Kurt Angle recently credited former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon for the development of his on-screen character. Despite Angle’s real-life heroic background, a specific character direction from McMahon helped establish him as a top heel in the company. Speaking on the Ariel Helwani Show, Angle explained McMahon’s role in crafting the persona that quickly led him to main events against stars like Steve Austin and The Rock.
“He’s (Vince McMahon) the one that come up with intensity, integrity, and intelligence,” Angle stated. “He’s the one that came up with my character. He wanted me to talk about my accomplishments and not brag, but try to be modest, while still bragging.”
Angle felt that McMahon’s concept was highly effective and that he executed it well, contributing to its success. “Vince is the one who came up with it and I played it perfectly, because he kept on with it and worked extremely well,” Angle added.
Angle debuted in WWE in 1999 and captured his first WWE Championship less than a year later, defeating The Rock at No Mercy in October 2000. This followed earlier reigns as the European and Intercontinental Champion. Angle would go on to have a legendary career, including multiple world championships in both WWE and TNA, a WWE Hall of Fame induction in 2017, and a run as the Raw General Manager before retiring at WrestleMania 35.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Ariel Helwani Show with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription. Fans can find the full episode where podcasts are available.
