Kurt Angle ‘very grateful’ fans dropped ‘Perc Angle’ nickname

Kurt Angle is grateful fans have stopped using the “Perc Angle” nickname.

The term was used by some fans to reference a period in Angle’s career when he was having great matches in TNA Wrestling while also battling drug addiction. Speaking with Chris Van Vliet last month, Angle said hearing the nickname reminded him of a dark time in his life.

He later addressed the topic on social media, writing:

“I’ve noticed the ‘Perc Angle’ nickname trending on social media. While I know it’s made in jest, it reminds me of a time when I struggled deeply with addiction and mental health challenges. Those memories are painful, but they also fuel my commitment to helping others. I’ve been clean for 12 years and have since built a life dedicated to purpose and service. Addiction destroys lives, but it’s never too late to get help. I appreciate all the positive feedback and support. To my fans: thank you for never giving up on me. I love you all.”

In an interview with Bro Bible released Tuesday, Angle said he was “pleasantly surprised” that fans have stopped using the term.

“I was really pleasantly surprised that they responded that way,” Angle said. “It makes me know that I have true fans out there that really enjoyed my career and loved me for what I did. I’m just grateful that they’re going to drop the name Perk Angle. It reminds me of a dark time in my life, and it’s something that I don’t want to have to deal with it anymore. I dealt with it already, and it’s behind me. Hearing Perc Angle just makes me think I’m known for that. It was not cool. I’m just glad that they’re now using Peak Angle, instead I’m very grateful for that.”

Angle was also a guest on Insight with Chris Van Vliet in January and spoke about the possibility of inducting John Cena into the WWE Hall of Fame. Angle said he would be honored to induct Cena but also noted there were plenty of others who could possibly fill the role as well.

“Well, I’ll tell you this, there are a lot of people that deserve to induct John,” Angle said. “Randy Orton, who was his biggest — I guess competition, or his nemesis. But Stephanie McMahon, don’t forget that she’s the one that discovered his rapping ability, and she was a big fan of his. She really supported him quite often. But, no, I’d be honored to induct John Cena. The one thing I want to say about him is he has shown that he is possibly the greatest WWE Superstar of all time.”

Angle shot down the idea of returning to the ring during the interview, noting that he threw his back out while filming a commercial recently.

“I couldn’t walk for a week after that. My wife was like, you’re never getting in that ring again. And she’s right,” he said.

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