Kurt Angle on How He Was the Best in the Business for 10 Years, Explains How Retiring Was His Call

– SportBible recently spoke to WWE Hall of Famer and Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle, who discussed his illustrious career. Below are some highlights.

Kurt Angle on being the best in the business for 10 years: “I picked up right away from day one. As a matter of fact, on my tryout the first bump I ever took, by the end of the day they signed me to a deal. S—, I caught on fast. From 2001 to 2011 I was on fire; I was the best wrestler in the business for ten years. I started when I was 31, I’d say around 41 or 42 was when I started seeing my level and status going down slowly. I was able to perform the way I wanted to until about 48.”

Angle on his retirement: “I wasn’t supposed to retire but being inactive for a couple of years really set me back. I shortened my career because I thought I was ready to retire. It was my call. I didn’t want to continue on because I couldn’t perform the way I used to. I just knew my body couldn’t do it anymore. He [Vince] was cool about it, he knew what I wanted.”

Angle on his WrestleMania match with Chris Benoit: “I do remember my match at the Royal Rumble with Chris Benoit for the world title in 2003. That was my best match ever I think. Chris Benoit was the real deal. He was probably the best in-ring performer, I wouldn’t say overall talent but as far as an in-ring performer, [there was] nobody better.”