Kurt Angle May Not End Up In WWE After TNA Contract Expires

By Grahame Herbert /

The Wrestling Observer reported last week that Kurt Angle could be bound for Jeff Jarrett's new pro-wrestling group. Angle's contract with TNA expires later this year and both parties are likely to be keen on parting ways. TNA is cutting costs and the usually loyal Angle has sounded off about potentially leaving. However, despite previously held assumptions about Angle going back to WWE, the rumours within TNA are that Angle could be the headline act of Jeff Jarrett's new group. Jarrett will announce details of the group the day after WrestleMania, but presumably he won't be able to confirm Angle until his TNA contract is up. Although Kurt has had issues with Jeff in the past (Karen Jarrett is Kurt's ex-wife) they are now on very good terms. In contrast, the Observer report stated "There is a lot of bad blood with Angle from the WWE side." It would be a real shame not to see Angle return to WWE. Aged 45, this is his last chance to really make a mark in the ring, he could have some excellent matches with athlete based wrestlers such as Bryan or Lesnar. Contrastingly in Jarrett's promotion, it will be built around introducing new younger talent to the US scene. The consideration for Angle should be schedule. His history of injuries means he should take things easy, but he has all too rarely heeded such sensibility. Financially he should be able to command a big pay from Jarrett as a headline star who will give the new promotion notoriety, but the bigger money will always be a WWE deal. If the report is accurate about the level of heat WWE have on Angle, then it kills any deal dead in the water. Eight years have passed and other dispute stars always returned to WWE, so something really bad must have went down between Angle and McMahon if it's the case he isn't wanted back. If the company uses their head, they should absolutely want him back. Kurt has name value and is fondly remembered as a star of the Attitude Era, people would tune back in to see him on the big stage again. His matches and segments would be a real asset to WWE, he's still one of the very best performers today. On Kurt's part it had sounded like he certainly wanted a WWE return. He recently talked about how much he admired Triple H and would love to work with him again. It sounded very much like a suck up comment he hoped would get back to WWE. When Stephanie McMahon was earlier this year asked about Angle returning, she commented "In terms of Kurt Angle, I would just say, never say never in the WWE. I guess I'll leave it at that." The emergence of Jarrett's interest in Angle and the Observer report has now cast serious doubt upon seeing Kurt Angle back with WWE within the next year.