Kurt Angle weighs in on Vince McMahon's retirement.
On July 22, Vince McMahon and WWE announced that he would be retiring as CEO of the company. McMahon has been in charge of WWE since he purchased the company from his father in 1982. Along with being the CEO of WWE, Vince was an on-screen performer and led the creative team.
The news came as Vince is current amid an investigation by the WWE board over alleged sexual misconduct and hush money. Following Vince's retirement, WWE filed an 8-K form stating, "the Company has identified Unrecorded Expenses totaling approximately $14.6 million."
Kurt Angle has had an up and down relationship with McMahon over the years as Angle was one of the top stars when he entered WWE as a television performer in 1999, but left the company in 2006. Angle would return in 2017 for one last run.
Speaking to Graham GSM Matthews of Bleacher Report, Angle revealed he messaged McMahon following his retirement.
"I text him five days ago when he decided to retire. I said, 'Love you, Vince.' I didn't want to go into detail, what happened, this and that. He said, 'I love you too.' That's all we said to each other. Vince has always been kind of a father figure to me. We did have a falling out in 2006, but we mended that in 2017 and I love the guy to death. He's such a great individual. We all make mistakes as human beings and Vince is no different, but he's an excellent individual," said Angle.
With Vince gone, Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan were named Co-CEOS while Triple H assumed creative duties. Despite Vince retiring, Angle believes he'll continue to be involved.
"They're making adjustments. It is sad to see Vince gone. He's what made the WWE tick. He always was the guy, he will continue to be the guy, regardless of whether he's there or not. I'm not worried about the company, I am a little bit concerned that Vince isn't going to be there. I have all the faith in the world that Stephanie and Triple H are going to be able to carry that company. I honestly believe, I don't know if I should say this or not, but I think Vince is going to be behind the scenes. I don't think he's ever going to let go of the product. He will send messages to Triple H and Stephanie and make sure that he's involved. No doubt about it. I believe that in my mind," he said.
Angle continues to be involved with WWE, appearing in video tributes for the likes of Rey Mysterio and John Cena.
He is the subject of A&E Biography: WWE Legends, which premieres on Sunday, July 31.
If you use any of the quotes above, please credit the original source with a h/t and link back to Fightful for the transcription.