Credit: WWE.com
WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle has candidly shared his feelings about the final chapter of his in-ring career, describing how the physical toll of years of wrestling left him feeling worn down and frustrated. Despite his legendary status, Angle admitted that during his last matches, he felt like he was no longer the dominant force fans once admired, saying he “looked like an old man in the ring.” This revelation offers a poignant glimpse behind the scenes of one of wrestling’s greatest careers as he battled the harsh realities of aging and injury.
The Struggle Behind The Curtain: Painful Knees and Waning Strength
Kurt Angle’s career was marked by a remarkable ability to push through pain, stemming from multiple serious injuries and surgeries, especially to his knees. By the time he returned to WWE for his final run, the arthritic condition of his knees had made it clear that his body could no longer perform at the level he desired. In a recent interview, Angle described how the physical wear made him look and feel far from his prime.
He explained that after serving as Raw General Manager for nine months without active training, stepping back into the ring was difficult. “I looked like an old man wrestling. I saw a big difference,” Angle confessed, underscoring his frustration over the mismatch between his in-ring abilities and his wrestling legacy.
The Last Match: Disappointment and Acceptance
One of the most discussed aspects of Angle’s final WWE chapter is the choice of opponent for his retirement match. Originally, Angle wanted his farewell bout to be against John Cena, a symbolic choice since Angle had been Cena’s first WWE opponent nearly two decades earlier. According to Angle, he felt a match against Cena would be a fitting and respectful closing to his storied career.
However, Vince McMahon and WWE creative chose Baron Corbin as Angle’s final opponent at WrestleMania 35, which took place in April 2019. The decision baffled many fans and insiders alike, sparking debate about whether this booking honored Angle’s legacy appropriately. Angle accepted the choice, describing Corbin as “a great athlete, great wrestler, and a good guy,” even if it was not the farewell he envisioned.
Sources close to WWE reveal backstage disappointment that the company did not pursue a match with Cena, as it was seen as a missed opportunity to create a memorable moment that would resonate deeply with fans. A WWE insider shared, “Given Angle and Cena’s shared history, it would have been a dream finish. The decision to go with Corbin seemed more about timing and storylines than honoring the legend”.
Reflections on WWE’s Creative Direction
The decision to pit Angle against Corbin has faced sustained scrutiny over the years, with many criticism aimed at WWE’s creative choices in that period. Some critics and wrestling historians view the match as underwhelming compared to what Angle’s retirement could have been, especially considering the caliber of talent available at the time.
Notably, wrestling analyst Rick Ucchino criticized the booking, saying, “Having Baron Corbin close such an illustrious career made no sense creatively. It was a letdown for the fans who expected something more impactful to send Angle off”.
Despite mixed reactions, Angle’s professionalism and respect towards Corbin were evident. Angle even expressed sadness years later upon hearing about Corbin’s WWE release, indicating a genuine bond beyond the ring.
Wrestling Legacy and Final Farewell
Kurt Angle’s career spanned over two decades, during which he became one of the most decorated and technically skilled wrestlers in history. His Olympic gold medal, combined with his memorable WWE run, set him apart as a true icon. Yet, his retirement demonstrated the human side of wrestling where injuries and aging ultimately dictate the length and quality of a career.
Angle’s final match at WrestleMania 35 symbolized not only a farewell to active wrestling but also an acknowledgment of the inevitable passage of time. After his last WWE match, Angle did continue to appear sporadically in wrestling in non-wrestling roles and occasional matches, but he has made peace with stepping away from full-time competition.
Behind The Scenes: Insider Perspectives
A retired WWE talent who closely observed Angle during his final months shared, “Kurt’s heart was still in it, but his body wouldn’t cooperate. You could see the frustration every time he stepped into the ring; he knew this wasn’t the way he wanted to be remembered.” This insider also noted that Angle’s amicable relationship with Baron Corbin helped ease the sting of an ending that was less than ideal.
Angle on Legacy and Retirement
For Angle, the final matches were a mix of pride and disappointment. He recognizes the weight of his legacy but candidly admits, “I didn’t want people to remember me like this, looking like crap and limping around. But it was time.” His openness about the physical realities serves as a sobering reminder of the sacrifices wrestlers make for the entertainment of their fans.