WWE’s Lesson for Kurt Angle: Olympic Hero Reflects on Return

One big thing: Kurt Angle believes WWE punished him upon his 2017 return

Olympic gold medalist and WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle suggests his 2017 return to WWE was marred by lingering resentment over his 2006 departure.

The details:

• Angle returned to WWE in 2017 after a decade with TNA Wrestling
• He served as Raw General Manager for two years before retiring at WrestleMania 35
• In a recent interview, Angle expressed feeling underappreciated during his second WWE run

Key quotes:

• “I think it has a lot to do with me leaving the company high and dry in 2006 and going straight to TNA,” Angle said.
• “I think there was like, ‘Okay, well if he comes back, we’re gonna teach him a little lesson’. I understood.”

Why it matters:

Angle’s experience highlights the complex relationships between wrestlers and promotions, especially when talent moves between competing organizations. It also underscores the potential long-term consequences of career decisions in the wrestling industry.

The backstory:

• In 2006, Angle left WWE abruptly, joining TNA Wrestling immediately
• Vince McMahon had reportedly asked Angle to take six months off before returning
• Angle’s quick move to TNA likely soured his relationship with WWE management

The aftermath:

• Angle requested a retirement match with John Cena but was denied
• Instead, his final match was against Baron Corbin at WrestleMania 35
• Angle acknowledges he can no longer wrestle due to physical limitations

How do you feel about WWE’s treatment of Kurt Angle upon his return? Do you think the company was justified in their approach? Share your thoughts in the comments below.