Kurt Angle: “WWE & AEW Don’t Have The Talent We Had In The Attitude Era”
The realm of professional wrestling has seen several eras, each distinct in its character, audience appeal, and the talent it showcased. One of the most iconic of these epochs is the Attitude Era, remembered for its boundary-pushing storylines, larger-than-life personalities, and unforgettable moments. Recently, Hall of Famer Kurt Angle voiced his opinions about the current state of professional wrestling, comparing today’s talent pool in WWE and AEW to that of the hallowed Attitude Era.
In a candid conversation with the Grue Rume Show, Angle, a legend in his own right and one of the pillars of the Attitude Era, commented on the distinction between the stars of his era and those wrestling in the squared circle today. “Both companies [AEW and WWE] have a lot of talent right now,” Angle began. But while he acknowledges the present roster’s prowess, he was quick to draw a contrast. “I wouldn’t say they have the talent that we had back in the Attitude Era,” he asserted.
Delving deeper into his views, Angle nostalgically reminisced about the star power during the late 1990s. “Back then, everybody was a superstar. Lower card guys, middle card guys, the Godfather, Val Venis, Bob Holly; guys that were midcard and opening card guys were huge stars,” he explained. According to Angle, the magnetic appeal of the Attitude Era was such that even those not in the main event scene held a massive fan following. Contrastingly, today, he feels there’s a disparity in terms of popularity. “Now, there are five or six top guys in the company that everyone knows, and everyone else is not as recognized.”
However, Angle is not one to dismiss the talent and efforts of the current generation. His experience and wisdom in the industry give him a balanced perspective, acknowledging the evolution of wrestling styles over the decades. “Don’t get me wrong, the guys today, they are much more athletic and do a lot more crazy stuff, more flips and acrobatic stunts,” he admitted. The soaring high-flying moves and death-defying stunts of today’s wrestlers indeed captivate audiences and have become synonymous with modern wrestling.
Yet, Angle wishes for a return to traditional wrestling roots. While stunts are awe-inspiring, Angle believes that a wrestling match’s essence lies in the dance of holds, moves, and storytelling, a sentiment echoed by many old-school fans and purists.
In conclusion, Angle’s reflections give a crucial perspective on the ongoing evolution of professional wrestling. The industry, in its pursuit to keep up with the times and the ever-changing taste of its audience, has indeed evolved. And while it’s easy to be caught in the debate of which era stands superior, the Hall of Famer’s words remind us that each era is unique, characterized by its standout performers and the memories it created. As Angle aptly puts it, “I think everyone is doing a good job today in WWE and AEW,” signifying respect for the talent of both yesteryears and today.
