Part 2 of Jim Ross' Ross Report interview with wrestling legend Kurt Angle is now online atPodcastOne.com. This week, Angle spoke extensively about his desire to return to WWE.
Angle said he's absolutely interested in a possible WWE return. He's currently in a tough spot, because he wants job security and TNA has treated him very well so far. Due to his TNA contract, he's unable to approach WWE about returning. He can't speak to Vince, Stephanie or Triple H. If he waits out his contract and then approaches WWE, he runs the risk of them not He's always said he wants to finish his career with WWE. At the same time, the past year has been a roller coaster ride for him.
He has a great relationship with Dixie Carter, who has always treated him right. However, there have been times over the past year he's wanted out, even though things are getting better lately. He wants to help TNA, but he also wants to see what WWE has to say.
Jim Ross said he met the Carter family once and he's never met nicer people than Bob and Janice Carter. Angle agreed they are wonderful, supportive people and said Bob and Janice are now a lot more hands-on with TNA.
JR asked Angle if WWE's Wellness program and medical testing would be an issue for him. Angle said no, not at this point. A year ago, yes. He was on a lot of pain killers, Xanax and was abusing alcohol. He got himself in a lot of trouble and it was time to get clean. He's been sober for almost 11 months and is much happier, clear minded and is now listening to his body. He's heard rumors that "he can't pass a physical" but that would be no problem at all. His neck is fine, he'll bounce back from his recent knee surgery. He'll be just fine and can pass any physical.
If he does go to WWE, Angle said it's about proving himself. He believes Vince, Stephanie, and Triple H will want to see that he's cleaned his life up. He left on "bittersweet" terms and was reckless during his last WWE run. He was taking painkillers and "other stuff." At the time, he blamed Vince McMahon for not trusting him to be the face of WWE. Now that he's clean and sober, he knows that he's the one that messed up a real good thing. If he does go back, he'll have to make amends with Vince so they can move forward.
Angle said he loves WWE's strict drug testing, which he thinks is great for everybody. He's part of WWE's rehab program, goes to AA meetings several times a week and is staying true to his recovery.
JR added that if Angle commits himself to recovery the way that he did with wrestling, he'll be just fine.
Angle admitted that he was a failure as a father and a husband when he was using. He didn't care about anything except pills, alcohol and wrestling. After Angle's multiple DUI arrests, JR feared that Angle would be the next guy to have a "bad ending."
If he returns to WWE, there's a lot of great talent Angle wants to work with. He didn't watch for a few years and didn't think they had a great roster, but now he sees that they do . If there's one person in WWE he could work with, it would be Daniel Bryan. If CM Punk ever returns, he thinks they could have great matches as well. He named Roman Reigns, Cesaro, Rusev and Brock Lesnar as guys he'd also like to work with. He talked about always wanting to wrestle The Undertaker at WrestleMania, but realizes that ship has sailed. WWE has a lot of guys he can help out and teach. He now watches WWE & TNA television every week and still loves the business.
They both put over AJ Styles as a tremendous talent and JR said WWE missed the boat with him.
Angle was asked about Brock Lesnar ending The Undertaker's streak. Angle was very surprised by the ending, but said Brock Lesnar was the right guy to do it.
JR asked Angle if he can relate to CM Punk leaving WWE. Angle said he has to respect Punk's decision, but he shouldn't burn that bridge. There's going to come a time when CM Punk could be a part time guy like The Rock who wrestles for big paydays and Punk should consider that opportunity if it arises.
