Google News 
In an industry where legends are often years in the making, WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle's meteoric rise to the pinnacle of professional wrestling is a story of exceptional talent and, perhaps, premature success. Angle, who first stepped into a WWE ring at Survivor Series in 1999, has recently opened up about his swift journey to the top in his podcast, "The Kurt Angle Show." His candid reflections offer a unique glimpse into the pressures and challenges a rookie faces in the high-stakes world of professional wrestling.
Before making a mark with his in-ring debut, Angle's presence was first felt in the WWE universe during an episode of "Sunday Night Heat" on March 7, 1999, where he confronted Tiger Ali Singh. This early appearance set the stage for a whirlwind first year.
By October 2000, less than a year after his in-ring debut, Angle had already clinched the WWF World Heavyweight Championship, a feat that many seasoned wrestlers spend years striving for.
Angle's Candid Reflections
However, during his podcast, Angle expressed doubts about being thrust into the spotlight so early in his career.
"I guess, for me personally, no, I wasn't ready," he admitted. His concern stemmed from feeling under prepared despite his habit of overpreparing. Angle compared his experience to other wrestling greats like Brock Lesnar and Big Show, who also won world titles in their rookie years but had more training.
Grade had only seven months of preparation before taking to the ring, a stark contrast to Lesnar's two and a half years. Angle's reign as champion, which began after defeating Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in a no-disqualification match at the No Mercy pay-per-view, was a testament to his incredible athletic ability and charisma.
However, his reign was short-lived, as he lost the title back to "The Great One" at No Way Out in February 2001. Despite this, Angle's legacy was far from over. He went on to win the world title five more times in WWE, with his last reign in 2006, holding the World Heavyweight title for 82 days.
Angle's journey raises a critical question about the wrestling industry: Is rapid success beneficial or detrimental to the long-term careers of professional wrestlers? His experience underscores the importance of adequate preparation and the potential pressures and challenges that come with early success in a highly competitive and physically demanding sport.
As this story continues to unfold and resonate with fans and aspiring wrestlers alike, Angle's legacy remains a topic of much discussion and admiration in the wrestling community. His honest reflections humanize a legend and provide valuable insights into the inner workings of professional wrestling.