“I had no choice,” WWE Hall of Famer reveals why leaving the promotion to join TNA in 2006 was good for him

Kurt Angle jumped ship to TNA in 2006, with many believing at the time that he left on bad terms with WWE.

“I had no choice,” WWE Hall of Famer reveals why leaving the promotion to join TNA in 2006 was good for him

Kurt Angle with the 2017 Hall of Fame class (via WWE)

Kurt Angle is regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. There’s no denying that the legend had equally fascinating runs in both WWE and TNA. Angle’s accolades include Olympic Gold Medalist in wrestling, WWE Grand Slam Champion, and Triple Crown Champion in TNA. Recently, Hall of Famer took the stage at Steel City Con.

The former World Champion engaged with fans in a panel discussion about his illustrious career, sharing experiences and answering questions from the fans. It is where he revealed that he left WWE in 2006 due to personal issues, injuries, and an overwhelming schedule.

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Angle then embraced TNA, where people considered his work to be better than WWE. He appreciated WWE’s shift to the ‘PG Era’ after his departure. Although he loved the Attitude Era, the Olympic Gold Medalist found it too violent, with characters like pimps and adult stars. Furthermore, Angle praised John Cena and Batista for the ‘Ruthless Aggression Era’.

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I think that it was good for me to leave in 2006 I had a lot of issues going on personal issues um I was getting injured quite a bit um the company was still working me to the Bone and uh I just had no choice.
Kurt Angle on why he left WWE in 2006 (via-Steel City Con)

The Wrestling Machine supported WWE’s PG shift, making it a family-friendly event. Angle expressed that the Attitude Era was too wild for kids, upsetting parents. The four-time WWE Champion emphasized the importance of broadening the audience and making the product more special as a family experience.

Angle’s retirement match was against Baron Corbin back at WrestleMania 35. However, fans have expressed that the legend never got the ending that he deserved and wish to see him wrestle in the squared ring for one last time.

A possible Royal Rumble return for Kurt Angle?

In professional wrestling, we can never keep a legend’s return out of the equation, especially around the Royal Rumble season. After all, it is the unpredictability and uncertainty of who may show up for the beloved match.

Kurt Angle
Kurt Angle (via Wrestlezone)

Kurt Angle gave a hint of a possible return to the squared ring while answering a question regarding his future with WWE. The Hall of Famer stated that he is still signed with the company and is open to any ideas that they have for him at WrestleMania or even Royal Rumble.

I'm still signed with them I have a contract with WWE so I'm sure they're going to possibly use me for something at WrestleMania or Royal Rumble or something so um they they always come up with something. 
Kurt Angle on possible future plans with WWE in future (via-Steel City Con)

The Olympic wrestler last showed up at Smackdown on December 9, 2022. Angle recreated his moment from 2001 by bringing out the milk truck and spraying it all over the Alpha Academy. This was a great nostalgic moment for the WWE Universe. After this, fans could expect Angle to make a one-time return during the Royal Rumble match.

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