Kurt Angle Drops a Bombshell by Rating His TNA Run Better Than His Tenure in WWE

Despite having a legendary WWE career between 1999 and 2006 and then later between 2017 and 2019, Kurt Angle rates his TNA run higher.

Kurt Angle Drops a Bombshell by Rating His TNA Run Better Than His Tenure in WWE

Kurt Angle in WWE and TNA (via WWE and TNA)

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It is safe to say that Kurt Angle has enjoyed not one, but two Hall of Fame-worthy careers, first in WWE and later in TNA. After famously winning an Olympic gold medal with a broken neck in 1996, Angle transitioned to professional wrestling and became a WWE superstar before the end of the decade.

As an American Olympic hero, Angle was a natural babyface on paper. However, with WWE deep in its edgy Attitude Era, his character took a comedic and arrogant twist, turning him into one of the company’s most entertaining heels. This evolution helped him rise to the main event scene, where he wrestled icons like Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, Triple H, and The Undertaker.

Angle’s success came quickly. After his 1999 debut, he captured both the Intercontinental and European Championships before winning his first WWE Championship at No Mercy 2000, defeating The Rock. Later, his memorable rivalry with Brock Lesnar further solidified his reputation and elevated the value of real wrestling credentials in the industry.

With such achievements, many assumed Angle would regard his WWE run as the pinnacle of his career. However, in a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, the Olympic gold medalist surprised fans by admitting he actually believes he had a better career in TNA than in WWE.

I had a better career, too. I had better matches, and that’s really hard to say because I had some really great ones in WWE, but I came into my own.

Kurt Angle via The Ariel Helwani Show

Angle went on to name the stars he had classic matches with during his TNA run, including AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Jeff Jarrett, Bobby Roode, James Storm, the Motor City Machine Guns, and Jay Lethal. And honestly, who could disagree? His TNA tenure was filled with unforgettable moments, breathtaking spots, and pure wrestling clinics. 

During that time, he also became a six-time world champion in the promotion. However, that incredible run came at a heavy cost. After leaving WWE for TNA in 2006, Angle endured years of brutal competition and multiple neck surgeries. 

He also battled a painkiller addiction, a dark phase that fans later referred to as the “Perc Angle” era. Still, despite the toll it took, Angle insists he truly thrived in TNA.

When I left WWE, I was salivating at the mouth because I saw so much talent in TNA that was untapped that I was like, ‘I can’t wait to get down there.’ And like I said before, I think I had a better career there, so I do take pride in that.

Kurt Angle via The Ariel Helwani Show

Angle eventually returned to WWE, where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017. He took on the role of Raw General Manager and later wrestled his final match against Baron Corbin at WrestleMania 35. 

Since retiring, he has made a few special appearances, including Raw Reunion, a guest referee spot between Cedric Alexander and Drew McIntyre, and the NXT Fight Pit bout between Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher. Despite the accolades, Angle has admitted that his WWE comeback didn’t go as he hoped, citing creative frustrations and declining health from years of surgeries and wear and tear.

Kurt Angle praises Triple H’s role as WWE’s creative mastermind

Since Vince McMahon’s exit from WWE amid his legal troubles, Triple H has taken full control of the company’s creative direction, and the results have been widely praised. Under his leadership, fans have witnessed some of the most compelling storytelling in years. 

Who could forget his cinematic approach to WrestleMania 40, where Cody Rhodes finally finished his story against Roman Reigns in an epic, legend-filled showdown? Or his bold move to turn John Cena heel for the first time since 2003?

Kurt Angle and Triple H
Kurt Angle and Triple H (via WWE)

While some critics have questioned a few of his creative decisions, the overall backstage sentiment toward Triple H’s tenure has been overwhelmingly positive. And one major supporter happens to be none other than Kurt Angle. In his interview with Ariel Helwani, the Olympic Gold Medalist praised Triple H’s leadership and vision. 

He’s doing incredibly well. I’m so proud of him. He’s a great leader. The thing is, him being retired and out of the business, he really looks at it as, I need to focus on this business and make it the best it can be. He’s done that incredibly well. I think TKO made the right decision on making him in charge of creative. I think he’s doing an amazing job.

Kurt Angle via The Ariel Helwani Show

From a business standpoint, Triple H’s influence has also been transformative. WWE struck a historic 10-year deal in 2025 to bring Monday Night Raw to Netflix, a landmark move that solidifies the brand’s global reach. Additionally, WrestleMania 43 is officially heading to Saudi Arabia, with the company reportedly receiving record-breaking compensation to host its biggest event there.

However, not everything has been met with applause. Some fans have criticized the steep rise in ticket prices since ‘The Game’ took over, viewing it as a sign of growing corporate greed. Others questioned creative decisions like bringing back Brock Lesnar only to have him squash John Cena during his farewell run.

As WWE continues to evolve under his vision, all eyes will be on ‘The Game’ to see how he balances creative brilliance with fan expectations, and whether he can steer the company to even greater heights in this new era.

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