Could we actually see Kurt Angle in the WWE again?

[Dave]

Having had a quick look at what the main page was reporting, something stood out to me. In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, Angle stated that he will likely retire at the end of this his new deal with TNA. He goes on to say that TNA have been very loyal to him and that they have him everything he ever asked them to and more. Honestly, it seems like both sides of the equation are happy to be keeping their relationship for one more year.

However, Angle did go on to say that if he went to the WWE after his contract expires, then he would most likely retire after that. Now, I'm not saying that I expect Angle back in a WWE ring next year, not by a long shot. But I did find it a little odd that he didn't go as far as to rule out going back to the WWE for one year. With Angle seemingly believing that he could find a place in the WWE, I have to agree with him. When you look at the current landscape of the WWE, I don't think it's impossible to fit him in. You've got guys like Lesnar, Undertaker, Triple H and Sting working reduced schedules or next to nothing. Why not give Angle the opportunity to come back and work that too?

For me, Angle has still got something to offer. Something more than Sting certainly and probably just as much as Lesnar. He's credible, he's seemingly willing and from a personal standpoint, it would be awesome to see him come back to the WWE. Even if it means 5 or 6 matches the entire year. Seeing him go out in style at a WrestleMania would be a fitting end for a guy who has given so much to the sport in the modern Era.

But what do you think? Is it possible first and foremost? And if he ever did return, what would you do with him?

 

[TheICChampion]

Well, what does the WWE always say? Anything can happen. So, of course it's possible. But what I don't get is why WWE feels guys like Lesnar are special and offer him a PT contract for God knows how much per appearance, when he doesn't give a damn about WWE, and they don't want Angle so they try offering him a deal that they know he can't do. As far as who he could face, I'd like to see him face HHH, maybe Dolph Ziggler, and the obvious Daniel Bryan.

 

[Softcore Holly]

Really doubt it. If they didn't want him this year what's really going to change 1 year later besides Angle's body getting more wear and tear? I personally would love him for to get one last run but sadly the people in charge doesn't seem to be interested.

 

[wwesux]

wwe doesn t need Kurt Angle and Kurt Angle doesn t need wwe after they publicly humiliated him by taking snap shots on the plane wwe is too busy chasing Brock Lesner to snatch him away from UFC and they will succeed in getting Lesner and extending his contract

 

[FromGlasgow]

I would love to see Kurt Angle back in WWE at some point for one more time as there would be so many dream matches he could have with the current roster, I think its most likely if he was to come back they would just use him like one time for the Royal Rumble which seems to be the WWE's pattern with a lot of ex TNA guys like Bully Ray at this years for example.

 

[Navi]

I was never a Kurt Angle fan and never saw the fascination with him. Didn't bother me one bit when he left, and if he never comes back then that's fine as well.

It is rumoured that HHH doesn't want him back either and that's why the last contract negotiations broke down. Angle wanted a part time contract, and the WWE was only willing to give him a full time one. So with HHH on the Board of Directors don't see Angle coming back.

 

[Prince Vee]

I don't think its happening. As far as I remember it was only Triple H who wanted to rope into WWE when his contract expired but the sources said WWE wanted him to work as a full time wrestler. That's the major reason why he denies the agreement.

And Kurt had a really bad relationship with the WWE even when he was signed to the company so I don't think he'll ever again step into WWE.

Moreover I don't want Hunter or any other to cut another promo saying Kurt hasn't wrestled for the last 8-10 years and he was hiding or any other bullshit!!

Cheers!!

 

[Dmbfantomas]

They talk about Kurt A LOT on the Network, in an amazingly favorable light. Far moreso than anyont that jumped ship to another company and never came back. I don't know if the relationship is nearly as bad as we think. While I do agree that they offered him a deal they knew he wouldn't take...who is to say that they can't work it out next time around? If he tells them "I will do the run from Royal Rumble as a surprise entrant and do a program all the way to Mania and then ride off into the sunset" I think they would probably be ok with something like that.

WWE is all about big moments and hashtags. What better moment than having Angle's music hit (maybe hold the RR in Pittsburgh?) and have the entire arena lose their minds?

 

[BillAlfonsos_Whistle]

I honestly have considered the door open for a possible return since Levesque mentioned him as one of the best technicians of all time on Stone Cold's podcast.

 

[Dave]

Yeah, I have to agree with almost everything that everyone has pointed out in here. It does seem as though the WWE want them to work a full time schedule but there was no way that Kurt was going to want to do that. Have the WWE intentionally ruled themselves out of contract negotiations? I don't think so. If that were the case, why even go to the table in the first place? It doesn't make sense.

You know what makes more sense? The fact that the WWE and even Triple H knows that Kurt Angle is still a damn fine wrestler. They all know that Angle is still amongst the best to ever lace up his boots and they wanted to get the most from him before he retired. Wanting him to work more dates actually shoes that they have a lot of faith in him and his work. I just don't believe that the WWE went into negotiations with the intention of ruling themselves out, that's a waste of time.

For me, I think it will happen in the future. Maybe not this year or the year after. But I certainly think that he's got a few more matches in him for the WWE.

 

[Just Do It]

I'd love to see it. I think we all would, but the standard line is "Vince doesn't want a dead Olympic wrestler with a gold medal on his watch". It would be a PR nightmare.

 

[OYDK]

I miss the old Kurt Angle... the happy go-lucky, hilarious, sometimes intense Kurt Angle. Now he's just creepy and scary intense in TNA. Doesn't really add much to the show anymore.

However, Angle was always one of my favorites and I would love to see him back in the WWE, if only for 2-3 feuds. I'm of the opinion that Angle really wants to end his career with the WWE, as he pushed hard for it last year and it seems he'll push hard for it again next year. Perhaps WWE has a change of mind, but for some reason, they really don't seem to want Kurt Angle.

 

[Mustang Sally]

With Angle seemingly believing that he could find a place in the WWE....

I don't claim to have inside knowledge of anything in concern to Kurt Angle, yet six months ago, when negotiations were taking place between WWE and Kurt, I got the feeling he was bugging the hell out of the company with his quoted pronouncements, suggesting he could enter WWE strictly on terms dictated by him; that his legacy and power in the world of sports entertainment is potent enough that everyone and everything would simply fall in line. All his statements seemed to revolve around stuff like "Maybe I'll just sign a Legends contract" or "Maybe I'll just wrestle a part-time schedule" as if he alone would call the shots. If this was so, I could certainly understand why the WWE braintrust would be annoyed with him.

Does it occur to Angle that WWE might not want to get involved with him because of his medical history and substance abuse problems? Does it ring a bell that they might not want him on the schedule of his choice? Plainly, something caused negotiations to go sour, no?

Still, is it possible we'll see him in WWE? Sure, why not? I never thought we'd see people like Alundra Blayze and Larry Zbyszko in the WWE Hall of Fame, so maybe they can find something for Kurt Angle to do, too.

I feel Kurt cheapened his legacy (as did Sting, imo) by spending all those years in a minor league wrestling company. If you fancy yourself as one of the best of all time.....and there's no doubt Kurt Angle does......then you perform in the premier sports entertainment company.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

Reportedly, Angle was in negotiations with WWE last year before signing his new deal with TNA. Allegedly, Angle wanted a part time deal but WWE was only interested in a full time deal, which Angle has said he just isn't able to handle anymore. WWE is well aware of Angle's medical problems and his age, so the idea of them offering only a full time deal gives me the impression that they had no real interest in signing him. WWE officials are probably more than aware that Angle's body can't handle the strain of a full time schedule, so they made a token offer that they knew he'd refuse. Again, IF those reports are true.

It's entirely possible that there are still bitter feelings towards him leaving in the first place. We all know how petty and vindictive Vince can be. Angle says it was because he needed time off that the wouldn't grant, WWE says Angle was abusing painkillers and wouldn't agree to get treatment, so we'll likely never know what actually happened.

I don't see it happening anytime in the near future. I could see them bringing him in with a role similar to that of Hulk Hogan at some point in time, maybe as some sort of "special ambassador", maybe an on-screen authority figure or something along those lines. Considering that Angle's body just isn't what it used to be due to a combination of age, injuries and the general wear & tear of the business, it's possible he wouldn't be given a clean bill of health after undergoing WWE's barrage of medical tests.

 

[Messiah]

WWE doesn't want him.. Angle does NOT have more to offer than Sting, Sting will make money for WWE just by competing in a WWE ring, something people have been waiting for since WCW went under... Angle can still compete but WWE doesn't have a reason to bring him back. It's only Kurt Angle, the only match people really want to see is Angle and Bryan... Sorry but i don't see any motivation for WWE to bring him back. Angle would be another part-timer which WWE has enough of right now.

 

[Just Do It]

I miss the old Kurt Angle... the happy go-lucky, hilarious, sometimes intense Kurt Angle. Now he's just creepy and scary intense in TNA. Doesn't really add much to the show anymore.

Agree. In 2002/2003 he had the character nailed. it was the perfect combo of goofy / seriousness and there was nobody like him. This was Kurt at his peak in my opinion. Some people say 2001, but I think he was a little weak then. He really seemed to find an intensity later on. I miss that Kurt.

 

[HeyYo]

Who cares? He's washed up and done!

 

[Navi]

It does seem as though the WWE want them to work a full time schedule but there was no way that Kurt was going to want to do that. Have the WWE intentionally ruled themselves out of contract negotiations? I don't think so. If that were the case, why even go to the table in the first place? It doesn't make sense.

I don't think they've ruled themselves out of the contract negotiations, it's more of the WWE want it their way or the highway. Angle refused to budge and therefore, he's not back.

Could be also that according to reports Vince had no problem with Angle coming back, the issue was HHH. With HHH now the head of talent relations, someone coming in would have to go thorough him, and he doesn't want Angle. I think Angle could have some good matches with many on the roster, and he would be a draw, but for how long and at what price?

 

[Hollywood Naitch]

I think it's pretty likely that we will see Kurt Angle back with the WWE someday, but I'm unsure as to whether it'll be as an active wrestler.

It's pretty clear Angle's injuries are catching up with him and he's beginning to wind his career down- in fact I'm amazed he's still able to go at all. He's got a cushy schedule in TNA and he's already stated numerous times he isn't able to work a full time schedule anymore, which is why he rejected WWE's offer of a full-time contract.

However, Angle still has huge name value among wrestling fans and a vast array of knowledge that WWE should seriously be considering taking advantage of, whether it's to bring him in as a special attraction for 1 or 2 matches and a WrestleMania send off, or simply utilising his knowledge as a trainer in the Performance Centre. Seriously, who would be better to help the young guys with the mat wrestling/grappling side of performing than Kurt Angle?!

I know he's had his personal problems, but then so have guys like Road Dogg, Billy Gunn, X-Pac, Scott Hall, Shawn Michaels (wait, all Hunter's friends?!) and they have been rehired as trainers/agents/on legends deals. It's certain that Kurt is going to go into the Hall of Fame and will be signed to a Legends deal when he retires, but I wouldn't be shocked at all if WWE decide to rehire him as a part-time/special attraction before he hangs up the boots. With Rock unlikely to wrestle again, 'Taker and Sting really close to retirement, HBK retired and Jericho's returns getting less impressive, WWE could use another big name to appear as a returning legend for next year's WrestleMania.

 

[John McCass]

Kurt Angle had some serious conflicts with HHH and Vince McMahon so, I hardly think he will be back in a WWE ring. Plus, he has done too much wrestling and now his body is torn. So, it is IMO impossible for him to return. First off, having conflicts with HHH is not a good thing if you want success in WWE. Kurt Angle leaving can't be blamed on Vince McMahon alone. He also had some fault in leaving. Why he jumped ship to TNA if the boss told him to rest a year and then return? Its completely unreasonable to me.

 

[Mad Scientist]

As a kid I loved the guy and it would be great to see him back. He's been gone for so long that there's basically a new roster of guys for him to work with.

He'll never work the complete WWE schedule again but I can definitely see him coming in as a part time guy (but one that appears more often than Lesnar, Taker, Sting, Rock, etc). WWE have always shown a willingness to build bridges with guys so long as there is money to be made and Angle could definitely make them some cash. So long as Kurt stays clean and doesn't burn the bridge from his end I'm sure that he will be back eventually.

 

[Just Do It]

The other issue is: would Kurt pass a WWE medical. He has serious neck problems although you'd never tell. Which is part of the problem. Is he a train wreck waiting to happen. A PR disaster found dead of an OD to try and doctor the pain.

 

[LBGetBack]

With all the part time contracts WWE has been willing to hand out to veterans in recent years, it makes ZERO sense why they wouldn't want Kurt back.

Kurt is every bit the star these others guys(Sting, Lesnar, Rock, Jericho, RVD) are, and he's currently a better performer than most of them.

There are some dream matches out there......Angle-Bryan HAS to to happen! Angle-Cesaro could be amazing. Angle-Ziggler could be great.

 

[LBGetBack]

Those citing his substance abuse problems.....this is a company that has Goldust on the roster, and brought back the New Age Outlawz not too long ago. It has to be more to it than that.

I may be overthinking it, but when HHH was on Jericho's podcast they got into talking about how deep the roster was back in the early 2000's, and I'm pretty sure HHH named like 10 guys and never mentioned Angle. It seemed like he mentioned every major star BUT Angle from back then. Makes me wonder if there's something personal there.

 

[Mustang Sally]

With all the part time contracts WWE has been willing to hand out to veterans in recent years, it makes ZERO sense why they wouldn't want Kurt back.

It's impossible to be sure since none of us were in on the negotiations that went on months ago between Angle and WWE.

Quotes we've read from Kurt through the years seem to indicate he sees himself as one of the all-time immortals of the sport. Whether that's so or not, maybe the breakdown in talks concerned the amount of money he demands. For all we know, he's asking a full-time salary for part-time work.

Or, perhaps he wants to have that mysterious "creative control" over his character, looking to make the decisions on whom he'll fight, under what circumstances and......well, whatever else a self-styled superstar might demand. It could be he won't sign on unless he receives top billing.

Then again, maybe the non-deal resulted from him not being willing to sign a contract that protects the company in the event Kurt abuses substances again. Could he be expecting to receive full pay while sitting on the sidelines after still another DUI?

So, while WWE might want Kurt back, there could be multiple reasons why the parties can't come to a deal.