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Kurt Angle On John Cena's Retirement, 'Perc Angle', Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, Brock Lesnar

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January 21, 2025

TLDR: Retired professional wrestler Kurt Angle discusses his WWE and TNA careers, legendary matches with Chris Benoit, battle with addiction, 'Perc Angle' nickname, in an interview with Chris Van Vliet.

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In the latest episode of the podcast, Kurt Angle sat down with Chris Van Vliet to discuss pivotal moments in his storied wrestling career, touching on topics such as his battles with addiction, key matches with legends like Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero, and his reflections on retirement. Here's a concise summary of the major points covered in this captivating conversation.

Career Highlights

Winning Olympic Gold

  • Angle achieved significant success in wrestling by winning a gold medal at the 1996 Olympics before transitioning to professional wrestling.
  • He shared the challenges he faced post-Olympics, including confusion about his career direction after achieving his lifelong goal.
  • Recommendations from coaches and the opportunity provided by WWE led him to a lucrative wrestling career.

Experiences in WWE and TNA

  • Kurt discussed his journey through WWE and TNA, emphasizing how he adapted from amateur to professional wrestling.
  • He highlighted his legendary matches with Chris Benoit and the unique chemistry they had, which led to what he considers one of the greatest wrestling matches of all time at Royal Rumble 2003.
  • Angle’s reflection on his TNA matches emphasized how he believed he reached his peak during this period.

Humor and Catchphrases

"It’s True" Catchphrase

  • The famous catchphrase, "It’s true, it’s damn true!" originated unintentionally during promos in response to fan reactions.
  • Angle embraced the lighter, comedic side of wrestling, which contributed to his popularity.

Personal Reflections

Regrets About His Career

  • Kurt expressed regret over not retiring sooner to preserve his in-ring legacy, citing a decline in his performance as he aged.
  • He emphasized the importance of leaving the fans with the memories of his peak performances rather than a diminished version of himself.

Addressing Addiction

  • The conversation took a serious turn as Kurt opened up about his struggles with addiction to painkillers.
  • He recounted the pivotal moment in 2012 when he realized he had to change his lifestyle after hitting rock bottom, which led to his long-term sobriety.

Legacy and Future

Inducting John Cena

  • As speculation surrounds John Cena’s retirement, Angle stated he would be honored to induct him into the Hall of Fame, attributing significant importance to Cena's contributions to WWE.
  • He humorously noted that despite being named a favorite to induct Cena, his current health would prevent him from wrestling again.

Takeaways and Insights

  • Angle's journey reflects the highs and lows of a wrestling career, showcasing not just athletic talent but also resilience in overcoming personal challenges.
  • The importance of family and legacy emerged as key themes as he discussed how being a father now shapes his satisfaction in life more than accolades from wrestling.

Wrapping Up

  • Kurt Angle’s honesty about his past struggles and triumphs offers deep insights for fans and aspiring wrestlers alike.
  • The episode serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of personal growth, community support, and maintaining relatability, even when at the top of one's game in sports and entertainment.

By sharing these experiences, Kurt not only sheds light on his illustrious career but also inspires others facing their battles, stating, "It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop."

For wrestling enthusiasts and those interested in life stories of perseverance, this episode with Kurt Angle is undoubtedly a must-listen!

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