Like many TNA veterans, Kurt Angle was not too fond of working in the signature 6-sided ring.
The hexagon ring became a signature part of TNA’s presentation. Looking to be the alternative promotion, the idea behind the ring was that those flipping through the channels would be instantly drawn to the unique set-up. However, despite the fact that many fans were upset that the ring was scrapped and have called for its return ever since, those who worked in the ring were happy to see it go.
Angle spent a decade in TNA and won every Men’s championship in the company. While speaking to the GTV Network in an interview from back in 2025, Angle stated that the shorter plywood made for painful bumps, especially for the high-flyers:
“The reason why it was so terrible is it’s really stiff. The ring’s really stiff because it’s a lot smaller. So if you have a longer ring, the plywood’s longer. It gives a little bit more of a bounce, and I think that’s the reason why AJ didn’t like it is because he did so much flying around the ring and landing on his back in that middle of that ring, and that’s really stiff. So I think that’s the reason why AJ didn’t like it. “
Continuing, Angle admitted that once he got used to the ring, he didn’t mind competing inside it. The Hall of Famer added that there were more creative options given the extra corners:
“But I didn’t mind having it. I actually gave you more choices to shoot somebody into a corner. You have six sizes instead of four. But, you know, it took a little bit of an adjustment. It wasn’t that easy when I first entered into TNA. But you get used to it after a while.”
Kurt Angle In TNA
Although The Wrestling Machine previously found success in the 1996 Olympics and in WWE, many feel that Angle’s best in-ring was in TNA. Also known as “Peak Angle”, the Hall of Famer won the World Championship 6 times. Angle was also inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame in 2013.
In another interview, Kurt Angle admitted he didn’t think he was going to be a heel in WWE.
H/t to Fightful for the use of transcription.
Featured image: TNA
