Kurt Angle on his failed return to WWE, wrestling Daniel Bryan

TNA star Kurt Angle recently did an interview with Sports Illustrated, and when the subject of negotiating with WWE back when he was a free agent came up, Angle had the following to say:

“Paul [Levesque] is in charge. I found that out when I contacted Vince [McMahon]. I’ve always had a good relationship with Paul, so I didn’t consider that a problem. But he decided they had enough talent. For the Vince McMahon who I knew, enough was never enough. He always wanted more. I don’t know what was going on over there, but they even canceled our meeting. I never went to see them. They didn’t even sit me down and talk to me.

It blew my mind. It was as if I was a nobody, that I wasn’t Kurt Angle. From a wrestling standpoint, they just weren’t interested. But TNA not only stepped up, they gave me everything I wanted – the dates, the money, and it’s no secret that I’ve went to rehab in the past, and they gave me time off. You talk about a company that’s loyal to you, and you want to be loyal back. So I didn’t pursue the WWE any further. When it comes down to it, you’ve got to stick with the people who want to take care of you. And [TNA president] Dixie Carter took care of me.” Click here for the full interview.

Kurt Angle's New Deal With TNA Wrestling

PWInsider.com revealed today that his new contract will be a part-time deal that will allow him to partly focus on wrestling and outside projects.

His contract is expected to last a around 12-18 months.

Angle is also shortly expected to move from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles to further pursue his acting career.

Kurt Angle Reveals When He’ll Retire, Talks Recent Vince McMahon Negotiations, Triple H’s WWE Role, More

AlternativeNation.net‘s Wrestling section published an exclusive in-depth interview with Kurt Angle today.

During the interview, Angle reveals when he will retire, hints at where his next contract might be, talks recently reconnecting with Vince McMahon, reveals Triple H’s real current WWE role, gives his thoughts on Jeff Jarrett’s Global Force Wrestling, describes a recent discussion he had with Dixie Carter about TNA’s future, remembers working with Chris Benoit, and gives his candid thoughts on Eric Bischoff and Vince Russo.

Below are some interview highlights:

On when he will retire:

“I can’t really say who I’m going with yet or what company I’m going to sign with. I am going to sign, but I’m going to just sign for 1 year, and that’s that. I think I’m pretty much done, I’m just going to have the best year I can have. Hopefully it’ll be my best year, then I’m going to retire.”

On TNA’s TV future:

“Well at the TV’s we just did, Dixie Carter and ‘Big’ John Gaburick sat the talent down and eased their minds a little bit, because I think a lot of the talent were a little bit confused and nervous regarding what was going on. I had a private sit down with Dixie, she reassured me of what was going on, and what her plans were. It was a good meeting, it was a very positive meeting. She just knows that the next deal that they sign really has to help benefit TNA, in every regard.”

On his recent talks with Vince McMahon:

“The only person that I really spoke my piece with, that I had a lot to do with in the past, and the problems I had and the way I left the company, I was able to speak my piece with Vince, and I’m happy with that. As long as Vince and I don’t have any issues, I’m okay with that. What I found out is that Triple H is pretty much running the show now. I didn’t know that, I really believed that Vince would always run the show until the day he died, but now they’re in a position as a publicly traded company where you’re not only answering to Vince and Triple H, you’re also answering to the shareholders.”

On the WWE Hall of Fame:

“Yeah, like I said, I’m not going to say where I’m heading next, but the Hall of Fame would definitely be an option; I’m not going to count that out. It’s a big honor, it would be important to me. Is it the most important thing? No. Obviously being inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and International Wrestling Hall of Fame for Olympic style wrestling is the most important thing to me. But it is still important to me, because I’ve definitely made a legacy for myself in pro wrestling, and I take a lot of pride in it, I love the business. The Hall of Fame would be nice. Would it be the end of the world if I wasn’t inducted? No, but it would be an honor.”

This Day in Wrestling History

Greg Valentine defeated Tito Santana for the WWWF(WWE) Intercontinental title.
September 24, 1984

Shawn Michaels & Diesel defeated Owen Hart & Yokozuna for the WWF(E) Tag Team title.
September 24, 1995

At the conclusion of TNA's No Surrender Pay-per-view, a video package announces that former WWF World Champion and Olympic Gold Medallist Kurt Angle would be coming to the company. TNA issued a press release, announcing the signing of Angle and the fact that SpikeTV had decided to give the company a prime time slot on Thursday nights.
September 24, 2006

This Day In Wrestling History

Greg Valentine defeated Tito Santana for the WWWF(WWE) Intercontinental title.
September 24, 1984

Shawn Michaels & Diesel defeated Owen Hart & Yokozuna for the WWF(E) Tag Team title.
September 24, 1995

At the conclusion of TNA's No Surrender Pay-per-view, a video package announces that former WWF World Champion and Olympic Gold Medallist Kurt Angle would be coming to the company. TNA issued a press release, announcing the signing of Angle and the fact that SpikeTV had decided to give the company a prime time slot on Thursday nights.
September 24, 2006

Kurt Angle Talks about Potential Return to WWE, Details on His Current TNA Contract and Update on WWE Not Wanting Angle Back

TNA wrestler and former WWE Superstar Kurt Angle talked to Wrestlezone’s own Mark Madden on 105.9 the X. The super-genius and the Olympic gold medalist hyped Impact Wrestling’s return to Washington, PA on August 16th. Madden asked Angle what his current relationship with WWE is like, and if the door is ever open for a return:

“I think [the door] is always open. I’m really not allowed to talk to anybody, due to my contract, but it’s always an open door. It’s about what you can give, what they want from you, and what you want from them. At the end of the day, it really comes down to how much they want to use me, and how much I want to be used.”

Angle also mentioned that he couldn’t work a full-time WWE schedule after 15 years of hard pro wrestling, stating “wherever I end up it’s going to be part time.” He estimates he could work up to eight days in a month, but it could be as low as one or two. His current deal with TNA is 40 dates per year.

Since the interview, Madden has learned from sources that Kurt Angle has spoken with WWE COO Paul Levesque (aka Triple H), but found out that the company isn’t interested in bringing him back right now. He then contacted Vince McMahon, who deferred to Levesque as the executive handling personnel decisions. It’s being said that Triple H was not happy about Angle trying to go over his head to Vince, and that certainly did not help his situation any.

The 100 Most Obsessed-Over People on the Web

George W. Bush is more popular than Obama, Beyonce beats the Pope--and the mysterious clout of professional wrestlers. The ultimate online power list. Plus see how 20,000 of the world's best known people stack up. Click here.

1. George W. Bush
17. Hulk Hogan
24. Big Show
34. John Cena
35. The Undertaker
38. Kane
47. Kurt Angle
50. The Rock
56. CM Punk
57. Bret Hart
71. Chris Jericho
73. Edge
81. Rey Mysterio
83. Rob Van Dam
86. Triple H
94. Ric Flair
100. Lance Armstrong

source: time.com

Stephanie McMahon Talks WWE Network, Triple H/Bruno Sammartino, Kurt Angle Possibly Returning

TNA Inducting Kurt Angle Into Their Hall of Fame Next Month In London

TNA announced the following today:

Kurt Angle is to be inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame during the company’s trip to the UK and Ireland for its MAXIMUM IMPACT VI Tour.

Olympic Gold Medalist and IMPACT WRESTLING Superstar Kurt announced the news earlier today during an appearance on the popular Sunday Brunch TV show, shown on Channel 4. Hosted by Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer, it is watched by more than one million people.

Angle will be inducted to the prestigious TNA Hall of Fame this Saturday, February 1, during the London leg of the Tour at Wembley Arena. A limited number of seats remain available for what will be a historic event. Tickets can be purchased from www.ticketmaster.co.uk, www.gigsandtours.com/tour/tna-wrestling or direct from the Wembley Arena box office.

Angle said: “There are some things I wanted to accomplish before accepting induction into the TNA Hall of Fame, and now I’m ready. I’m thankful I have been able to do this in my own time. The phenomenal wrestling fans in London will be part of this memorable and emotional night this Saturday.”

The star recently listed London as one of the top 10 wrestling cities in the world and added: “Wembley is such a storied venue, and with thousands of fans it will be a perfect setting for the induction ceremony. A majority of my life has been dedicated to achieving success as a wrestler. Being inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame is an accomplishment and an honor I will forever cherish.”

Angle becomes the second inductee into the TNA Hall of Fame, following the inaugural induction in 2012 of “The Icon” Sting.

Angle, who was a collegiate champion and won a Gold Medal in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, seamlessly transitioned from his domination as an amateur wrestler to being a professional wrestling phenomenon.

The only Olympic Gold Medalist in the history of professional wrestling, Angle created incredible buzz when in 2006 he joined TNA. Kurt is one of the most decorated champions in TNA history having won every major championship including the TNA World Heavyweight Championship five times.

Known as the “Cyborg”, Angle is venerated for his physicality, revered for his tenacity and esteemed for his leadership inside and outside of the ring. Among Angle’s numerous awards and accolades, perhaps most profound is the recognition he often receives among his colleagues as the best professional wrestler of all time; a man of solid character and great leadership who dedicates himself to the sport and its fans.

“I am privileged to be a witness to the Kurt Angle story. His influence on wrestling is unrivaled in this sport, or any other,” said TNA Executive Vice President John Gaburick. “TNA is grateful for Kurt’s continued devotion and contributions to our organisation, this business and to the fans.”

In addition to witnessing Angle’s induction into the TNA Hall of Fame, fans attending the Wembley Arena event will be part of a live taping of the weekly IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast, viewed by millions in more than 120 countries around the world.

Kurt Angle Talks WWE's Rehab Program

"The WWE program has been amazing. They have done a lot for me and they continue to. I work with them still. They're amazing at what they do. They have had so many guys go through recovery and still are in recovery. We have a weekly chat every Wednesday night at 7pm. It's really beneficial for everybody."

Kurt Angle Comments on WWE Sponsoring his Rehab and being in the Hall of Fame

TNA star Kurt Angle says WWE sponsored his rehab when Angle decided to enter a rehab program after being arrested on a DUI charge two months ago.

"I did the whole - I had to take some time out, clear my head, and physically get better," Angle said on a Montana radio station this week promoting TNA's Bound for Glory PPV. "TNA has been awesome, Impact Wrestling has been very supportive, Dixie Carter has been amazing. The WWE Rehabilitation Program has been awesome for me. My road to recovery is great and I'm really happy to be where I am right now."

Angle, who was also promoting his TNA Hall of Fame induction this weekend, said he also wants to be in WWE's Hall of Fame.

"I am very honored to be in the TNA Hall of Fame, but any Hall of Fame out there, especially WWE's, you want to be part of," Angle said. "You always want to be of their Hall of Fame. It's legendary."

Kurt Angle Enters Rehab; Dixie Carter Comments

TNA star Kurt Angle announced via Twitter that he is entering rehab in light of his DWI arrest last night in Texas. Angle tweeted, "I am blessed to have the support of my family, my friends and my company. In light of recent events I will immediately be entering a rehabilitation center. I realize that this is a pivotal time in my life and I ask for your understanding as well as your prayers and continued support. I am confident that in taking these steps I can begin to address necessary changes in my life."

TNA President Dixie Carter wrote the following on Twitter in regard to Kurt Angle's latest DWI arrest and announcement he was going to rehab:

"The TNA Family is very supportive of the steps @RealKurtAngle is taking in his recovery. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers."

Kurt Angle 2nd Inductee into the TNA Hall of Fame

Dixie Carter announced that Kurt Angle will be the second inductee to enter the TNA Hall of Fame at Bound for Glory 2013. Angle joins Sting, who was inducted last year. TNA Bound for Glory 2013 will take place Sunday, October 20, 2013 from the Viejas Arena in San Diego, California.

This Day In Wrestling History

Greg Valentine defeated Tito Santana for the WWWF(WWE) Intercontinental title.
September 24, 1984

Shawn Michaels & Diesel defeated Owen Hart & Yokozuna for the WWF(E) Tag Team title.
September 24, 1995

At the conclusion of TNA's No Surrender Pay-per-view, a video package announces that former WWF World Champion and Olympic Gold Medallist Kurt Angle would be coming to the company. TNA issued a press release, announcing the signing of Angle and the fact that SpikeTV had decided to give the company a prime time slot on Thursday nights.
September 24, 2006

Kurt Angle Comments on the Program that "Put Him on the Map"

My favorite was Triple H and Stephanie. That is what really put me on the map. That was my first year wrestling. Triple H, God bless him, is a great leader . Talk about getting in the ring with somebody and just carried you through everything. I had a concussion at Summerslam that first year and I don’t even remember what I was doing. I don’t even remember the match, but I know watching it over again Triple H, Dawyne, The Rock, just kept telling what to do and carried me through it. When I was suppose to duck out of the way, they literally pulled my head down themselves to miss and hit the other guy. You can just tell if you look back that I literally knew nothing what I was doing. I learned a lot that year. But that storyline with Triple H and Stephanie was my favorite. That or the comedy I did with Stone Cold. That was different. We were both injured and Vince McMahon wanted both of us on TV. We just had great chemistry. One of those two.

WWE's Infamous Love Triangles

It's the season - and day - of love. However, while you're eating chocolates or smelling the roses your "boo" may have gotten you for Valentine's Day, Eve may be wondering just what she gotten herself into at Raw SuperShow between Zack Ryder and John Cena. It's like "Twilight" between the ropes, and we're afraid of vampires. And Kane.

Eve, though, is not the first WWE Superstar or Diva to be entangled in a love triangle. Oh no, not even close.

Triple H, Stephanie McMahon and Kurt Angle
Despite countless denials from both parties, Kurt Angle and Stephanie McMahon had been making eyes at each other for months, catching the ire of her husband, Triple H. Hey, here's a thought: if you're married to The Cerebral Assassin, why not make him more jealous by managing the guy you've been staring at and cause drama at every single turn? Check. Mate...More?

Others:
Edge, Big Show and Vickie Guerrero
Christian, Trish and Chris Jericho
Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth
Col. Parker, Sherri and Madusa
Matt Hardy, Lita and Edge

Kurt Angle Says 2011 Was A Subpar Year For TNA

"I think that 2011 was a subpar year, I think We did a lot of things right and a lot of things wrong. The most important thing I would say is the lack of communication within the writing and creative team. When you have a written show and you present that to everybody and then they start changing things and it becomes a watered down version of what the writer wanted in the first place. Now you don’t know which way to go. We do have a lot of chefs in the kitchen. I think that is the hardest part for our company because when Vince Russo is writing the show and you have Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff and a few other people and other TNA writers changing it up the last second which I don’t disagree with what Hogan says, I agree with him 100 percent.

"But we need to regroup earlier, maybe a week earlier and get it done, change it up, make sure we have the right changes so that we can keep going with the story the right way. So I think 2011 was a confusing year, so this is what we are going to capitalize on in 2012. We are not going to make the same mistakes. I think Hulk Hogan will get with to Vince Russo quicker, I think Eric Bischoff will get with Vince Russo quicker. We will get the show written, get it done a week earlier instead the day of the show, and changing it up. It was just very frustrating. Because I’m a little bit of part of everything in TNA and I watch what’s going on and sometimes I get a little frustrated when I see what Vince Russo is trying to do and I see what the outcome is."

Chris Benoit Film Biopic CROSSFACE Includes Triple H & Eddie Guerrero As Characters

The controversial ‘biographical thriller’ of former WWE World Champion Chris Benoit that covers the shocking 2007 double murder of his wife and son before he then committed suicide, will feature Kurt Angle, Triple H and the late Eddie Guerrero as characters, according to the film’s writer.

Former Weinstein Company staffer Sarah Coulter who has now completed the first draft of her script told Worst Previews;

“There are a lot of unknowns about that weekend [when the murders/suicide took place], which is probably why so many people have tried to fill in the blanks with conspiracy theories,” she explained. “Chris Benoit was behind the murders, but we still wanted to touch on several of those theories.”

“Eddie [Guerrero] is obviously very important to the story,” she said. “Triple H, Kurt Angle, they’re all there, but it’s early and things can still change.

Coulter has confirmed several actors are in talks for the lead role and an official casting announcement is due soon before filming begins late 2012. No director has been set yet.

A close and long time friend of Benoit, Eddie Guerrero’s sudden death in 2005 just 18 months before Benoit’s murder incident is of course often seen as a huge catalyst in the wrestler’s depression at the time of the murders. The use of Kurt Angle and Triple H is less clear, especially as Angle had left the WWE a year before the incident (though Benoit did have some of his very best matches in the company with him) and Triple H was nothing more than a work colleague but presumably because he worked for the WWE at the time he is included and more recognisable faces that Coulter hasn’t directly mentioned.

However things can change in scripts all the time and what she has written now may not end up on screen necessarily and there could be some legal issues if wrestlers like HHH and Angle are portrayed in a way they, or the WWE don’t enjoy...More?

source: whatculture.com

Kurt Angle Comments on the WWE HOF and Kevin Nash

The following is an excerpt from an interview with Kurt Angle did with PW247Radio.com:

On Kevin Nash: I love him to death. I know why he went to WWE. He wanted the carrot. He wanted that carrot they dangled in front of his face. But has the WWE used him the right way since he came back? No. Kevin should come back to TNA where they can use him the way he should be. WWE thinks he’s old and washed up but TNA doesn’t think that. TNA wants Kevin Nash. He is so gifted, talented, and popular. I want him back in TNA because he’s one of my best friends.

On joining the WWE Hall of Fame: If I end up in the Hall of Fame in the WWE, I don’t know if I’ll accept it. I love Vince McMahon. He made me a lot of money and was like a father figure to me. But Dixie Carter is my boss and I love her to death. So I don’t know what I’m going to do. I would like to say that I am not going back to the WWE. But Vince McMahon may offer me something when I retire and I’m done with TNA. But I’d also like to be part of creative or be an agent in TNA. Out of everyone in the world, I am the best at coming up with finishes. I would like to stay with TNA and do that. A lot of people ask if I’d go back if Vince wanted me for WrestleMania, and I don’t know the answer to that. But I know I am happy in TNA and I’d like to stay there.

Kurt Angle Gets Fines & No Jail Time For Reckless Driving

A judge in Virginia has ordered Kurt Angle to pay $1,500 for reckless driving. Angle got charged with reckless driving when he was arrested in September on the suspicion of drunk driving. Angle was hit with the maximum fine of $2,500 but the judge suspended $1,000 of it.

Angle will not serve any jail time and will not lose his license.

Angle's attorney plead No Contest on Tuesday. Angle was not present in court. He was originally charged with DUI but was only tried for the reckless driving charge.

Angle's lawyer says when he was pulled over for swerving on the road after a TNA live event in September, he was just texting on his cell phone. The story is that Angle was texting the promoter of the show, presumably a TNA employee, about his payment that night. The state district attorney did not believe that Angle was simply texting while driving but the judge sided with Angle's defense.

source: wrestlezone.com