In 2006, Kurt Angle left the WWE in search of a new challenge after his relationship with Vince McMahon tanked. His search ended with TNA snapping him up, and he had a storied career in that promotion. However, his departure meant he missed out on facing CM Punk.

Kurt Angle missed out on facing CM Punk in WWE

CM Punk, one of the most polarising wrestlers in the history of professional wrestling, joined WWE in 2006. A brilliant run in Ring of Honor and rivalries with Samoa Joe and Raven grabbed WWE’s attention, and they brought him over.

He started off in ECW, wrestling under Paul Heyman. Towards the end of his initial WWE run, Angle too competed in ECW under Heyman, but didn’t cross paths with Punk. On the Kurt Angle Show, his co-host Conrad Thompson asked him if he would’ve faced CM Punk in WWE.

Trending

“Ricky Starks and”: Triple H Reportedly Set to Sign Three Top AEW Talents From Tony Khan Following Dynasty

April 23, 2024 06:29 AM EDT

“Good Feud”: Dominik Mysterio May Be Opponent for AEW Star’s Rumored WWE Arrival

April 23, 2024 08:17 AM EDT

Jey Uso Teases New Alliance With Roman Reigns & Bloodline After Unscripted Matching Gifts Emerge

April 24, 2024 11:26 AM EDT

“No Real Story”: Cody Rhodes’ Backlash Booking Pointed Out Amid Sudden Fan Uproar Against WWE Champion

April 23, 2024 07:00 PM EDT

“Being Depressed”: Cody Rhodes’ Brother Goldust Shares Concerning Update Amid Online Hate for Cody’s WWE Title Reign

April 24, 2024 09:51 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest WWE stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

“Without a doubt, yes. CM Punk didn’t show up till after I left, but I would’ve loved to work with him. That kid was really talented. He could cut a promo just about as good or better than anybody. I would love to work with the kid, it would’ve been awesome.”

Given the stature of both wrestlers in 2006, Punk vs Angle would’ve been a true classic and a passing of the torch. After Angle left, Punk stepped up and redefined the term workhorse, putting on excellent matches against literally every wrestler on the roster.

Watch this Story: Oldest Wrestlers to Hold the WWE Championship

Did WWE pay attention to independent promotions?

To snag talent like CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens, WWE had to monitor the budding independent scene for potential future superstars. However, Kurt Angle has a contrasting view to that.

“It wasn’t on our radar; you know. We’re so in tune with to what we’re doing and we’re working almost every day of the week. It’s really hard to catch up on independent wrestling or other promotions.”

“I mean you know when I started in WWE we were watching WCW backstage because of the wars, but other than that we didn’t have time to really follow the independent circuit to see who the next up-and-coming wrestlers were going to be. So we wouldn’t really know who it was.”

Agree of disagree with Angle, but WWE clearly wouldn’t be in this position if not for former independent wrestling stalwarts like CM Punk, Daniel Bryan and even AJ Styles.

WATCH: The Rivalry With Samoa Joe That Made WWE Sign CM Punk