Kurt Angle Talks Possible Return to WWE, TNA’s Television Deal, and More

Pittsburgh native and current TNA star Kurt Angle recently appeared on the “Mark Madden Show” on 105.9 The X in the city. The “Mark Madden Show” is a sports talk show hosted by former WCW announcer and WrestleZone.com writer Mark Madden. Angle, who recently did the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge in the Pittsburgh area, talked about a wide variety of topics in regards to his current wrestling career.

Regarding a possible return to WWE when his contract expires, Angle said the following:

“I’m still in the process. My contract is up on Sept. 21. I will say this. TNA has been really loyal to me, and there is an obligation there, but at the same time, I have to do what is best for me. I haven’t quite decided yet. It wouldn’t be a surprise either way. It’s just…I’m going to have to bear down right now, and by the end of September, I’ll have my decision.”

Angle also talked about his recent ACL surgery and subsequent time off and recovery:

“I’m actually doing really well. I’m far ahead of schedule, but I still have a few months before I get back in the ring. I didn’t take any time off in almost 15 years, so it felt really good. I needed the rest. That was part of the reason why I even had the ACL surgery. It was a partial tear, but I would’ve had it eventually, but I figured this would give me some rest time, while I have it repaired before it gets worse.”

The former Olympic gold medalist was asked about the current situation between TNA and Spike. The two sides claim they are still in negotiations, despite rumors of an impending cancelation at some point in October:

“It all depends. Right now, the deal is not done. It all depends on how much TNA wants, and how much Spike wants to pay them. I don’t think it’s ever been an issue that Spike no longer wanted TNA. I think TNA is probably asking for more money, and Spike wants to give them what they did before. I believe it has a lot to do with the agency that TNA signed with, UTA. They’re showing that TNA has value, and that they are worth more. Other networks have been considered, so I think TNA would like to stay on Spike. It’s just a matter of where they can meet in the middle to make it happen.”

The four-time WWE Champion spoke further about a WWE return, specifically WWE keeping the door open and the difficult travel schedule:

“I think it’s always an open door. It’s really about what you can give. What they want from you, and what you want from them. At the end of the day, you have to agree on all terms. So, it really comes down to how much they want to use me, and how much I want to be used.”

“No, not at all. I wouldn’t expect it to. You know 15 years of hard pro wrestling, and I went a lot of full-time in TNA, until the last two and a half years. I would hope they wouldn’t expect me to do it. I know TNA does not expect me to do that either. So, wherever I end up, it’s going to be part time.”

You can listen to the full interview on iHeartRadio, or at 105.9 The X’s website.