Kurt Angle to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame

WWE tonight announced the first inductee into the 2017 Hall of Fame, six-time WWE Champion and Olympic Gold medalist Kurt Angle.

Angle was informed of the honour on Monday afternoon and will headline the 2017 class inducted into the Hall of Fame the night before WrestleMania. Upon hearing the somewhat surprising news - given Angle’s standing with WWE since his departure - the 48 year-old shared his reaction in an interview with ESPN.

“I was shocked” said Angle. “I’ve been out of WWE for a long time and out of touch with them so I didn’t really expect this. It’s a huge honor. This is the only Hall of Fame that I’m not in and probably [the one] I want to be in the most. This is the one that means the most for me. I had a lot of fun entertaining the fans for seven years with WWE, and I’m glad that my hard work paid off.

I figured they either decided they didn’t want to do anything with me or they forgot. [Triple H] said they never forgot and he called [on Monday] and told me this is the first thing they want to do. And whether I wrestle or not after this — which is irrelevant right now — I’m just really proud to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. I gave a lot of energy and time to WWE those first seven years, and I’m grateful that they recognized it.

Angle was an active member of the WWE roster from 1998 to his departure in 2006 and became one the company’s most decorated Superstars, as well as it’s first genuine Olympic Gold medalist. His return will now spark talk of one last match for former WWE Champion, especially given the clamor there is to see him mix it up with the likes of Rusev, Kevin Owens and old nemesis Samoa Joe. However, Angle has admitted for now there are no plans to step back into the ring.

“We have not talked about any wrestling. Whether we do or not, that remains to be seen… There are no guarantees. I think right now the most important thing is the Hall of Fame — and I think both sides feel that way.”

For the full reaction to Kurt’s induction plus a huge Royal Rumble preview check out the return of Gorilla Position on 25 January. Subscribe for and follow us