Kurt Angle Rules Out In-Ring Return For Special WWE Match

Kurt Angle will be staying happily retired.

On the June 27th, 2002 episode of SmackDown a fresh-faced John Cena marched to the ring to prove he’d got ruthless aggression.

Standing across from Cena on that famous night as he made his main roster debut was Kurt Angle. Despite doing his best to pull off an upset, Cena ultimately came up short, but his career was off and running, and it was clear WWE had big plans for the West Newbury native.

Fast forward 22 years, and at Money In the Bank Cena announced he would be retiring in 2025 after a year-long retirement tour. Following the announcement some fans wondered whether Angle might dust off his boots one more time to help Cena say goodbye.

Kurt Angle Determined To Stay Retired

During an interview with Zack Heydorn of The Takedown On SI, Angle was asked about the possibility of getting back in the ring for one more match with Cena. Unfortunately for fans, the WWE legend said he’s physically in no condition to get back in the ring.

“A lot of people ask me if I’m gonna wrestle Cena for his retirement tour [laughs]. No, no, listen, my body, I have knee replacements, I had five neck surgeries, I had my back surgery last year. I have to have shoulder replacements. I am in no condition to be getting in the ring and wrestling.

Don’t get me wrong, I do some stuff. I don’t think I can get in the ring. I can probably get in the ring and wrestle, but I don’t want to take the chance of getting injured.”

The WWE Hall of Famer hasn’t wrestled since being defeated by Baron Corbin at WrestleMania 35. Speaking elsewhere, Kurt Angle said he was disappointed with WWE’s treatment of the star, questioning why they never capitalised on his retirement.

H/t to Fightful