Are We All Too Harsh On Kurt Angle?

[THTRobtaylor]

I just randomly watched Foxcatcher and then came across Tenay's interview with Kurt Angle on the WZ site and it was pretty fascinating to see them so close together.

Kurt has over the years been somewhat of a "troubled soul" and has been slated at various points due to his problems with addictions, mental health and occasional eccentricity.

This got me thinking though, he lived through the most bizarre phase of the Foxcatcher story and was very close to David Shultz, played by Mark Rufallo in the movie who was murdered by the eccentric John DuPont.

Almost immediately after, Kurt injured his neck and despite managing to win the Gold he did so after arguably the year from hell and a self-admitted painkiller problem.

So when you've been exposed to such a messed up individual as DuPont who you've looked to for leadership, who then murdered one of your close friends and mentor and THEN gone into a big injury/win/addiction situation? Is there any realy wonder that Angle has always been a bit "highly strung" and had problems subsequently throughout his life?

Have we judged Kurt's problems over harshly in light that few would have really know the story until the movie brought it to prominence?

I personally thought it was really brave of Angle to do an interview on it... it'd be very easy to just not speak out but you could tell he clearly felt strongly and the situation still bothers him.

It doesn't excuse some of his worse transgressions...but to me it sheds a bit of a kinder light on him... if you've been exposed to several guys who are considered fanatical about their cause, like DuPont and Vince McMahon it's bound to mess you up a bit...

 

[BigBombB]

You bring up some interesting points. Angle's legacy, for as great as it will be, is tainted in a similar way to Hogan's due to his personal life issues being so heavily on display. Thankfully, unlike Hogan, his issues aren't as damning as some of the absolutely abhorrent things Hogan has done in his life and a life turn around can see him basking in the same glory he once did.

While drinking and driving is incredibly dangerous, he has been caught and punished for those acts. He was fortunate to not injure anyone and that his only victim in these situations was himself. I think the biggest issue people had with him from a wrestling aspect was how unhealthy he was and that they were genuinely worried about his continuing presence in the sport for his own safety. If he is getting on track and into a healthier place I think we will one day look back on his recent history as an unfortunate roadblock rather than a defining moment.

 

[Pedigree1]

I see Angle as a Really good person and great guy who just struggles with inner demons! He has apparently for a very long time,and while there is no excuse ever to drink and drive thank god he has never hurt anyone and has gotten caught and punished for it..

Angle is no where near the buffon Hogan is. I believe when Angle apologies for his mistakes and tries to writes his wrongs where as hogans does his for his own gratitude.

I will always respect My Olympic Hero Kurt Angle! One of the few good guys their is left and as soon as he totally clean and signs with the wwe he will be in the HOF no doubt in my mind

 

[Boring]

^Sees Anderson Silva...doesn't hear a word this guy just said.

Angle is a fat slob now a days. His neck is so massive it looks like there is a growth on the back of his head. TNA should of cut ties with this guy along with everyone else, but I think Dixie has this perception he draws. He's slow as fudge!

Everytime I see him wrestle he looks like he's about to have heart attack. I don't know what this thread is about because I think the general consensus is that no one cares about Kurt Angle. He's just another old, wrestling nutjob and as his body deteriorates, he'll do more and more nonsense to keep himself relevant and getting paid. In 10 years he'll be just like Jake The Snake and Hogan saying "I want my last match in WWE vs'ing blah blah blah" and seeing the light growing fainter and fainter.

Other then that, Angle is cool in my book.

 

[whoopin' ass]

Everyone has issues in life but when you are on tv, those issues get exposed to the world. Is it really any of our business? Nope. Does anyone look down on Taker because he has been divorced at least twice? So why do we care about Angle's personal life. Let the guy live his life and you live yours.