Kurt Angle: ‘Perc Angle’ nickname brings back painful memories

Though he knows fans mean well, Kurt Angle has complicated feelings about a nickname his past self has been given on social media.

The nickname “Perc Angle” has been used by fans to define a point in Angle’s life where he was wrestling for TNA and having some of the best matches of his career despite struggling with drug addiction. Earlier this week, Angle was a guest on Insight with Chris Van Vliet and admitted that the nickname hurts his feelings — even though he knows fans mean it as a term of endearment. Angle said he’s okay with fans using the nickname but doesn’t want them to say it to his face.

On his X/Twitter account today, Angle sent out a post further explaining his thoughts. Angle said the nickname brings back painful memories, but those memories are what fuels his commitment to helping others who are struggling with similar problems.

“I’ve noticed the ‘Perc Angle’ nickname trending on social media. While I know it’s made in jest, it reminds me of a time when I struggled deeply with addiction and mental health challenges,” he wrote. “Those memories are painful, but they also fuel my commitment to helping others. I’ve been clean for 12 years and have since built a life dedicated to purpose and service. Addiction destroys lives, but it’s never too late to get help. I appreciate all the positive feedback and support. To my fans: thank you for never giving up on me. I love you all.”

Angle stressed during his Insight interview that he was never high during matches. He would take painkillers in the morning and at night after wrestling but knew he would not be able to have a good match if he was high. Angle said the painkillers became a problem for him when he was introduced to them after suffering his second broken neck in 2003.

The “Perc Angle” nickname is a reference to the painkiller percocet.