Kurt Angle's Statement on ‘Perc Angle': ‘I’ve Been Clean for 12 Years’

The WWE Hall of Famer recently spoke about how he felt about it a few days ago.

January 24, 2025

(Photo by Bobby Bank/Getty Images)

Kurt Angle has issued a statement about his “Perc Angle” nickname given to him by fans.

The former wrestler hopped on X to address fans now that the “Perc Angle” name has become a popular meme. ”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,” he continued. “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.”

“Perc Angle” has been a name used for years about the period when Angle, as a wrestler, dealt with severe drug addiction. Specifically, it was used to describe Angle's risky stunts in TNA.

Angle spoke on the term recently on Insight with Chris Van Vliet in which he explained his feelings about it.

“I know that fans, it’s almost like they want me to feel good about it. The fans are having fun with it. Because I was the best wrestler in the business, so they want to say that Kurt Angle was Perc Angle,” said Angle. “That’s why he was doing it, because he was all perked up. The thing is, I didn’t use painkillers while I was wrestling. I did them in the morning, and then at night, I would wrestle, and then I did painkillers after I got done wrestling. So I never wrestled high.”

“Yeah, I was in a lot of pain. I got introduced to painkillers in 2003 after I broke my neck the second time,” he added. Not only did they mask the pain, but for me, they made me feel really good. I knew I liked it. I was drawn to it, like wow, this makes me feel energetic. So I know that’s kind of the euphoric feeling you get with that, but I loved it, and I knew right away that I’m gonna have a problem with these.”

In recent years, Angle has become well-known for a staring meme that’s taken over social media.