Kurt Angle Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Drama of Their Iconic Match and Lesnar’s Near Catastrophic Injury
In a trip down memory lane, WWE legends Brock Lesnar and Kurt Angle‘s intense rivalry in the 2000s resurfaces, shedding light on a pivotal moment during WrestleMania XIX that defined both their careers. The two icons, known for their fierce battles both in WWE and Japan’s IGF under Antonio Inoki, engaged in a match that would go down in history for more than just its championship implications.
The clash between Lesnar and Angle at WrestleMania XIX marked a turning point, with Lesnar dethroning Angle for the WWE Championship. However, what unfolded in the ring transcended a scripted narrative and showcased the raw grit and determination of these athletes.
In a recent appearance on the “True Geordie Podcast,” Kurt Angle delved into the heart-stopping moment when Lesnar attempted a daring shooting star press. The move, aimed at securing victory, went awry as Lesnar landed headfirst, resulting in a concussion and a sprained neck. Angle, witnessing the alarming scene, feared the worst.
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“When he landed on his head I was like, ‘Oh s**t, he broke his neck too!’ I literally thought, you know, he was knocked out; he got a concussion, sprained his neck, he didn’t injure it too badly. But the way he landed, he could have been paralyzed. Thank God he has a 22-inch neck because that’s what protected him,” Angle revealed during the podcast.
The revelation adds a layer of intensity to the already dramatic encounter, exposing the vulnerability of these larger-than-life personas. The wrestling world, often criticized for its scripted nature, occasionally witnesses unscripted moments that blur the line between fiction and reality. Lesnar’s near-catastrophic injury brings to light the risks these athletes take for the sake of entertainment.
The title change that night was not just a strategic move in the storyline; it was a necessity for Angle’s health. The reigning champion was dealing with spinal issues that required surgery and recovery time. Angle, torn between his desire to ensure Lesnar’s safety and the obligation to conclude the match, faced a critical decision.
Logan Paul saved Rey Mysterio from a serious neck injury. Similar to when Kurt Angle saved Brock Lesnar from injury on a shooting star press. #wwe #WWECrownJewel #ustitle pic.twitter.com/9khVVsK2Sd
— Bay Area Super fans (@ScumbagPolite) November 4, 2023
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“It shows what a badass Brock Lesnar is,” Angle remarked. “Because he literally could have just laid there and just, you know, we could have done a double count-out and ended up with a draw. But Brock finished the match, and that’s the kind of individual he is.”
As the wrestling community reflects on this pivotal moment, it serves as a reminder that, beyond the scripted rivalries and choreographed moves, the world of professional wrestling is an arena where genuine risks are taken, and the line between fiction and reality can sometimes blur in the pursuit of delivering an unforgettable spectacle. The WrestleMania XIX clash between Lesnar and Angle remains etched in history not just for the championship change but for the indomitable spirit displayed by the athletes involved.
