Kurt Angle says it’s not fair to compare Gable Steveson to him at this stage in his career.
Angle and Steveson are both Olympic gold medalists. While Steveson is just starting his WWE career, Angle is a WWE Hall of Fame inductee that was considered one of the best in the world.
Speaking on The Kurt Angle Show, the WWE Hall of Famer was asked whether it’s fair to compare Steveson to him at this stage in the young star’s career.
“I feel badly for him because he’s being compared to me at this point in time, and he hasn’t even barely started,” Angle said. “He just started out right now. I don’t know how his future’s going to be. I know he’s really talented, really athletic.
“I’m not sure how he is as far as entertainment-wise. But as far as in the ring, I heard he’s really good. But no, I don’t think it’s a fair assessment to compare him to me right now. I think down the line, you can do that.”
Kurt Angle On Potential Gable Steveson Heel Turn
Angle continued by noting that he thinks WWE is turning Steveson heel by having the newcomer mimic him. The legend noted that it’s easier to be a heel in the early stages of your career.
“I heard, this is crazy, but people have been coming to me and telling me, ‘Hey, he wrestled Baron Corbin in NXT and fans were booing the heck out of him. Then he pulled his straps down, and the fans were even more pissed,'” Angle said. “You know what, I think that is something that the WWE is actually doing. They want to make him a heel.
“I think they’re gonna have him copy and mimic me so he can piss the fans off so that he starts out as a heel because it’s easier to be a heel starting out than it is a babyface. So I think they’re the ones that told him to do this stuff. I really believe that. I think the WWE is brilliant for doing it.”
Steveson made his WWE in-ring debut at NXT Great American Bash, where he fought Baron Corbin to a double count-out.
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