Kurt Angle believes that the fans were more than aware that he was not the wrestler he once was during the final days of his wrestling career.
Angle returned to WWE in 2017 and had a handful of matches during that time. Fans at the time often noticed that the Olympian seemed to have lost a step or two.
On a recent edition of the “Wrestling Life Online” podcast, Angle spoke about this final run with WWE and the perception of his in-ring skills. He said,
“When you get away from it at the age I was… fans could tell that I was not the same wrestler. I looked older, I wrestled like I was older, I felt like I was looking like an old man. And I didn’t like what I saw.”
Angle would have his final match at WrestleMania 35 in a loss to Baron Corbin. The WWE Hall of Famer has gone on record saying he’d preferred to have faced John Cena.
Kurt Angle Reflects on His Final Days as a Wrestler
Kurt Angle, a legendary figure in the world of professional wrestling, recently opened up about his final run with WWE and the perception of his in-ring skills. Angle, who returned to WWE in 2017 after an absence of several years, admitted that fans were well aware that he was not the same wrestler he once was.
During his last stint with WWE, Angle had a handful of matches, but fans quickly noticed that the Olympic gold medalist seemed to have lost a step or two. In a recent interview on the “Wrestling Life Online” podcast, Angle candidly spoke about his experience during those final days of his wrestling career.
“When you get away from it at the age I was… fans could tell that I was not the same wrestler. I looked older, I wrestled like I was older, I felt like I was looking like an old man. And I didn’t like what I saw,” Angle revealed.
Angle’s honesty about his physical decline is refreshing, as many athletes often try to deny or downplay their limitations as they age. His willingness to acknowledge his shortcomings demonstrates his commitment to authenticity and transparency with his fans.
One of the most memorable moments of Angle’s final run was his last match at WrestleMania 35, where he faced Baron Corbin in a losing effort. However, Angle has publicly stated that he would have preferred to face John Cena in his farewell match. This revelation adds an interesting layer to his reflections on his final days as a wrestler.
Despite feeling like he was past his prime, Angle’s contributions to the wrestling industry cannot be overlooked. Throughout his career, he achieved numerous accolades and became one of the most respected and beloved figures in the business. From winning an Olympic gold medal in freestyle wrestling to becoming a multiple-time world champion in WWE, Angle’s impact on the sport is undeniable.
In addition to his in-ring accomplishments, Angle’s charisma and ability to connect with the audience made him a fan favorite. His intensity, technical prowess, and unmatched athleticism captivated audiences around the world. Angle’s legacy will forever be etched in the annals of professional wrestling history.
As Angle transitions into the next phase of his life, he continues to stay involved in the wrestling industry through various endeavors. He has made appearances on different wrestling promotions and has also ventured into acting and other entertainment projects. Despite stepping away from the ring, Angle’s passion for wrestling remains evident.
While Angle may have recognized his physical limitations towards the end of his career, his impact on the wrestling world will always be remembered. His honesty and self-awareness serve as an inspiration to athletes and fans alike, reminding us that even the greatest performers have their limitations. Kurt Angle’s final run with WWE may not have been his best, but it was a testament to his dedication and love for the sport.