Angle was at the top of his game in 2003, representing WWE as the world champion and main eventing Wrestlemania with Brock Lesnar in a great match that was slightly ruined by a colossal botch on Lesnar's part. Angle also had a match with Chris Benoit at the 2003 Royal Rumble that was so great that it was remembered almost 12 months later and won Match of the Year. He was the best wrestler in the world, could cut a great promo, and was well on his way to being one of the greatest of all-time. Unfortunately, as the years passed, WWE thought it was time to pass the torch to a new generation of wrestlers led by John Cena, Randy Orton, and Dave Batista. Angle was passed around until he landed in the relaunched ECW brand and given a push as the best wrestler in the company. Angle's television time started dwindling and he and the WWE reached a mutual agreement to end their working relationship in August 2006. Reports immediately started surfacing that Angle was released due to health problems and his refusal to enter rehab for a painkiller addiction. The reports got so out of control that WWE even released a statement from Vince McMahon commenting on Angle's release and his desire to see Kurt return to 100% health and then make a return to WWE. In the statement, McMahon referenced the "demons" that Kurt must face in order to return to form as a champion and athlete. Whatever demons were controlling Angle at that point must have been bad because WWE released one of their biggest main event talents and draws of the last 10 years.
