Kurt Angle revealed the depth of his addiction to alcohol and painkillers following his 2006 departure from WWE. Appearing on Six Feet Under With The Undertaker Podcast, the Olympic gold medalist detailed a period of making “horrible decisions” that led to four DUIs in five years. Angle described this time as the lowest point of his life, where his reputation was destroyed.
The WWE veteran explained the transition from one dependency to another after leaving the company for TNA. He stated his doctor prescribed MS Contin to get him off other painkillers. This was followed by a new addiction.
“Then I started drinking alcohol excessively. I switched from one drug to the other, and that’s what a druggie does. That’s what an addict does,” Angle said. He described a routine of wrestling sober, then immediately consuming a 12-pack of beer in his hotel room.
This behavior escalated over the course of a year. Angle admitted the habit grew into a reckless and out-of-control pattern.
“I would buy the 12-pack of beer and drink it while driving to the next town,” he stated. “I got 4 DUIs in five years. My life spun out of control. I lost all my reputation. Everything I worked for—that was the lowest point of my life.” (h/t Sportskeeda)
Angle’s history of physical wear and tear connects to current discussions around John Cena’s 2025 retirement tour. Fans have expressed hope for a “full circle moment” involving Angle, who was Cena’s debut opponent in 2002. However, Angle has confirmed he is physically incapable of wrestling a final match against Cena.
He requires shoulder replacements and has undergone multiple neck and back surgeries. An appearance in a CBS commercial several months ago reportedly aggravated his back, leaving him unable to walk for a week and underscoring his physical limitations. While he cannot compete, Angle has suggested Roman Reigns as a suitable final opponent for Cena.
Kurt Angle officially retired from in-ring competition at WrestleMania 35 in 2019. His final match was against Baron Corbin.