Kurt Angle recently opened up about a memorable conversation he had with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson during his early career in WWE. Angle, recognized as one of the greatest professional wrestlers, shared insights on how this iconic moment shaped his rise in the wrestling world.
Kurt Angle’s Early Career Highlights
Angle made his WWE debut in November 1999. Within just 11 months, he captured the WWE Championship by defeating The Rock at the No Mercy event. This victory marked a significant turning point in his wrestling career.
A Moment of Validation
During an episode of The Ariel Helwani Show, Angle recounted an impactful interaction with The Rock. He revealed that before their championship match, The Rock approached him backstage to deliver a supportive message. Angle recalled, “Listen, you’re going over tonight, brother. This is your chance.”
This unexpected gesture left Angle in disbelief, prompting him to express his gratitude with a heartfelt hug. He stated, “Dwayne, thank you so much, man. I have so much respect for you… to be able to take the title from you is going to be an honor.”
Championship Legacy
Angle held the WWE Championship for four months before facing The Rock again at No Mercy 2001, where he relinquished the title. Throughout his illustrious career, Angle secured the championship a total of four times and added the World Heavyweight Championship to his accolades.
The Rock’s Performative Evolution
Kurt Angle also praised The Rock for his recent role as Mark Kerr in the film “The Smashing Machine.” Angle celebrated the film, emphasizing The Rock’s exceptional portrayal of the MMA legend. He shared, “What a fantastic film that I believe will be considered a classic.”
Angle highlighted Kerr’s significance in his own journey, stating that he had to defeat Kerr to qualify for the Olympics. He expressed admiration for The Rock’s commitment to this transformative role, likening it to a memorable experience. Angle believes this performance may deserve Oscar recognition.
Future Possibilities
With The Rock stepping away from his usual action roles, there is anticipation surrounding his potential Oscar nomination. Angle celebrated this evolution, suggesting that it showcases Johnson’s growth as a performer.
- WWE Championship history: 4-time champion
- First title win: No Mercy at 1999
- Current film: The Smashing Machine
As Angle continues to reflect on his past experiences, the interplay between these two wrestlers demonstrates the long-lasting impact of mentorship and support in professional wrestling.
