.

Brock Lesnar: Brutality and Respect

Another rivalry that defined Angle’s career was with Brock Lesnar, one of the most dominant athletes in WWE history. Known for their intense physical matches, including the main event of WrestleMania XIX, the two shared a relationship built on mutual respect and toughness. Angle recalled the toll their battles took on his body, revealing:

“Brock Lesnar broke my neck twice. But I called both those spots, so I don’t blame him.”

Despite the injuries, Angle has always admired Lesnar’s raw power and athleticism. Their matches weren’t just about brute strength; they combined storytelling and technical prowess, creating some of the most memorable moments in WWE history.

Other Iconic Matches and Dream Opponents

While Benoit and Lesnar were two of Angle’s defining rivals, other opponents also shaped his career. His emotional match against Eddie Guerrero at WrestleMania 20 remains a fan favorite, showcasing Guerrero’s charisma and Angle’s versatility. Angle also expressed admiration for wrestlers he never got to face, including Bret Hart, whom he regards as a dream opponent.

“Bret was the kind of wrestler who could adapt to anyone. I wish I had the chance to step in the ring with him,” Angle shared.

How Rivals Shaped His Legacy

Looking back, Kurt Angle credits his greatest rivals for pushing him to his peak as a performer. Whether it was the raw intensity of his matches with Chris Benoit, the physical toll of facing Brock Lesnar, or the storytelling brilliance of his clash with Eddie Guerrero, these rivalries helped define one of the greatest wrestling careers of all time.

Through it all, Angle’s ability to connect with his opponents—and with fans—solidifies his place as one of wrestling’s all-time greats.

Check out the full interview:

Kurt Angle recently opened up about his career which he wishes he had ended his in-ring career a decade earlier. On the Insight podcast, the Olympic gold medalist admitted that continuing to wrestle into his 40s took a toll on his body and affected the way he wanted fans to remember him.

“I wish I would have finished my career in WWE 10 years shorter in WWE or TNA… So in other words, instead of 20 years, I think 10 would have been enough and I think I would have been okay.”

Instead of retiring in 2009, which would’ve marked a decade since his Survivor Series 1999 debut, Angle wrestled for another ten years before his final match at WrestleMania 35 in 2019. On the podcast, Angle reflected on watching his matches and knowing he had to go.

“I didn’t like what I saw. I didn’t want the fans remembering me as a broken down Kurt Angle. I wanted them to remember me when I was in my prime.”

Had Angle retired when he wishes, fans would’ve lost out on much of the Olympian’s career in TNA Wrestling. In 2017, Angle returned to action as part of WWE and would be part of Ronda Rousey’s debut match the following year. During his return, would work with names including The Shield, Chad Gable, and Baron Corbin.

Kurt Angle Believes Final Match Was A Waste, Baron Corbin Responds

While Angle may have regrets about how long he stayed active, his legacy as one of the greatest technical wrestlers of all time remains intact. Fans will always remember the intensity, passion, and dedication he brought to the squared circle with many still regarding Angle as the greatest wrestling athlete of all time.

Kurt Angle enjoyed an illustrious career, but it may be a very long time before fans see him in any capacity in pro wrestling again. During an appearance on Story Time with Dutch Mantell, Angle was asked about a potential non-active role with WWE, and shared that he’s in no rush to do more with WWE or any other promotion.

“I’m at a point in life where I’m okay. I don’t need to do that anymore. I don’t need to prove who I was or add anything to my legacy.“

Angle has not competed in a wrestling match in close to six years, with his final bout taking place against Baron Corbin at WrestleMania 35 in 2019. Since then, he has made a handful of guest appearances for WWE, but hasn’t had an official on-screen role with the promotion. His most recent appearance for WWE came at the Raw is XXX in January 2023.

Though Kurt’s days in the ring are over, the Olympian remains active. Currently, two biopics are in the works about Angle’s life and career. The Olympian recently shared on Talk Is Jericho that the first film will document his journey to Olympic success while the second will focus on his career in professional wrestling. Though neither film has received a release date, fans are excited to see the WWE/TNA Hall of Famer’s life and career brought to the big screen.

Kurt Angle Laments WWE Wasting Baron Corbin After Retirement Match

Kurt Angle recently joked that an eternity of hellfire and brimstone awaits his former boss Vince McMahon given the billionaire’s behavior. Reflecting on his time working with the former WWE CEO, Angle shared a damning assessment during a conversation with Inside the Ropes.

“He does some crazy sh*t, and for a guy who’s the owner and CEO of a company, it’s like, ‘What the f**k, man? You’re the boss. You can’t be doing this stuff.’”

Angle also suggested that McMahon’s actions won’t go unpunished in the afterlife, adding, “He’s going to hell when he dies.” During the interview though, Angle also praised McMahon’s work ethic that turned WWE into the premiere name in professional wrestling. The Olympic Gold Medalist also commended McMahon’s mind for the business that allowed him to fend off rivals, including WCW.

McMahon’s legacy has faced intense scrutiny in recent years, particularly following the hush money scandal of 2022 and the lawsuit filed by Janel Grant earlier this year. The allegations against McMahon extend beyond Grant’s case. He is also named in a separate lawsuit alleging he was aware of the sexual abuse of underage ‘ring boys’ by former WWE employee Mel Phillips but failed to intervene. This lawsuit, brought by five anonymous former ring boys, also names Linda McMahon, WWE, and TKO Group Holdings.

Despite the ongoing legal battles, McMahon has plans to launch a new film and TV production company. However, it appears unlikely that the 79-year-old billionaire will return to the world of professional wrestling promotion anytime soon. Stay tuned to SEScoops for updates on Vince McMahon’s legal and professional developments, as Kurt Angle suggests that the pearly gates may not be in his future.

Kurt Angle is one of John Cena’s most iconic rivals, but the Olympic Gold Medalist has confirmed he won’t be stepping back into the ring for Cena’s highly anticipated 2025 retirement tour.

Angle and Cena shared the ring nearly 100 times between 2003 and 2006, crafting a storied rivalry that fans still celebrate today. Their last encounter occurred at Survivor Series 2017, where Team RAW (Braun Strowman, Finn Balor, Kurt Angle, Samoa Joe, and Triple H) triumphed over Team SmackDown (John Cena, Randy Orton, Shane McMahon, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Bobby Roode).

As Cena prepares for his final year as an active competitor, many wrestlers have expressed interest in facing him one last time to etch their names in history. However, Angle will not be among them.

“No. No, listen, my body … I have knee replacements, I had five neck surgeries, I had my back surgery last year. I have to have shoulder replacements. I am in no condition to be getting in the ring and wrestling… I don’t think I can get in the ring. I can probably get in the ring and wrestle, but I don’t want to take the chance of getting injured.”

– Kurt Angle on the possibility of wrestling John Cena in 2025 (Sports Illustrated)

Angle’s final match took place five years ago at WrestleMania 35, where he faced Baron Corbin in a losing effort. Reflecting on that bout in a recent interview, Angle expressed frustration with how WWE squandered Corbin, especially after he put the younger star over during his farewell match.

Meanwhile, John Cena has a packed schedule as he approaches his retirement. He is slated to appear at the WWE Raw Netflix premiere on January 6 and has already announced himself as the first entrant in the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble Match, scheduled for February 1.

Former WWE star Baron Corbin recently responded to WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle and he wished that he could make him proud.

‘The Lone Wolf’ emerged victorious over the Olympic gold medalist at WrestleMania 35 in the legend’s farewell match. Corbin was expected to gain momentum following the win, especially after he won the King of the Ring that year. However, things went south for him and he was ultimately released this month.

During a recent interview, Angle lamented how WWE handled Corbin’s career since his win in Angle’s retirement match. The former World Champion felt his retirement match against Corbin was wasted as it didn’t benefit Corbin’s career.

Taking to social media, Baron Corbin addressed Angle’s comments and wrote that the win was one of the reasons he wished to have become world champion. He said it would honor what Angle did for him. Baron Corbin further expressed his regret for how things didn’t work out but appreciated Angle for his help. Check out his Tweet below:

Corbin’s career received a little push when he arrived in WWE NXT last year. He had a great run on the developmental brand and even won the NXT Tag Team Championships with Bron Breakker. However, WWE decided not to renew his contract when it expires. Corbin had previously said that WWE ‘fumbled the bag’ by releasing him.

Kurt Angle has voiced disappointment over WWE’s handling of Baron Corbin’s career after the Lone Wolf was victorious in Angle’s final match. Speaking to Wrestlezone, Angle didn’t hold back on his view that Corbin was wasted in WWE despite his WrestleMania 35 victory.

“For me, it makes me feel like I did that for nothing. It’s not like, ‘Screw you Angle’, but, it kinda is.”

Corbin’s win appeared to be a launching pad for the former NFL star, who would capture the King of the Ring crown that same year. Unfortunately, momentum quickly faded for Corbin, who slipped further and further down the card. Angle himself predicted that Corbin’s post-WrestleMania 35 season would see him reach new heights which never materialized.

“I thought they were gonna run with the kid, I thought they were gonna make him one of the top tier guys and he was on his way.”

Corbin’s career only began to pick up once more after a return to WWE NXT in 2023 which saw him win the NXT Tag Team Championships with Bron Breakker. This month, Corbin was informed that his WWE contract will not be renewed when it expires, ending his 12-year tenure which saw the promotion ‘fumble’ the former U.S. Champion.

The choice of Corbin as Angle’s final opponent was a controversial one at the time, with many hoping for John Cena or another classic rival from the Olympian’s past. Angle has said he wishes Cena had been his final opponent instead, as what WWE did with Baron Corbin left a lot to be desired according to the WWE Hall of Famer.

Kurt Angle may have had some all-time classics in the ring, but the Olympic Gold Medalist wanted no part of competing for AEW. Speaking to Kenny McIntosh for Inside The Ropes, Angle shared that he turned down multiple offers from AEW because their plans for him involved getting back in the ring.

“AEW did offer me a couple of times. Tony Khan absolutely adores me, from what I heard—I don’t know if that’s true or not. But they did offer me two different deals, and, unfortunately, they both had to do with wrestling, and I knew I couldn’t do it.”

Angle hasn’t competed since WrestleMania 35 where he lost to Baron Corbin in what was promoted as the Olympian’s final match. The match was the culmination of a two-year return to wrestling in WWE, though many fans felt that the Hall of Famer had lost a step or two in the ring. Kurt has since said he wishes John Cena had been his final opponent. Cena also appeared on the show in a non-wrestling segment with Elias.

Angle is a fully-fledged WWE guy, despite his lengthy career in TNA where he also reached World Championship glory. AEW offered Angle a ten-match contract, but that did nothing to sway the Olympic Gold Medalist. While Kurt continues to make appearances in wrestling, his days in the ring are well and truly over, much to the chagrin of fans who would have loved to see what he could’ve done in an AEW setting.

Kurt Angle has paid tribute to late One Direction Member and his former opponent Liam Payne after his passing earlier this week.

The English singer passed away on 16 October after falling from the third-floor balcony at the CasaSur hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The 31-year-old was a long-time wrestling fan and even wrestled a match against the Olympic Gold Medalist back in 2013 to promote One Direction’s Midnight Memories album.

The former world champion posted a short clip of their match where Liam wrestled under a mask and full-body suit. Kurt Angle said that it was an honor to step in the ring with the late star:

• Kurt Angle “Wasn’t Appreciated” In WWE Return Due To TNA Run

Liam Payne had made multiple appearances on The X Factor early in his music career. He auditioned at the age of 14 for the Fifth series of the show and made it past the first round before being cut at the Boot Camp stage.

The English star would return during the Seventh series of the show where he was later put together with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik, officially forming the famed band.

Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment signed the group after their appearance on the reality show and they started breaking records with their very first album.

The wrestling match between Liam and Angle took place during the band’s 1D Day live stream which featured the band members taking part in various performances, interviews and more.

• Kurt Angle Opens Up About Passing Of His Sister

In 2017, Kurt Angle made his long-awaited return to WWE, close to eleven years after leaving, to be inducted into that year’s Hall of Fame. Angle would wrestle a handful of times after his return, but never felt truly appreciated by the company during this run.

Speaking on Notsam Wrestling, Kurt reflected on his comeback and believes that leaving WWE in 2006 and subsequently joining TNA Wrestling was why he wasn’t appreciated.

“I just felt that my second time in WWE, I wasn’t so much appreciated. I think it has a lot to do with me leaving the company high and dry in 2006 and going straight to TNA. I was supposed to go back to WWE in six months. Vince [McMahon] wanted me to take six months off and come back. So literally, when I left his office and I quit, I called TNA and got a contract that day.“

Angle added that upon returning to WWE, management wanted to “teach him a little lesson” for opting to join TNA rather than return to WWE six months after his exit. In his TNA documentary DVD Kurt Angle: Champion, the Olympian said he asked for his release from WWE because he could not take time off and was working severely hurt.

Kurt’s WWE return saw him wrestle 19 times for WWE, amassing a 10-9 win/loss record before his WrestleMania 35 loss to Baron Corbin in 2019. While Kurt continues to make appearances, his return to the ring in WWE left a lot to be desired, and according to Angle, that’s all thanks to him making the choice to leave in the first place.

Kurt Angle has opened up about the passing of his sister Le’Anne Angle.

The Olympic Gold medallist recently had an interview with Danielle McCartan. Among other things, Kurt talked openly about his pill addiction during his time in WWE.

Angle mentioned that at one time he was taking more than 50 pills a day and hiding his addiction from everyone. The incident that made him realize that he had a problem was the sudden passing of his sister Le’Anne, right before his big Iron Man match with Brock Lesnar back in September 2003:

“I remember at one point in time, I was getting ready for the biggest match in my career. It was going to be a one-hour Iron Man match against Brock Lester. I was at a house show—an non-televised show—the night before. I just got done wrestling, my brother, Eric called me. He said, ‘Listen, your sister Le’Anne just died of a heroin overdose.’

Man, that devastated me. I remember I went back to my hotel room, grabbed about 30 pills, threw them in my mouth, chewed them up, and swallowed them. I didn’t want to feel any pain and I passed out. I didn’t wake up until 4:30 in the afternoon the next day.

The WWE was trying to get a hold of me all day long to tell me I didn’t have to show up for TV; I could go home and plan the funeral for my sister. I looked up at the ceiling and said, ‘Le’Anne, what do you want me to do?’ And all I could hear was, ‘Do it for me. Do it for me.’ So, I went and wrestled, and I had the greatest match of my career.”

• Kurt Angle Teases A New Role With WWE: “If The Money Was Right..”

I Was Such A Hypocrite: Kurt Angle

Kurt Angle would stay with WWE for 3 more years before finally deciding to leave the company and join TNA. While Angle got over his painkiller addiction in TNA, he went deep into alcohol addiction, getting 4 DUIs in a span of 5 years. He finally went to rehab after his 2013 arrest and the wrestling legend has been sober ever since.

The former World Champion was asked how he felt about the passing of his sister while he was dealing with an addiction himself. Angle revealed that he had actually stopped talking to her to try and get her to quit. Looking back at it now, it’s one of the biggest regrets for the former World Champion:

“That’s what hurts the most looking back now I mean I was such a hypocrite. I didn’t have a chance to talk to my sister before she passed away because I had too much pride. I didn’t want her to know I had a drug problem. But I was criticizing her for hers. I said, ‘Listen, I’m not going to talk to you until you get clean.’ Unfortunately, she never got clean, and she passed away. So, I regret that decision.”

Angle was finally asked what he would tell his sister if he got the chance to do it all over again. The former WWE star said that he would have acknowledged his own problems and encouraged Le’Anne to go into rehab with him:

“I’d tell her, listen, Le’Anne, I’m in this with you. We both need to go to rehab together. I would have loved to went to rehab with my sister, knowing that she was going to be with me, and I was going to be with her. I think we could have done it as a team, I think we’d both be clean and alive, today.”

• Kurt Angle Names AEW Star He Is A Fan Of

WWE Superstars join the promotion from all walks of life, with some coming from an athletic background in an entirely different sport. Delicious Orie has already established himself in the world of professional boxing, and the Olympian is interested in taking the WWE by storm.

Speaking to the Daily Star, Orie, who competed in this year’s Summer Olympics in Paris, shared his love for pro wrestling after attending the September 24, edition of WWE NXT.

“I started watching it when I moved to the UK. I used to watch the likes of John Cena, The Undertaker while there was the odd appearance from the older legends like Stone Cold Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels. Me and my friends would do the moves.”

Orie added that it was “crazy” to get the chance to meet Michaels at WWE NXT’s final show on the USA Network, and was also pleased to meet Booker T. When asked about a potential future in WWE, Orie shared that it is something

“It’s something we could think about. I want to be an inspiration for people. I know wrestling would increase my profile so much and I want to be a global star. That’s the aim, to be known all over the world.“

Orie represented Great Britain in this year’s Summer Olympics and while he didn’t take home a medal, he’s seen plenty of success. In the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Orie took home gold in Birmingham when representing England and again won gold in last year’s European Games in Kraków and Ma?opolska, Poland.

WWE’s Olympians

WWE’s first Olympic Gold Medalist was Kurt Angle who had an incredible career from 1999 to 2006 which included five reigns as a WWE World Champion. It wouldn’t be until 2021 that WWE signed its second gold medalist, Gable Steveson, though his underwhelming WWE run ended this year. Currently, Tyra Mae Steele, aka Tamyra Mensah Stock, has been honing her skills at WWE NXT live events as well as on NXT Level Up.

Chad Gable competed at the 2012 Summer Games in London, England, before turning his attention to the world of pro wrestling and debuting in WWE NXT three years later. Clearly, WWE has become a hotbed for Olympians looking to forge a new chapter, and could Delicious Orie be next? Time will tell…

If Chad Gable’s still a heel by 2026, he’ll pivot to one of WWE’s top babyface when it comes to the Special Olympics.

Gable announced on X his excitement for becoming an ambassador for the 2026 Special Olympics Games which will hail out of Minnesota.

“I’m excited to announce I’m an official ambassador for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games!

“Get ready for some epic moments as we celebrate all the incredible athletes who will compete in Minnesota in 2026!”

Gable will be following in the footsteps of fellow top heel on RAW in Drew McIntyre who happened to be a global ambassador for the 2023 Special Olympics. Drew also was an ambassador during the 2021 Special Olympics while WWE was in Las Vegas for SummerSlam. Another person Gable is mirroring in more ways than one is Kurt Angle who just recently appeared at the Special Olympics softball games which took place in Pittsburgh.

Chad Gable’s 2024

Chad Gable has had a banner year for his career in 2024. Gable started off as a big time babyface when he was feuding with GUNTHER before he ultimately turned on Sami Zayn and began demeaning Otis, Maxxine Dupri and Tozawa of the Alpha Academy.

He later received some comeuppance for his transgressions courtesy of the Wyatt Sicks who left him a bloody mess backstage. This caused Gable to feud with the mysterious faction and it prompted him to form American Made, aligning himself with The Creed Brothers and Ivy Nile. The new group definitively lost that feud, but just this past Monday on Raw expressed an intent to move on from a battle with Bo Dallas’ new group.

Kurt Angle is a fan of Kenny Omega and he believes that even though high spots wrestling is popular right now the time for more technical matches will return.

The Hall of Famer recently took part in K & S WrestleFest virtual signing. He discussed things such as the progression of Roman Reigns, and praised a number of WWE talents like Gunther and Seth Rollins.

Amid all the WWE talk, Angle was asked if there is anyone from AEW who he likes and the wrestling veteran unsurprisingly named Kenny Omega. Kurt noted that the Best Bout Machine can have a good match with just about anybody:

“I love Kenny Omega. I think he’s a great talent. He can have a 5-star match with just about anybody. Kid’s really well-versed. I didn’t know about the injuries but man I saw the one match with him and the kid from the UK [Will Ospreay]. That was a match to remember. They lit it up that night.”

• Kurt Angle Believes Chad Gable Has “Done Enough” To Carve Out His Own Identity

The Business Evolved: Kurt Angle

When asked about the difference in style between him and Omega as well as the inclusion of more high-flying spots in today’s wrestling, Kurt Angle explained that it’s the evolution of the sport. Though he claimed that there is always room for more technical stuff and hoped that it will become the norm again someday:

“What you’re getting today is you’re getting a lot better athletes. That are doing more dangerous stunts, more stunt work than really wrestling and working in the ring. But I think that’s because the business evolved. People like to see high-action wrestling matches.

When I wrestled Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero it was all technique. It was technical matches. We didn’t do a lot of crazy stuff. I think there is always room for that. I think it will eventually come back again as it has in the past.”

Apart from this, Kurt Angle praised Chad Gable for the work he has been doing the last few months. The Olympic Gold Medalist also said that he would be open to managing American Made if WWE offered him the right deal.

WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle is interested in becoming the manager of American Made faction, led by Chad Gable.

Angle recently took part in a K & S WrestleFest for a virtual signing. When asked about his return to WWE, he said that he’d consider returning to become the manager of a faction like Chad Gable’s, American Made, which comprises the Creed Brothers and Ivy Nile.

The former World Champion spoke highly of the newly formed faction and said that managing them would be apt. Angle said that he could get involved in some spots.

American Made

While the 55-year-old has ruled out a full-fledged wrestling match, he clarified that he could still take a few bumps. He explained:

“If the money was right (I would come back to manage a faction)… The spot (matters too), yeah, definitely. I think Chad (Gable) and his gang that he has right now, that would be a great idea.

I wouldn’t mind doing a spot here and there. But, if you’re gonna ask me to do a wrestling match, it’s just not gonna happen. Yeah, I could take some bumps.”

Kurt Angle hung up his wrestling boots following his “farewell match” against Baron Corbin at WrestleMania 35 in 2019. Since then he has not wrestled.

Recently, it has been announced that Angle is set to make an appearance on an upcoming Game Change Wrestling (GCW) show. The legendary wrestler will make an appearance at the promotion’s Dream On event on Saturday, November 23. The show will emanate from the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Fans often draw comparisons between Chad Gable and Kurt Angle, given their Olympic background. The legendary had previously shared his take on the matter.

• Kurt Angle Believes Chad Gable Has “Done Enough” To Carve Out His Own Identity

Kurt Angle believes WWE made the mistake of pushing Roman Reigns too early but the Tribal Chief has followed through and proven why he is one of the best in the world.

The Head of The Table has been operating on a whole new level since his heel turn in 2020. With his character work, Reigns has led the company into a boom period like it hasn’t seen since the Attitude Era.

During a recent K & S WrestleFest virtual signing, Angle was asked if there is any current WWE star he would have loved to get in the ring with. The Olympic Gold Medallist unsurprisingly named the former world champion:

“Roman Reigns. I’m not gonna lie to you the kid’s been on fire. I will say this – he earned every bit that he’s gotten. I do believe the company pushed him a little too early and the fans didn’t wanna accept that but he’s followed through. He’s proven that he’s one of the best in the world right now.”

• Roman Reigns Explains How WWE Content Could Change with Raw’s Move to Netflix

They’re All Extremely Good

Kurt Angle was also asked about the work of Jacob Fatu. The wrestling veteran praised Fatu as well before mentioning how the whole Anoa’i family is filled with great wrestling talents:

“Yeah he’s doing really well too. All those guys [are] extremely talented. They all come from the same family, the same Samoan background but yeah, they’re all extremely good. They’ve always been. You look at Rikishi and the ones in the past. They have a great reputation of being great workers.”

Apart from Roman, Kurt Angle also praised a number of other current stars including Chad Gable, Seth Rollins and the current World Heavyweight Champion Gunther.

The WWE Hall of Famer said that the Ring General is a throwback to the past and he is as good in the ring as Eddie Guerrero or Chris Benoit.

• Roman Reigns’ In-Ring Return Match Confirmed For Bad Blood

WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle is set to make an appearance on an upcoming Game Change Wrestling (GCW) show.

The promotion has announced on social media that ‘The Olympic Gold Medalists’ has been booked for an appearance at the promotion’s Dream On event on Saturday, November 23. The show will take place at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Tickets will go on sale this Friday at 10:00 am ET.

Angle will be a part of the show which is set to feature the likes of Ricky Morton, Matt Cardona, Mance Warner, Masha Slamovich, Effy, Gringo Loco, and Sonny Kiss.

The former World Champion has not been advertised to wrestle for the event. Kurt Angle retired following his “farewell match” against Baron Corbin at WrestleMania 35 in 2019. Since then he has maintained that way and has not wrestled.

Most recently, another WWE Hall of Famer John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield shocked fans when he made an appearance at GCW’s Homecoming event. Earlier this month, JBL was at AAA TripleMania XXXII: Mexico City. The former World Champion was accompanied by fellow former WWE star Nic Nemeth for his AAA Mega Championship match against Alberto El Patron.

Earlier this year, Angle revealed that he was still under contract to WWE. It is not clear whether that is still the case given the GCW booking. However, a handful of WWE stars who are under their contract have stepped through the ‘forbidden door.’ It includes Shayna Baszler and WWE NXT’s Charlie Dempsey who competed at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport X. This possibly indicates that WWE might have also allowed Kurt Angle to step through the ‘forbidden door.’

• WWE & GCW: Who Made the Call for Stars to Step Through the Forbidden Door?

Oh, it’s true – Kurt Angle is watching wrestling in the Olympics and is liking what he’s seeing from Team USA and even a name outside the country.

The amateur wrestling aspect of the 2024 Summer Olympics started off this week and Angle has been impressed with what he’s seen so far at this juncture.

While Angle is obviously all about Team USA, the 1996 Gold Medalist had to give credit to the 41-year-old Olympian from Cuba, Mijain Lopez who Angle dubbed the best wrestler in the world after winning his fifth gold medal in five different Olympics.

“I usually don’t discuss athletes outside the USA but this guy did something nobody in history ever did. He’s won 5 gold medals in 5 different Olympics. Mijain Lopez!!! 41 years of age and STILL the best wrestler in the world.”

RELATED: Kurt Angle Believes Chad Gable Has “Done Enough” To Carve Out His Own Identity

When it comes to the United States, Angle praised women’s wrestler Sarah Hildebrandt who got the gold for America, but did note it was under bittersweet circumstances.

“Congrats to
@sarhilde
on her Olympic gold medal win. It was bitter sweet due to her opponent Vinesh Phogat of India failing to make weight for her gold medal match. Sarah is an amazing wrestler and deserves the gold regardless of the circumstances. Well done Sarah!”

Angle also didn’t forget about women’s wrestler Amit Elor, who at the age of 20 made her own type of history for USA wrestling.

“Congratulations to @amitelor1 of the USA women’s freestyle wrestling team for winning the gold medal in the Finals – over Meerim Zhumanazarova, of KGZ. She’s the youngest American gold medalist in USA wrestling history. Well done!!!!”

Angle has been all about the Olympics as when they kicked off, he shared in his excitement to dive into the wrestling.

RELATED: Kurt Angle To Be Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award

WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle recently reckoned that Chad Gable shouldn’t be compared to him.

Gable and Angle have similar backgrounds due to their amateur wrestling career as well as their Olympic career. Fans have often drawn comparison between the two but ‘The Olympic Gold Medalist’ feels that shouldn’t be done any longer.

Chad Gable recently revealed that Randy Orton praised him and said that he’s no longer the next Kurt Angle. The WWE legend has agreed to Orton’s comments. Speaking on the Kurt Angle Show, Angle said that Gable has managed to successfully develop his character and showered praise on him. He believes that Gable has established his own identity in the company. He said:

“[Chad’s character has] developed incredibly well. I just love Chad. He has such a great energy about him, great attitude. When they said, ‘You’re the next Kurt Angle,’ he took it. He said, ‘I’m proud to be the next Kurt Angle. That’s a great compliment.’ But I think Randy’s right. He’s earned his own stripes. I believe that he’s done enough of his own stuff that now he is labeled as Chad Gable. He’s no longer the next Kurt Angle. He’s Chad Gable, and he’s gonna show the whole world what he can do.”

Chad Gable recently fell prey to the wrath of The Wyatt Sicks. However, he attempted to exact revenge on the sinister group on last week’s Raw. He aligned with The Creed Brothers (Julius Creed & Brutus Creed) to launch an attack on Bo Dallas, who continued to laugh during the attack. Later on, the Wyatt Sicks members emerged as Gable and Creed Brothers retreated.

• Chad Gable: ‘Current WWE Character Is Very Close To The Real Me’

The world of professional wrestling has shown how they celebrated this year’s Fourth of July, with everything from fireworks to juggling.

On Twitter, WWE Women’s Champion Bayley showed off her red, white, and blue juggling skills while balancing a can of Stone Cold’s IPA.

Dave Bautista wished fans a Happy 4th of July with a throwback photo from WWE Tribute to the Troops.

WWE Hall of Famer John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield gave a unique depiction of what happened during the Revolutionary War.

Kurt Angle opted to give a Santa Claus-inspired message to his 1.3 million followers on Twitter as well as a very patriotic photo.

WWE legend AJ Lee reminded fans of the issues fireworks and loud noises have on pets and had a solution of her own in mind.

Matt Hardy made clear he’s grateful to be an American alongside some photos of himself and his family.

Ric Flair had one familiar word in mind to describe his excitement over this year’s July 4th celebrations.

AEW commentator Jim Ross had some words of advice for those celebrating.

Lex Luger shared a throwback to July 4, 1993, when he slammed Yokozuna in a moment that’d set up their WWF title match at that year’s SummerSlam.

Whatever way you celebrated, we at SE Scoops hope you had an enjoyable Fourth of July!