Kurt Angle says that, even though he officially retired in 2019, there is one match that, hypothetically, could coax him back into the ring.
Kurt Angle reflected on his retirement following WrestleMania 35 in a 2022 interview with Wrasslinnews, where he was defeated by Baron Corbin. He acknowledged that night wasn’t the farewell many fans hoped for. Still, he admitted that “you never know”, because the pull of competition and a compelling opponent could tempt him into one more match.
When asked who could draw him out of retirement, Angle cited John Cena, the man who broke in against him in 2002, as a dream opponent. However, with Cena set to retire on 13 December 2025, that matchup now seems unlikely.
As alternatives, Angle listed Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins, noting he believes either could “carry” him through a match given their athleticism and ring readiness.
“I’d want a Roman Reigns, or a Seth Rollins, or even a John Cena. Those are the names that I would pick because I know those guys would carry me through a match.”
He also expressed admiration for Kenny Omega and, on occasion, mentioned Bryan Danielson, names from the modern era who he feels still embody top-level wrestling talent. For now, Angle remains officially retired. But his comments suggest that under the right circumstances, the right opponent, the right conditions, a one-off return can’t be completely ruled out.
When Did Kurt Angle Leave WWE?
Kurt Angle first left WWE in 2006, ending an eight-year run that began with his televised debut in 1999. His departure came after a period of mounting injuries and physical strain, with Angle later explaining that he felt he needed time away to recover properly. He subsequently signed with TNA later that same year, beginning a long and successful run there.
Angle eventually returned to WWE in 2017 as an on-screen authority figure and later as an in-ring performer, retiring in 2019.
