Kurt Angle’s vision for his final WWE tenure clashed with a creative decision that ultimately undermined his capacity to perform. The WWE Hall of Famer has revealed that his 2017 appointment as Raw General Manager, a role that kept him physically inactive for eight months, directly contributed to the sharp decline in his in-ring capabilities, leading to a retirement he felt was premature.
During a recent appearance on Six Feet Under with The Undertaker, Angle detailed the circumstances of his return. He explained that after his Hall of Fame induction, he intended to continue wrestling, but the company’s chairman had other plans.
“Vince had a different idea… he makes me GM of Raw,” Angle recounted. “And during this time, my knees are arthritic, and they’re getting tighter, and I’m less active. And for eight months I didn’t do anything.”
The prolonged period away from in-ring activity severely impacted his physical condition. When Vince McMahon abruptly decided he should wrestle again, Angle found himself unprepared for the demand.
“When I watched myself wrestle in WWE my last year, I looked like an old man in the ring…I was like ‘Wow, this is brutal.’ I couldn’t even look at myself,” Angle stated.
This self-assessed poor performance became the catalyst for his retirement. The perception that he could no longer live up to his own legacy led him to conclude his career against Baron Corbin at WrestleMania 35, wanting to exit before tarnishing his reputation further. “It made me want to retire earlier than I wanted to,” he admitted.
The physical toll from that period continues to have lasting consequences, definitively closing the door on a historically significant final match. Recent reports have confirmed that Angle’s physical state prevents any possibility of him competing against John Cena during the latter’s 2025 retirement tour.
Angle has publicly stated he is in “no condition” for a return, citing numerous procedures including knee replacements, five neck surgeries, and two back surgeries. He confirmed the decision is final, noting his body is too “banged up” to risk further injury.
Having stepped away from the ring, Angle has transitioned to a new role outside of WWE. He now serves as a commentator for Eric Bischoff’s Real American Freestyle Wrestling promotion.