Part two of Jim Ross’ Ross Report interview with TNA star Kurt Angle is now available to stream and/or download, and the following are some highlights:
-On a possible WWE return, Kurt Angle said he’s definitely interested in returning to the company, however his current TNA contract has him in a tough spot. He cannot legally negotiate with WWE, or speak to Vince McMahon, Triple H or Stephanie McMahon about a WWE return, so he doesn’t know what type of interest WWE might have. He added that TNA has been very good to him, but if he waits for his TNA deal to expire and then approaches WWE, there’s a chance he could jeopardize his position in TNA should he decide to re-sign. Angle maintained he’s interested in finishing his career in WWE.
-Angle noted Dixie Carter and the Carter family have been great to him, and as much as he wants to help TNA, he wants to see what WWE might have to offer.
-Jim Ross then brought up the WWE Wellness Policy, and asked Angle if he could pass the rigorous WWE medical exams that would go along with a return to the company. Angle said a year ago he would not be able to pass a WWE physical, as he was abusing substances such as alcohol, pain killers and Xanax. However, he noted he’s been sober for 11 months now, and he would have no problem passing a WWE physical. He said he’s read the reports of him not being able to pass the WWE medical exams, but he says his health is not an issue, nor is his neck or recent knee injury.
-As for his previous run in WWE, Angle admitted he was the one who messed up a “good thing,” as he was abusing substances which made him a liability. He added that although Vince McMahon wanted to trust him as the face of WWE, he could not. Angle said he used to blame Vince for that, but now that he’s sober he blames himself. If he does return to WWE, Angle wants to show people like Vince, Stephanie and Triple H that he has cleaned up his life.
-As far as who he’d like to work with if he ever did return to WWE, Angle cited Daniel Bryan, CM Punk (if he ever returns), Cesaro, Roman Reigns, Rusev and Brock Lesnar.
-As for CM Punk quitting WWE, Angle said he can respect Punk’s decision, but at the same time he doesn’t think Punk should burn the WWE bridge. Angle noted Punk could one day become a part-timer like The Rock, and work one-off dates for big paydays, so Punk should consider that opportunity down the line.
Paglino: Sean Waltman labeled Kurt Angle a “WWE guy” in a recent Tweet, and I agree with him. It would be great to see Angle finish his career in the company that made him a superstar, and Angle vs Bryan has WrestleMania written all over it.
Here’s to hoping both sides can work something out, and that Angle can stay healthy enough to have one last memorable WWE run.
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
