WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle recently opened up about the profound impact Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson had on his rise to the main event scene in WWE. In a candid interview with Sports Illustrated, Angle shared how The Rock’s generosity and inclusion played a pivotal role in shaping his early WWE career and helping him reach the top of the industry.
The Rock’s Generosity: More Than Just a Wrestling Rival
Kurt Angle, an Olympic gold medalist turned professional wrestler, highlighted that while he entered WWE with an accomplished background, it was The Rock who truly elevated him to a main-event status. Angle remembered their time together fondly, saying, “Rock and I had such a blast. The cool thing about him is that he was really giving.” He emphasized that wrestling alongside The Rock was less about competition and more about collaboration.
Angle explained the mindset that often challenges newcomers in WWE: ego. He stated that coming in with an inflated sense of self can quickly lead to trouble. Despite his Olympic pedigree, Angle acknowledged, “I never had that ego,” and instead viewed WWE legends like The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin as higher-tier stars to learn from and respect.
Yet, The Rock broke that hierarchy in his treatment of Angle. “Dwayne always brought me up to that level and said, ‘Hey, you’re with us. You’re up here with us. You’re not down there with the rest,’” Angle recalled. This gesture of respect and inclusion was a crucial factor for Angle’s confidence and development in WWE’s competitive environment[2][3][4].
The First World Championship Match: A Defining Moment
One of the most significant milestones in Angle’s WWE career was his first World Championship match, which he won against The Rock himself. Angle revealed that The Rock did not have to agree to this match or put the title on him, but he did — a decision for which Angle remains immensely grateful. This moment not only marked Angle’s ascent to the top but also underscored The Rock’s role in endorsing him as a main-event talent.
Angle stated, “He was my first World Championship match, where I won the World Championship. He didn’t have to say yes, but he did. So I’m just very grateful. I think The Rock has done so much for my career.” This passing of the torch was symbolic of The Rock’s generosity and willingness to elevate promising talent within WWE[2][3][4].
Behind the Scenes: The Rock’s Supportive Role
According to sources close to WWE, The Rock was known backstage for going out of his way to build up younger stars and treat them as equals rather than rivals. An insider who has witnessed their dynamic commented, “Dwayne made it a point to lift up everyone around him, especially guys like Kurt who brought something unique to the table. He saw Angle not just as a competitor but as a peer.” This culture of respect fostered by The Rock helped create a collaborative locker room atmosphere during a pivotal era for WWE[5].
Kurt Angle’s Broader Legacy and Respect in Wrestling
Kurt Angle’s career accomplishments are monumental: beyond WWE, he is a record six-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion and the only wrestler to hold the WWE Championship, World Heavyweight Championship, WCW Championship, TNA World Heavyweight Championship, and IWGP Heavyweight Championship. His wrestling prowess earned him titles like the Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Wrestler of the Decade for the 2000s and inductions into multiple Halls of Fame[1].
Yet despite these accolades, Angle’s humility and recognition of the help he received illustrate the deep respect athletes hold for those who paved the way. Fellow wrestlers have praised Angle’s technical skills and in-ring intelligence, with John Cena calling him “without question the most gifted all-around performer we have ever had.” Angle’s acknowledgment of The Rock’s role highlights the importance of mentorship and support in wrestling’s competitive world[1][2].
Fans Anticipate Kurt Angle’s Upcoming Biopic
In the same interview, Angle mentioned ongoing discussions about producing a biopic chronicling his life and career, emphasizing his remarkable journey from Olympic gold medalist to wrestling legend. As fans look forward to this, Angle’s stories about The Rock’s generosity provide both inspiring content and a glimpse into the backstage bonds that contribute to WWE’s success.
Wrestling’s Greatest Collaborations: What Might Have Been
Angle also spoke about wrestlers he wished he had gotten to face, revealing admiration for Bret Hart’s technical style and suggesting they would have delivered an exceptional match. This reflection sheds light on Angle’s wrestling philosophy — valuing the art of performance and respect for peers, qualities The Rock embodied in their work together[5].
Kurt Angle’s tribute to The Rock stands not only as a personal acknowledgment but as a reminder of how generosity and humility can positively shape a wrestling era. It’s clear from Angle’s reflections and backstage accounts that The Rock’s influence went far beyond the bright lights of the ring; it was his willingness to bring others up that helped forge careers and solidify the legacy of WWE’s golden years.