Kurt Angle, a legendary figure in professional wrestling, has expressed strong enthusiasm about WWE potentially acquiring the TNA wrestling video library. Having spent more time competing in TNA than in WWE, Angle believes this move would finally offer WWE fans full access to the rich body of his matches and historic moments outside WWE, expanding his legacy in front of a broader audience.
Kurt Angle’s Unique Career Journey: More Time in TNA than WWE
While many fans primarily recognize Kurt Angle for his WWE career, Angle actually spent over a decade in TNA Wrestling (2006–2016), a period that arguably defined much of his wrestling legacy. During those years, he won the TNA World Heavyweight Championship six times and was inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame in 2013. Compared to his eight years as a WWE performer, TNA encompasses a substantial chunk of his career.
Angle has openly acknowledged that his run in TNA was creatively rewarding, allowing him to showcase his in-ring ability and character work in ways he hadn’t during his earlier WWE tenure. This perspective underpins his excitement about WWE’s recent partnership talks with TNA, as it offers a chance for fans who missed his TNA work to experience it fully[1][2].
The Potential WWE Purchase: More Than Just Footage Rights
WWE and TNA’s recent working relationship has opened the door to shared content, with WWE beginning to feature TNA footage of current WWE stars like AJ Styles and the Motor City Machine Guns during programming. However, WWE acquiring the entire TNA video library would mean full access to historic TNA events and matches, including all of Angle’s major moments.
According to sources close to WWE, the agreement between the companies includes an option for WWE to purchase TNA outright as well as the right of first refusal on any third-party acquisition offers. This means WWE is well-positioned if it chooses to strengthen its content library by owning TNA’s archives completely[3].
One WWE insider shared:
“Bringing the TNA tape library under WWE’s umbrella not only enriches WWE Network and Peacock with decades of wrestling history but also honors legends like Kurt Angle who helped build TNA into a must-watch product. It’s a win-win for the fans and WWE’s streaming service growth strategy.”
Why Kurt Angle Is Personally Invested in This Deal
On the podcast circuit, including appearances on the “Mic Check with Mr. Anderson” podcast and Ariel Helwani’s show, Angle has repeatedly voiced hope that WWE would buy the TNA library. He stressed that many WWE fans have never had the chance to see his decade-long stretch in TNA — a career phase packed with standout moments that contributed significantly to wrestling history.
Angle explained:
“I never thought in a million years WWE would end up partnering with TNA, let alone buy the library. But now that’s happening, I am excited because it means WWE fans will finally see the full extent of my career.” He also noted, “I want WWE fans to see my TNA matches because that’s where I spent more years than in WWE itself.”[1][2][5]
His words reveal a desire to preserve his legacy holistically, not just focusing on his WWE tenure but ensuring that his accomplishments during TNA are fully accessible and recognized.
The Broader Impact for WWE and Wrestling Fans
If WWE purchases the TNA library, it can upload full historic shows to WWE Network and Peacock, enriching the on-demand content offering. Fans gain access to a vast trove of wrestling history featuring not only Angle, but stars like Sting, AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, and many others who defined different eras in TNA.
The acquisition would provide WWE the chance to feature classic feuds, storyline arcs, and marquee matches that were previously only available through TNA’s own streaming service or limited releases. This move could help WWE boost its streaming platform subscriptions and deliver new content to fans hungry for wrestling history beyond WWE’s own archives[3][4].
From a business perspective, owning TNA’s library also limits competitors from acquiring potent wrestling IP, thus keeping WWE’s dominance intact. Yet, insiders suggest WWE would likely maintain TNA’s branding or utilize it for specialized programming, rather than shutting it down entirely[3].
Behind the Scenes: A Glimpse into WWE’s Strategy
Sources close to WWE reveal that the company views the TNA video library as an underutilized treasure trove. With WWE’s ongoing investment in streaming and archival content, adding TNA footage aligns perfectly with WWE’s long-term content strategy.
A backstage source commented:
“It’s all about expanding the WWE Universe’s viewing options. The current working relationship is just the start. WWE knows there’s massive value in TNA’s history — especially with stars like Angle, Styles, and the Hardy Boyz. Securing that library is a logical next step.”
This strategic acquisition is also fueled by recent successful integrations of TNA highlights into WWE TV and special events, which have been well-received by wrestling fans globally.
Angle’s Legacy and Wrestling History Preservation
Kurt Angle’s hope for WWE to buy the TNA tape library ultimately connects to legacy preservation. Wrestling legacies are often fragmented across different promotions, with rights and accessibility issues limiting fan exposure.
By merging TNA’s footage with WWE’s platform, Angle and other legends receive a permanent place in the annals of wrestling history, where their performances can inspire new generations. As Angle said, it’s about enabling fans to “look back and appreciate all the great moments in their entirety.”
Final Thoughts
Kurt Angle’s excitement about WWE potentially purchasing TNA’s video library is well-founded. It represents a unique opportunity to bring his extensive career—and the careers of many other wrestlers who shined in TNA—into the spotlight for WWE’s massive audience.
With the recent cooperation between WWE and TNA setting the stage, fans could soon enjoy an unprecedented archive of wrestling history right at their fingertips. Behind the scenes, WWE’s strategic move to consolidate content demonstrates how business imperatives and fan service can coexist, preserving the sport’s rich past while building for the future.