WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle has expressed gratitude to fans who have stopped using the "Perc Angle" nickname while talking about him online.
The term has typically been used to reference the time the Olympic Gold Medallist spent in TNA; during that period, Angle delivered some of his best matches but was also battling drug addiction (painkillers, to be precise).
Angle recently admitted that he doesn't appreciate the moniker, prompting his fans to campaign for everyone to use "Peak Angle" instead. Addressing the topic on social media earlier this year, the former WWE Champion said:
"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. 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."
"Peak Angle" has since taken on a life of its own and, in an interview with BroBible, admitted he's grateful to fans for taking what he said on board and for so quickly coming up with a far more complimentary nickname.
"Thank you so much. I was really pleasantly surprised that they responded that way," Angle said. "It makes me know that I have true fans out there that really enjoyed my career and loved me for what I did. I’m just grateful that they’re going to drop the name Perk Angle."
"It reminds me of a dark time in my life, and it’s something that I don’t want to have to deal with it anymore. I dealt with it already, and it’s behind me. Hearing Perc Angle just makes me think I’m known for that. It was not cool," he continued. "I’m just glad that they’re now using Peak Angle, instead I’m very grateful for that."
It's rare to see any fandom take on this sort of feedback and the fact the narrative has so quickly changed is a credit to the IWC. While there was never any malice behind "Perc Angle," it's not exactly hard to see why he wasn't overly fond of being remembered that way.
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