Kurt Angle Reflects on Infamous WWE Moment That Became a Viral Meme
Kurt Angle, renowned for his storied career in both TNA Wrestling and WWE, recently revisited a memorable second from his WWE comeback in 2017. During an interview on Sam Roberts’ NotSam podcast, Angle mentioned a segment from WWE Monday Night Raw in February 2018 that grew to become him into an internet sensation.
Returning to WWE after greater than a decade with TNA Wrestling, Angle found himself in a excessive-profile storyline main as much as WrestleMania 34. Teaming up with UFC legend Ronda Rousey, Angle confronted off against Triple H and Stephanie McMahon in a storyline that culminated in a memorable in-ring confrontation.
During the segment on February 26, 2018, tensions ran excessive as Angle and Rousey faced their fighters inside the ring. As Triple H organized to deliver a punch, Angle inadvertently created an enduring image: puffing out his cheeks in what regarded like a comedic pause before the blow. This non permanent expression, captured in a screenshot, quick spread throughout the internet, turning into a widely circulated meme.
In his interview with Sam Roberts, Angle admitted that the exaggerated gesture turned into intentional, designed to provide Triple H an opening for the punch. Reflecting on the aftermath, Angle humorously mentioned that in spite of his intention, the moment got here across as accidentally awkward and “terrible,” in his words. He likened it to classic wrestling theatrics in which performers now and again exaggerate reactions for dramatic impact.
Despite the accidental humor, Angle confessed to playing the unexpected fame the meme brought him. He mentioned how the viral sensation revitalized his public recognition, with fans recognizing him now not best as Kurt Angle, the wrestling icon, however additionally as “that meme guy” on the streets.
Furthermore, Angle opened up about his feelings of underappreciation during his final WWE run, despite his long tenure with TNA Wrestling. He revealed that plans for his WWE return were initially delayed, but he eventually made a triumphant comeback, albeit with mixed feelings about the reception.
H/T Inside The Ropes
