10 Things We Learned From Kurt Angle: Homecoming
1. Rehab Changed His Life And Paved The Way For His Return
Despite continuing to have good matches in TNA, Angle's personal life was deteriorating further all the time. He suffered several brushes with the law, often related to drink driving - he had four DUIs within five years. In 2013, he voluntarily entered a rehabilitation centre to tackle his addiction issues. It worked first time and Kurt has stayed clean since. He states in 'Homecoming' that he's journeyed from being a role model to a recovering addict.
There's a history of addiction in his family and Angle felt that he had to break the cycle for the sake of his children. Kurt's wife, Giovanni, states that he's like a new man. She confesses there were times when Kurt would be passed out on the sofa after taking pills and drinking to deal with the pain and she felt that this couldn't go on any longer for the sake of their children.
Angle committed to his recovery and focuses on his family now. Word got back to WWE of his improved health and attitude and the decision was made to give him their highest honour by inducting him into the WWE Hall Of Fame.
Dixie Carter, a surprise appearance on WWE television, makes the salient point that Kurt's achievements will always eclipse his bumps in the road. In conclusion, we see Angle's triumphant Hall of Fame speech before he goes on to his new role as Raw General Manager. He opens the speech by saying it's great to be back home. There's not a wrestling fan in the world who wouldn't agree.