The wrestling industry is full of harrowing tales of respected veterans who have dealt with many issues, often turning to drugs as their only comfort away from their pain. 

Kurt Angle has in the past wandered down the same road that has claimed the lives of many performers, thankfully he has been able to turn his life around and become a focus of inspiration for others. 

He opens up about his previous struggles as well as his plans to help others who are suffering with similar issues in an interview with Sports Illustrated.

On addiction during TNA

Kurt Angle was arrested and detained when he was apart of TNA (image:whatculture.com)
Kurt Angle was arrested and detained when he was apart of TNA (image:whatculture.com)

When the 47-year-old departed WWE, he eventually found himself in TNA, which was beginning to achieve respectable status with its signing of a number of Vince McMahon's former talent, with Angle one of its most high-profile stars. 

While working for the company he said "I was at a company where everybody was drinking. That is where the alcohol came in. I did not go crazy with it, but when you mix it with pills, it can make you do some really crazy things."

Angle said he was at a low-point in his life when at TNA and made several mistakes that he thought would eventually lead to him being fired as he said "I could not believe TNA kept me after the second and third DUI. I continued to go with that behavior and I got lucky to either get a reduced charge or have it thrown out."

The Wrestling Machine was full of praise for TNA owner Dixie Carter who played a "big role" in him eventually going to rehab and upon making the decision he said he "realized" he had a "serious problem."

He said "She called me and said 'You need to go' I did not want to go but when I got there, I realized I had a serious problem and I needed to fix this. Dixie made the right call and I cleaned my a** up and I have been clean and sober for three years now."

On his 'Angle Strong' app

A survivor of his troubles, Angle is developing his 'Angle Strong' app that brings together those struggling with addiction, with himself an active spokesperson for those suffering. 

He said "I want to use my experiences in life to help people. When you have an addiction, you need to have the mindset that you can win every day."

The app itself is looking for the right team of professionals to work with, and when fully developed will be an 'assistance-based technology' that will include 'daily affirmations, tips, and exercises and will also be connected to the Reliance Treatment Center to help those in need. 

With Angle increasing open to speaking about his troubles he said he was "shocked" that his first public speaking appearance had "300 people" in attendance. He said he "really liked" the experience and "wanted to do more."

On the app itself he said it will work like the taxi service app "Uber, if an addict is in trouble, they call and someone shows up."

On his own escape

Kurt was a big fan of the Schultz brothers and looked up to Dave as a paternal figure (image:thesportsfanjournal.com)
Kurt was a big fan of the Schultz brothers and looked up to Dave as a paternal figure (image:thesportsfanjournal.com)

Twenty-years ago before this type of technology existed, Angle was forced to find his own escape from his troubles, as following the death of his former wrestling coach David Schultz who was murdered in 1996, he used the amateur blue wrestling mat as his escape. 

With just six months to go before the 1996 Olympics, Angle's coach was murdered by John Eleuthère the owner of the Foxcatcher Wrestling Center where Angle trained. 

A traumatic time for Angle ensued who viewed the 36-year-old Schultz as a paternal figure in his life following the death of his father, but the 47-year-old said he decided to "train himself" because he had to."

He said "I had coaches, but nobody with the impact of David. He related to me better than anybody. He was almost like a God to me. I not only looked up to him, I wanted to be like him, he and his brother - Mark, were my two favorite wrestlers of all time."

"He made me feel like I was meant to be there and that I was one of his equals. Dave gave me his stamp of approval. I picked up the pieces and did what he had taught me to do."

On winning his battle with Addiction

Angle in the twilight of his wrestling career said he values his family more than anything, he is a father to four and his wife Giovanna Angle is expecting a fifth.

On overcoming his addiction he said he wins his battle every day by "staying clean" as well as his "marriage" he said, "It took me a long time to realize this, but my marriage is the most important thing in life."

"Growing up, I was always selfish, it had always been about me. If I had not been that selfish, I would not have won a gold medal, but there was a point in my life where I had to change that and my marriage comes first before anything."

He finished with "Your marriage comes first, and everything else comes second."

On his inspiration

Kurt Angle said he uses his family every day as his inspiration (image: Twitter)
Kurt Angle said he uses his family every day as his inspiration (image: Twitter)

Angle understands that other people are going through struggles but feels that there needs to be more "talking" about their issues as keeping it quiet is "not helping anybody."

He said "I find the inspiration to win every day from my family. For so long, people have kept their addiction quiet. People are embarrassed about it and told to keep it quiet. I did that for a little while, and I realized that is it not helping anybody."

With Angle actively trying to offer his words and advice for those who are struggling with their addiction, he said he wants to help these people as he said "There are people out there who will never go to a rehab and will most likely end up dead. I want to help those people."

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About the author
Joel Lampkin
Sports Journalist from Chester University, Professional wrestling writer. Contact [email protected]