The following are highlights from a new website Q&A update by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On Antonio Cesaro: “Cesaro is a star who’s underutilized and is a stalwart in the locker room. Fans like him out of respect for his in ring work. Flip a switch on him and it’s done.”
On Justin Gabriel: “Not sure why Justin Gabriel hasn’t made more of an impact. Something is missing from the equation.”
On the possibility of Bray Wyatt vs. Roman Reigns headlining a future WrestleMania: “Sure, it’s possible. Time will tell. All must remain healthy and avoid issues.”
On whether or not Hulk Hogan has one match left in him: “If true, it’s a great idea but I don’t need to see Hulk attempt to wrestle.”
On MVP working in TNA: “He’s a positive, fresh face that should help TNA if they plan long term, utilize MVP’s skills and lessen Dixie’s presence on their show. ”
On the WWE Network: “I’m WAY out of the WWE Network loop. I’m not aware of how they will deal with the many issues that are likely to pop up for the start up. I’m hopeful that the Network is successful for many reasons even though some fans will find things wrong with it just because that’s their usual MO.”
On Kurt Angle returning to WWE: “Lots of things have to happen for Angle to return to WWE including extensive medical, etc testing. His in ring days are very limited.”
Check out more from JR’s latest website Q&A update at JRsBarBQ.com.
– WWE Superstar Goldust recently spoke to PE.com to promote this week’s WWE SmackDown television taping in Ontario, California. During the interview, Goldust talked about doing new moves in the ring lately. “I want to do something that I’ve never done. Something that everyone looks at and says ‘Goldust can’t do that. Oh my God, Goldust just did that!’ And leave them with ‘I can’t believe Goldust just did that, that is awesome!’”
– A fan recently asked Kurt Angle is the rumors that he wants to return to WWE are true. In true Kurt Angle fashion, he simply replied, “It’s true.”
– Above is video of WE Diva AJ Lee doing a Q&A session at Wizard World’s New Orleans Comic Con event from over the weekend. As previously reported, fans were instructed not to ask AJ about a ‘certain somebody who may or may not be with WWE anymore.’
– Cody Rhdoes did a Q&A session on Twitter yesterday and commented on the status of his knee after he was injured on RAW:
The following are highlights from the latest online blog by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On Kurt Angle returning to WWE: “Speaking of another Pittsburgher, been reading a great deal about Kurt Angle’s thoughts on returning to WWE to end his pro wrestling career. I don’t know what’s accurate or not but personally it would be fun to see Kurt finish where he started as it’s obvious that the 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist should seriously be thinking of hanging up his boots and looking at other avenues within the business of which he can contribute. There are many for the record.”
“I’d surmise that for Kurt to return to in ring competition in WWE that he would have to pass an extensive physical as that particular landscape has changed drastically, and for the better, since Angle last appeared in WWE.”
On Chris Benoit footage airing on the WWE Network: “Glad to see that the much anticipated WWE Network will air some Chris Benoit matches accompanied with the proper ‘warning.’ What Chris did in the last days of his life are unpardonable but no one has ever said that Benoit wasn’t a great in ring technician. Should Chris be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame? Absolutely, not. However seeing some of his matches on the new, WWE Network feels fitting even thought there will be some who will raise hell over it just because they can somehow justify it via their keyboards.”
On Mr. Perfect: “Curt Hennig aka Mr. Perfect passed away 11 years ago tomorrow Feb 10. Arguably as naturally talented in all phases of the pro wrestling game as anyone I’ve ever been around. We went into the 2007 Hall of Fame class together at WM23 in Detroit. One of the funniest guys ever and a fabulous in ring performer. One could tell that the influence of so many of the great talents in the AWA had a positively profound influence on Curt. That would apply especially to Bobby Heenan and Nick Bockwinkel, among others.”
Check out the complete blog online at JRsBarBQ.com.
– TNA star Kurt Angle’s comments about WWE in interviews that were arranged for him to promote TNA events, as well as his recent tweet about Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton, are seen within TNA as Angle preparing for life elsewhere once his contract with the company expires this coming fall.
– Apparently Bully Ray is very high on Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards as talents. Ray has reportedly been protective of them when it comes to how they are booked by TNA.
Regarding the rumors of Kurt Angle having a “blow up” backstage with TNA executive “Big” John Gaburick, one person noted that it wasn’t even an argument, and was more along the lines of Angle expressing his confusion over what he felt was senseless booking.
Speaking of Angle, despite his claims that he is not in “bad shape” recently, it was said that he was looking to be in rough physical shape during the recent U.K. tour and could barely move, however when he got in front of the fans, he ignored it and managed to put on consistently good performances.
TNA star Kurt Angle recently commented on the reports that claim he is in bad shape. Angle mentioned the following in a new tweet posted on his official Twitter account:
For the Rumors going around, I'm Having Simple Orthoscopic Surgery for Cartilage tear in my knee. I'm not in "bad shape"
As noted, Angle has been working through injuries during the recent TNA U.K. tour, and according to some reports, has even been working despite doctors orders not to.
The following are highlights from a new Jim Ross Q&A update:
On why fans should take Randy Orton as champion seriously after losing multiple “non-title” matches: “It’s an old school philosophy. The champion losing non title bouts gives the impression that the title holder is vulnerable and ripe for the pickings.”
On his thoughts of a potential Daniel Bryan vs. Kurt Angle match: “If both were healthy and the match was creatively presented as it should, there is no doubt that those two wouldn’t have a great performance.”
On his thoughts on how WWE should handle the upcoming event in Chicago without CM Punk: “The show must go on and hopefully it will have enough good content to help some fans move on so as to not to negatively disrupt the broadcast to an unwatchable degree.”
On his thoughts of all the recent hatred from the fans towards Batista: “I’d guess it was merely the fall out of the Daniel Bryan situation and not directed directly at Batista.”
As previously reported, TNA veteran Kurt Angle had a backstage blow-up with “Big” John Gaburick during the company’s U.K. tour. Apparently Angle wasn’t the only star to have a heated exchange with the TNA executive.
According to a new PWInsider.com article, TNA star Eric Young had a verbal exchange with Gaburick during the U.K. tour as well. Gaburick apparently ran down Young backstage after his Monter’s Ball match with Abyss, which was taped for this week’s edition of Impact Wrestling.
The report claims Gaburick told Young that he took too long in selling an attack from Abyss and should have exited the ring quicker due to the fact that they had additional segments to tape.
As a result, Young, who is well liked and considered to be a performer who rarely speaks out, didn’t hold back this time. According to reports, Young vented his frustration over the situation and the matter was quickly resolved. Basically put, it wasn’t a major incident or anything like that.
TNANews.com writer Alex Barie recently reached out to TNA star Kurt Angle regarding the rumors that he had a blow up with John Gaburick backstage during the recent TNA U.K. tour. Regarding the rumors, Angle stated, “Reports couldn’t be any less true. I did not argue with Big (John Gaburick). Everything is fine.”
The article also notes that Angle is scheduled to get knee surgery next week and will be out of action for a month as a result.
TNA star Kurt Angle was photographed in a wheelchair in the United Kingdom this past weekend. There is no word as to whether or not Angle is in a wheelchair to sell a television attack that is part of a storyline, or if Angle is having a hard time getting around.
As noted, Angle has been pushing back a surgery operation that he was scheduled to undergo in late January.
TNA star Kurt Angle was scheduled to undergo surgery in late January, however with Jeff Hardy and Sting not going on the company’s U.K. tour, Angle’s surgery was pushed back so that he could fill-in on the tour.
During the television taping in Glasgow, Scotland this past week, an angle was shot that saw Angle get beat down with steel chairs, which was seemingly the company’s way of writing him out of the storylines. The following day in Manchester, Angle was told by the TNA creative team that he was scheduled to do a run-in segment. Angle reportedly flipped out as a result, as he had already been written out of storylines and because he had been working despite doctor’s orders not to.
John Gaburick was said to be the one that Angle flipped out to, and in the end, Angle did not work the taping that night in Manchester.
Angle did his Hall Of Fame induction the next day in London, and set up a probable Lockdown match against Ethan Carter III. As a result, it appears that TNA is expecting Angle to work the pay-per-view without having the surgery he needs.
– MVP’s new TNA theme song is a song he recorded himself called “Return of the Ronin.” You can check it out on iTunes at iTunes.Apple.com.
– There are a number of reports going around noting that Kurt Angle is dealing with a number of injuries, and appears to be pretty banged up during the current TNA U.K. tour. Angle is reportedly dealing with a potential broken ankle, along with a number of other nagging injuries.
The following are highlights from a recent Wrestling 101 interview with Kurt Angle:
On wanting a match with Triple H: “The one that I wanted and still want is Triple H because when I was wrestling him I wasn’t very good and I know he had to do a lot of carrying me around when I first started. I would love to do a program with Triple H someday because he is that good, to be where I’m right now and where he is right now I can’t imagine what the match would be like but maybe that is something that can happen down the road.”
On whether or not he will return to WWE: “Yeah, I never say no, I love TNA, I love Dixie Carter, I’ve had a lot of fun here but I never count out going back to WWE. It is always there, the opportunity is there, a lot of people don’t want to retire unless they go out at WrestleMania, it is tough when you have the ability to do that it is hard to just walk away. I’m not saying it is going to happen soon but there is going to come a time where I will have to make a decision and I have to do what is best for Kurt Angle, as much as I love TNA I have to do what’s best for me and that’s what I’m going to do.”
On the current state of TNA: “It is tough, our attendances weren’t great on the road. I know it cost the company a lot of money but we didn’t have terrible crowd numbers, it was pretty good, it just wasn’t good enough to cover the costs. When that happens you can only go in debt so much before you have to say, okay, we need to regroup.”
Check out the complete interview online at Wrestling101.com.
The following are highlights of a recent interview with Kurt Angle from The Sun newspaper in the UK:
On his desire to return to WWE: “I can’t say when. My (TNA) contract is up in September and I’ve left my options open. I’m very happy in TNA. Dixie Carter has treated me very well and always been there for me. But, I can’t lie to myself anymore. I can’t lie to TNA or WWE. Yeah, there is that desire to go back. I just don’t know when. It could be this year. It could be next year. I don’t know when.”
“It’s not a bad thing to stay in TNA at all. I just have some unfinished business in WWE. Whether it’s this year or three years from now.”
On Hulk Hogan: “Hulk Hogan’s a good friend of mine. It was disappointing, but we had to make a company decision. It was, ‘Do we keep Hulk Hogan on without the physicality of wrestling?’ Because it seemed like Hogan wasn’t going to wrestle anymore. And, ‘Will he benefit the company?’ I believe he was benefiting the company,”
“I think that any amount of money he wanted was worth getting him, but the company at the same time had to make a business decision and decide if they wanted to keep him and pay him the big money or if they wanted to get rid of him and find some younger talent.”
On Sting’s departure from TNA: “Sting is the cornerstone of the company. Kurt Angle is not. A.J. Styles is not, as much as people want to say is the Face of the Company or Kurt Angle has helped the company more than anyone. Sting has always been our cornerstone and the man. He’s your go-to guy. To lose him is about as bad as it can get.”
TNA issued the following press release regarding Kurt Angle’s Hall Of Fame induction:
LONDON (January 26, 2014) – Kurt Angle is to be inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame during the company’s trip to the UK and Ireland for its MAXIMUM IMPACT VI Tour.
Olympic Gold Medalist and IMPACT WRESTLING Superstar Kurt announced the news earlier today during an appearance on the popular Sunday Brunch TV show, shown on Channel 4. Hosted by Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer, it is watched by more than one million people.
Angle will be inducted to the prestigious TNA Hall of Fame this Saturday, February 1, during the London leg of the Tour at Wembley Arena. A limited number of seats remain available for what will be a historic event. Tickets can be purchased from www.ticketmaster.co.uk, www.gigsandtours.com/tour/tna-wrestling or direct from the Wembley Arena box office.
Angle said: “There are some things I wanted to accomplish before accepting induction into the TNA Hall of Fame, and now I’m ready. I’m thankful I have been able to do this in my own time. The phenomenal wrestling fans in London will be part of this memorable and emotional night this Saturday.”
The star recently listed London as one of the top 10 wrestling cities in the world and added: “Wembley is such a storied venue, and with thousands of fans it will be a perfect setting for the induction ceremony. A majority of my life has been dedicated to achieving success as a wrestler. Being inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame is an accomplishment and an honor I will forever cherish.”
Angle becomes the second inductee into the TNA Hall of Fame, following the inaugural induction in 2012 of “The Icon” Sting.
Angle, who was a collegiate champion and won a Gold Medal in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, seamlessly transitioned from his domination as an amateur wrestler to being a professional wrestling phenomenon.
The only Olympic Gold Medalist in the history of professional wrestling, Angle created incredible buzz when in 2006 he joined TNA. Kurt is one of the most decorated champions in TNA history having won every major championship including the TNA World Heavyweight Championship five times.
Known as the “Cyborg”, Angle is venerated for his physicality, revered for his tenacity and esteemed for his leadership inside and outside of the ring. Among Angle’s numerous awards and accolades, perhaps most profound is the recognition he often receives among his colleagues as the best professional wrestler of all time; a man of solid character and great leadership who dedicates himself to the sport and its fans.
“I am privileged to be a witness to the Kurt Angle story. His influence on wrestling is unrivaled in this sport, or any other,” said TNA Executive Vice President John Gaburick. “TNA is grateful for Kurt’s continued devotion and contributions to our organisation, this business and to the fans.”
In addition to witnessing Angle’s induction into the TNA Hall of Fame, fans attending the Wembley Arena event will be part of a live taping of the weekly IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast, viewed by millions in more than 120 countries around the world.
After declining to be inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame at last year’s Bound For Glory pay-per-view, former TNA World Champion Kurt Angle will finally be inducted next weekend.
Angle appeared on the UK Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch this morning and announced that the ceremony will take place next Saturday, February 1st, at the Impact Wrestling taping in London at Wembley Arena.
“There are some things I wanted to accomplish before accepting induction into the TNA Hall of Fame, and now I’m ready,” Angle said. “I’m thankful I have been able to do this in my own time. The phenomenal wrestling fans in London will be part of this memorable and emotional night this Saturday.”
He added, “Wembley is such a storied venue, and with thousands of fans it will be a perfect setting for the induction ceremony. A majority of my life has been dedicated to achieving success as a wrestler. Being inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame is an accomplishment and an honor I will forever cherish.”
Angle becomes the second inductee into the TNA Hall of Fame, following the inaugural induction in 2012 of “The Icon” Sting.
The following are highlights from a recent Jim Ross Q&A update:
On overcoming Bells Palsy to continue his on-camera career: “Thanks for reading my blog and for the insight. None of us should allow something like Bells palsy define us.”
On why WWE has 30 men in the Royal Rumble when only a handful of guys could potentially win: “I think perhaps this matter is being a little over thought. A 30 man show biz presentation seems to work ok. Enjoy the presentation and the ride. The same could or can be said of many matches.”
On if he feels Kurt Angle could pass the WWE physical for a potential WWE return: “I’m not a doctor nor do I know the extent of Kurt’s physical ailments, so I have no way of answering your question with any degree of accuracy. I’d hope that he could.”
On if WWE should bring back the “squash match” formula: “I have no issues with enhancement matches. I’d much rather see long arcing story lines return. Longer term planning generally equates to greater success.”
On his guesses for possible WrestleMania XXX matches: “I see Batista vs his former teammate Orton & Lesnar attempting to beat The Streak. Just one man’s take on the matter.”
On if he feels WWE will ever turn John Cena heel: “I don’t see Cena turning. He sells too much merch and is a fantastic spokesman for WWE. There’s no reason to flip him.”
Check out more Q&A updates from Jim Ross online at JRsBarBQ.com.
– TNA star Kurt Angle will be undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery on February 11th, according to a report at TNANews.com. The procedure was originally scheduled for January 21st but it was rescheduled so he could appear on the upcoming “Maximum Impact” European tour.
Recovery is expected to last 6 to 8 weeks. With Lockdown taking place less than a month after the surgery, it’s unlikely Angle will be competing on the show.
– As we’ve been reporting, TNA is bringing in some new talent soon. TNA President Dixie Carter tweeted last night that Thursday’s live Genesis edition of Impact Wrestling will feature a few new faces:
Just hung up the phone… New talents coming to #Genesis in Huntsville. Thursday 9/8c on @SpikeTV
There is no question that 2014 is a make or break year for TNA. With Jeff Jarrett and AJ Styles departing, major budget issues, their Spike TV Contract renewal coming up, a lot of questions need to be answered as to how the company will survive. It’s not unrealistic that TNA will cease to exist in its current form this year. Without a doubt, TNA has some talented wrestlers that can put on consistent performances night in and night out, but a lack of talent isn’t the only problem that needs fixing.
We here at SEScoops like TNA and want them to succeed. It’s refreshing that there is an alternative wrestling company on network television aside from WWE, but unfortunately, it looks like they’re going off a cliff and they need to make drastic changes in order to survive. Here are five suggestions that may help TNA Impact Wrestling make it through 2014:
Please get off my TV. Please??
1. Get Dixie Carter off Television
Dixie Carter is no Vince McMahon circa 1999 and the heel “Authority” angle has run its course in professional wrestling. The WWE is currently guilty of bringing back a similar angle with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon wreaking havoc on the babyface superstars on the WWE roster and TNA can be different by distancing themselves from similar storylines. Just because Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff aren’t with the company anymore doesn’t mean you have to turn Dixie Carter into a heel authority figure. We’ve already seen this sort of thing multiple times in TNA and it’s just not working this time around.
Obviously, Dixie’s mic work does not compare to Vince’s and with AJ Styles actually gone from TNA for the first time in 10+ years, there is no true Stone Cold Steve Austin-esque hero to take down the big bad boss. Perhaps TNA has figured this all out already, having Jeff Hardy return from his hiatus to exact vengeance on the boss and her henchman, but will fans really pay attention, and more importantly, pay extra cash to see Hardy fight the odds? Don’t get me wrong, Hardy is one of the company’s top assets and an extremely talented superstar, but we’ve seen this too many times before.
Dixie Carter should be removed from television as soon as possible if TNA wants to start 2014 off on the right foot. Sure, she can still be showcased every once and a while in backstage segments like she used to be, but she is definitely being overexposed. A good start in resolving this situation is to stop having the boss open the show with an underwhelming/uneventful promo each and every week on Impact.
It’s been a good run. But you’re too expensive.
2. Release Sting and Kurt Angle
Due to TNA’s money/budget issues, releasing Sting and Kurt Angle would be a smart move by the company. This suggestion may be a bit of a shocker to some of you, but their big-money contracts may in fact be hurting the company as a whole.
What’s left for ‘The Icon” Sting to do in TNA Impact Wrestling? He’s 54 years old, put over the current TNA champion Magnus last year at Bound for Glory, played a key role in exterminating the Aces & Eights and can never wrestle for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship again. Much like Hulk Hogan, Sting’s contract with TNA is costing them more than it is helping them.
Kurt Angle will go down as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, but in my opinion, Angle is inching ever so closer to the end of his career, and it seems as if he wants to eventually bring his talents back to the place that helped make him who he is today, the WWE. In a recent interview, Angle said that his TNA contract expires in eight months and that he can’t say that he’ll never return to the World’s number one wrestling promotion.
Sting and Angle are two of the most famous names on the current TNA roster, but both superstars have paid their dues, won numerous championships and have helped put over younger talent. It’s time to move on.
Kevin Steen: Ready for Prime Time
3. Sign Top Independent Stars
TNA has some impressive home-grown talent – Bobby Roode, James Storm, Samoa Joe, Austin Aries, Christopher Daniels, Fankie Kazarian, etc. Now, by “home-grown”, I mean non-WWE talent. TNA should keep up the tradition of signing Ring of Honor and other independent talent because the roster right now seems very thin. While there are plenty of independent guys that deserve a chance to have the spotlight shine on them, here are some wrestlers that I think would be a great addition to TNA:
Kevin Steen: “Mr. Wrestling” Kevin Steen is one of those athletes that loves the professional wrestling business and has never been showcased on WWE or TNA television. Steen is a decent talker and a phenomenal worker that can get under the crowds skin in an instant. Steen is a born heel and has received high praises from the Texas Rattlesnake Stone Cold Steve Austin. Bringing Steen to Impact Wrestling would be a wise choice and would bring a section of new hardcore wrestling fans to the promotion.
Chris Hero: Chris Hero is an Indy sensation and a current free agent that would bring more viewers to TNA if signed to a contract. Hero was recently released by WWE and never made it onto the main roster despite being one of the more talented superstars on the NXT roster. Hero has the look to be a major star and his in-ring skills have been finely tuned by the WWE to be a sports entertainer.
The Young Bucks: The Young Bucks, known as Generation Me in TNA, put forth entertaining and consistent performances ever since their run in TNA from 2009-2011. They had some great matches with the Motor City Machine Guns, but due to poor booking decisions and monetary issues, the brothers left the company. The duo would be realistic signings because it seems that they are on good terms with the TNA promotion. Despite being eliminated in the first round, the Bucks competed in a TNA One Night Only PPV just last year. These two are in the prime of their careers and signing them to a TNA contract would undoubtedly help TNA’s now-struggling tag team division.
Sonjay Dutt: Sonjay Dutt is an easy choice because he is a world-renown athlete and continues to be showcased on Impact Wrestling time and time again. Dutt made his debut with TNA in 2003 and wrestled for the promotion until 2009. Recently, he’s made a few special appearances, but isn’t signed to a contract with the company. As Mike Tenay has said in the past, Dutt is the most talented wrestler to never win the coveted X-Division Championship. While he may not be the next Stone Cold Steve Austin, Dutt is a reliable worker that is energetically entertaining and would most definitely help the X-Division reclaim its glory days.
Michael Elgin: I’m not an avid follower of Michael Elgin, but from what I’ve seen and read, the dude can put on top-notch performances that will make your jaw drop. Last year in ROH, Elgin had a must-watch, five star rated match with Davey Richards. If you want to help your wrestling promotion, it’d be smart to hire someone that can wrestle a five star match, right?
Of course, there are other independent stars that I didn’t list that would fit into TNA’s landscape and help them become a better promotion. Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards are two names that come to mind, but word on the street is that they are in talks with WWE at the moment, so I left them off of the list.
Which independent wrestlers would you like to see TNA sign in 2014? Why do you think they would help the promotion? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Here are some more highlights from Jim Ross’ latest blog at JRsBarBQ.com:
Daniel Bryan Joining The Wyatt Family: “Getting lots of chatter from a variety of ‘experts’ who have the Daniel Bryan/Wyatt Family storyline all figured out with many condemning it while others are intrigued with it. I am in a ‘wait and see’ mode and prefer to allow it to play out and see where it goes. For some, any thing short of Daniel Bryan being the WWE World Champion won’t work.”
WWE Using Legends: “According to recent internet speculation who ISN’T going to wrestle at WM30? The speculated list of those old timers returning to wrestle at WM30 in Nola and those returning to the Royal Rumble is somewhat comical.”
“WWE needs to use old school/veteran stars to draw eyes to the TV and sell tickets/PPV’s and to then facilitate young stars getting the ‘rub’ or benefiting by the number of new viewers that tune in to a given show. It’s not rocket science but it is about advancing young talents who are sticking around.””
Kurt Angle Returning to WWE: “Because I was asked on Twitter, etc I’d love to see Kurt Angle finish out his career in WWE with a select number of high level matches and a Hall of Fame Induction. That could be another high level attraction at WM31.”
– TNA star Sting recently posted the following tweet. Before any rumors get started, Sting is referring to the the TNA storyline regarding Jeff Hardy, not Jeff Jarrett.
Dixie you drove off Jeff… I am still here and I am getting what I want tonight. Impact 9pm Spike.
During a recent interview with WEEI.com, TNA star Kurt Angle revealed he will be a free agent next summer and also opened up about his drug addition and divorce. Here are some highlights of what he said about:
On a possible return to WWE: “I can’t say I’ll never go back. My contract is up in eight months, so we’ll see.”
On going for an Olympic Gold Medal contributing to his drug addiction: “I realize now I can’t. There’s nothing I can do that will top that. Nothing. Not pro wrestling, not acting, not getting into MMA. Nothing will give me that feeling. I need to stop competing with myself. I tend to try to outdo myself quite a bit. But if I don’t do that, I don’t think I’ll ever be satisfied. I like to challenge myself all the time.”
On his divorce and other personal issues: “The divorce and my personal issues have been a blessing. Now my life is in a much better place. I’m clean and sober, and I don’t want to go back.”
Check out the complete interview online at WEEI.com.
The following are some quotes from recent interviews with TNA star Kurt Angle:
On working with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin in WWE: “Steve and I had a great chemistry. We both did each other wrong many times. Ultimately, I would say he was one of the best I have seen in my life. He was better than anybody in the ring. Not just his character, but his ability to talk on the microphone with that attitude – he was a complete wrestler.”
On people calling pro wrestling “fake”: “If one calls it fake, then it’s an insult to the commitment of a pro wrestler. It is (an insult if you call it fake). It is rather pre-determined. We both know who the winners are going to be. It is one of the barbaric form of athletics I have done. In that ring, we wrestle on woods like this (points to the table in front). Imagine getting slammed on that. So, we have to learn how to avoid being injured when getting slammed. Pro Wrestling is the toughest I have ever done. I broke my neck four times, broke my arms, legs. I had a great career there and I am proud of it.”
