Kurt Angle recently shared his thoughts on his WrestleMania 35 retirement match, expressing some disappointment over how WWE handled his opponent, Baron Corbin, after the match. Angle, a WWE Hall of Famer and one of the most respected legends in the industry, chose to end his in-ring career in a match against Corbin. Reflecting on this choice, Angle suggested that his retirement could have served as a bigger launchpad for Corbin’s career.
In an interview with Wrestlezone, Angle explained his perspective. “Baron, I think he’s underrated,” Angle stated. He pointed out Corbin’s potential and emphasized that WWE could have done more to capitalize on Corbin’s win over him. “I think it kinda sucks… WrestleMania in the legend’s last match, and they didn’t really do much with him after that,” Angle continued, expressing disappointment that Corbin didn’t receive the push he felt would have been fitting for a wrestler who defeated him at such a high-profile event.
For Angle, the match was a big decision. After a career filled with iconic moments and legendary matches, Angle wanted his retirement to be meaningful both for him and the fans. Many fans had anticipated that Angle’s final opponent would be a top-tier, established superstar or a rising talent who would carry Angle’s legacy forward. Initially, names like John Cena were thrown around by fans as potential choices. Cena and Angle share a historic connection—Angle was Cena’s first opponent when Cena debuted on the main roster in 2002. Many fans felt that having Cena face Angle in his farewell match would have brought the storyline full circle.
However, WWE ultimately decided on Baron Corbin as Angle’s final opponent. While Corbin had built a reputation as a capable heel, many fans were skeptical, questioning whether he was the right fit for Angle’s last match. Angle was supportive of WWE’s choice at the time, seeing it as an opportunity to elevate Corbin. The expectation was that a victory over a Hall of Famer like Angle would give Corbin significant momentum, potentially helping him rise to main-event status in WWE.
Yet, as Angle noted, WWE didn’t fully capitalize on Corbin’s victory. Despite his success in other areas, such as winning the 2019 King of the Ring tournament and later adopting the “King Corbin” persona, WWE didn’t use the momentum from his victory over Angle to establish him as a major player. While Corbin has had various gimmicks and storyline moments, he has rarely been placed in high-profile title feuds or consistent main-event storylines.
Angle’s comments highlight the challenges WWE sometimes faces in creating lasting momentum for certain stars. WrestleMania matches, especially retirement bouts, are often seen as pivotal career moments. In many cases, they can lead to a significant push for the victor. Angle hoped his retirement match would serve as such a moment for Corbin, but the lack of follow-through left him feeling as though the match didn’t have the impact he’d anticipated.
Angle’s reflection on his farewell match provides insight into his respect for Corbin’s talent, as well as a wish for a more fulfilling conclusion to his storied career. While both men have since moved on, Angle’s words serve as a reminder of the opportunities WWE has when booking legends in their final matches and how those moments can shape the future of the company’s rising stars.