Kurt Angle has thanked the fans for respectfully dropping the “Perc Angle” nickname following the request from the Hall of Famer.
The “Perc Angle” nickname was in reference to the Olympic Gold Medalist’s time in TNA, where Angle was having phenomenal matches but was also battling drug and painkiller addiction. Although fans previously used the term in a more light-hearted way when referencing Angle’s in-ring skills, the former World Champion stated in an interview with Chirs Van Vliet that it did bother him.
With the “Perc Angle” name trending on social media following the interview, Angle issued a statement that the nickname was from a dark time in his life when he battled addiction and mental health struggles:
“I’ve noticed the ‘Perc Angle’ nickname trending on social media. While I know it’s made in jest, it reminds me of a time when I struggled deeply with addiction and mental health challenges. Those memories are painful, but they also fuel my commitment to helping others. I’ve been clean for 12 years and have since built a life dedicated to purpose and service. Addiction destroys lives, but it’s never too late to get help. I appreciate all the positive feedback and support. To my fans: thank you for never giving up on me. I love you all.”
Following the interview and follow-up statement, fans have retired the term out of respect for the Hall of Famer. In a new interview with BroBible, Angle stated that he was grateful to the fans for respecting his request:
“I was really pleasantly surprised that they responded that way,” Angle said. “It makes me know that I have true fans out there that really enjoyed my career and loved me for what I did. I’m just grateful that they’re going to drop the name Perk Angle. It reminds me of a dark time in my life, and it’s something that I don’t want to have to deal with it anymore. I dealt with it already, and it’s behind me. Hearing Perc Angle just makes me think I’m known for that. It was not cool. I’m just glad that they’re now using Peak Angle, instead I’m very grateful for that.”
Kurt Angle Talks John Cena Retirement Tour
Back in 2002, a rookie named John Cena had his first televised match against Kurt Angle on SmackDown. While Cena was unknown at that point, the future Hollywood star would go on to win 16 World Championships and become the biggest star in WWE of the 21st century. Although Kurt Angle has retired from the ring and will not wrestle Cena on his own retirement tour, the Hall of Famer did pitch a final match for the 16-time World Champion.
Featured image: WWE
